Article
Chemistry, Physical
Visit Vao-soongnern
Summary: The structural and surface properties of PErP nanoparticles with different comonomer compositions were studied using Monte Carlo simulation. At higher ethylene fraction in PErP chains, the interior bulk densities of nanoparticles increased and the surfaces became sharper. Chain ends were preferentially segregated at the surface, while the comonomers in the middle position were homogeneously distributed inside the nanoparticles. Chain dimensions and shape changed mostly in the surface region and decreased significantly with higher ethylene fraction.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adelyn A. Crabtree, Frank S. Bates, Benjamin J. Hackel
Summary: Poloxamer 188, a triblock copolymer, is found to protect cell membranes, but the mechanism of its interaction with cell membranes and membrane protection is still unclear. By altering the copolymer architecture, it was discovered that the PPO-PEO-PPO molecular structure and increased hydrophobicity provide superior protection.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mun Suk Seong, Hyun Jung Yu, Seong Yong Ha, Won Seok Chang, Hyung-Ju Kim, Jong Suk Lee
Summary: In this study, highly CO2-permeable membranes were obtained by blending micellar-structured poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) (PPEGMEA) with poly(ether-block-amide) (Pebax). The blend membrane showed a significant enhancement in CO2 permeability while maintaining good CO2 selectivity and long-term separation performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Neel J. Shah, Sajjad Dadashi-Silab, Michael D. Galluzzo, Saheli Chakraborty, Whitney S. Loo, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Nitash P. Balsara
Summary: The study investigated the impact of salt addition on a diblock copolymer system with a negative Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, chi. It was found that ordered phases only appear under specific conditions, as predicted by ionic self-consistent field theory.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marvin Langlais, Nicolas Baulu, Severin Dronet, Charlotte Dire, Francois Jean-Baptiste-dit-Dominique, David Albertini, Franck D'Agosto, Damien Montarnal, Christophe Boisson
Summary: Block copolymers based on polyethylene (PE) and ethylene butadiene rubber (EBR) were synthesized using successive controlled coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP). By employing a complex of {Me2Si(C13H8)(2)Nd(BH4)(2)Li(THF)}2 and n-butyl, n-octyl magnesium (BOMAG) as the alkylating and chain transfer agent (CTA), EBR-b-PE diblock copolymers were obtained. Furthermore, triblock and multiblock copolymers featuring highly semi-crystalline PE hard segments and soft EBR segments were synthesized with the development of a bimetallic CTA, pentanediyl-1,5-di(magnesium bromide) (PDMB). These new block copolymers form lamellar structures through crystallization-driven organization and exhibit various mechanical properties, including excellent extensibility and elastic recovery for triblock and multiblock copolymers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ze-Kun Zhang, Shi-Peng Ding, Ze Ye, Ding-Li Xia, Jun-Ting Xu
Summary: In this study, high charge density PEO-b-QP4VP-X BCPs were prepared by full quaternization of the P4VP block in neutral PEO-b-P4VP BCP. The phase separation behavior of PEO-b-QP4VP-X BCPs was found to be strongly dependent on the counterion species. The phase behavior was explained using a thermodynamic mechanism, in which the competition of delta(chi 1), delta chi Born, and chi(gamma) dominates the change tendency of phase behavior.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Beatriz Pesco, Rebeca R. Rodrigues, Leonardo J. A. de Siqueira, Laura O. Peres
Summary: Block copolymers can form composites with improved physical properties by combining with ionic liquids. This study focused on the interactions and properties of a composite formed by poly(p-phenylene vinylene-b-ethylene glycol) block copolymer and the ionic liquid butyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide. The results showed a physical interaction between the ionic liquid and the polyethylene glycol fraction of the block copolymer, altering the degradation events and crystallinity. The block copolymer maintained its luminescent characteristics even with the addition of the ionic liquid, leading to an increase in emission intensity.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicholas J. Van Zee, Amanda S. Peroutka, Adelyn Crabtree, Marc A. Hillmyer, Timothy P. Lodge
Summary: This study compared the effects of polymers with different hydrophobicity on cell membrane protection. It was found that although polymers with higher hydrophobicity showed stronger binding to liposomes, both types of polymers exhibited similar cell protection efficacy in the LDH assay. These results highlight the importance of considering additional factors when targeting enhanced membrane protection.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miso Kang, Hyo Jun Min, Na Un Kim, Jong Hak Kim
Summary: The study investigates the enhancement of PEO membrane properties by the self-assembled PDMS-PEGBEM micelles, including CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Steven W. Rick
Summary: A thermal responsive block copolymer made up of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) blocks was simulated at different temperatures, showing aggregation behavior in dilute solution that is stabilized by hydrophobic contact of propylene oxide methyl groups. The study compared the aggregation tendency of different polymers in solution and highlighted the importance of hydrophobic interactions in the aggregation process.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Salvatore Costanzo, Alfonso Di Sarno, Marina D'Apuzzo, Pietro Renato Avallone, Ernesto Raccone, Annalisa Bellissimo, Finizia Auriemma, Nino Grizzuti, Rossana Pasquino
Summary: In this study, we investigated the morphological transitions of aqueous solutions of Pluronic F68 induced by temperature and polymer concentration using rheological and x-ray measurements. By evaluating characteristic equilibrium temperatures and extracting micellar core sizes from SAXS data, we were able to develop a consistent link between microstructural evolution and macroscopic flow properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Visit Vao-soongnern, Supanont Jamornsuriya
Summary: The study investigated the impact of comonomer composition on the structural and surface properties of poly(ethylene-ran-propylene) thin films at various ethylene fractions. Results showed that films with higher ethylene content were denser with sharper surfaces and had more abundant end beads of copolymer chains oriented perpendicular to the free surface. The molecular size and shape changed noticeably with ethylene fraction, and molecular orientation tended to be more aligned in parallel direction to the film surface for higher ethylene content.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhangbin Yang, Haoxuan Sun, Yulin Xi, Yanli Qi, Zepeng Mao, Ping Wang, Jun Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrated a novel passive radiative cooling design by building random, three-dimensional pores in a polymer matrix via phase separation. By controlling the compatibility between the shape-supporting matrix and soluble polymers, the macroporous polymer sheets showed high solar reflectance and tunable thermal emissivity, resulting in significantly lower outdoor temperatures.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Feng-Yang Wu, Sheng Yang, Hao Lin, Jun Lei, Ling Xu, Li Zhou, Kun Dai, Gan-Ji Zhong, Zhong-Ming Li
Summary: The structural evolution of propylene-ethylene copolymer (coPP) and propylene-ethylene copolymer/polypropylene (coPP/iPP) films during a tensile process was studied. Both types of films showed melt-recrystallization during deformation. At low strain rate, molecular chains were easier to pull from the lattice, resulting in decreased crystallinity in the films. Interestingly, there was a difference in the growth process for lamellae between coPP and coPP/iPP samples.
Article
Polymer Science
Traian Zaharescu
Summary: This paper investigates the stabilization effects of kelp extract on an engineering elastomer, EPR, which may be used for packaging. The results show that the addition of kelp extract increases the oxidation induction time and raises the onset oxidation temperatures of the thermally aged and gamma-irradiated EPR samples. The stabilization effect is attributed to the activity of alginic acid, one of the main active components in kelp extract. The presence of kelp extract slows down the accelerated degradation caused by gamma-exposure.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
K. Balaji, J. Suresh, S. Karthik, A. Karthikeyan, A. Arun
Summary: A copolymer of thermoplastic elastomers was prepared using synthesized polystyrene and other compounds, exhibiting high quality and thermal stability. The presence of monodentate urea group and hydrogen bonds in the polymer chain contributes to its reversible crystallinity and excellent solvent resistivity.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Korcan Percin, Jonas Hereijgers, Nicolas Mulandi, Tom Breugelmans, Matthias Wessling
Summary: Complex geometries for electrodes pose a challenge in electrochemical applications. Slurry electrodes utilize complex flow distributors to enhance charge transfer between the current collector and slurry particles. In this study, titanium-based flow distributors produced by indirect 3D-printing were used to further improve electron transfer in vanadium redox flow applications. The titanium static mixers were coated with graphite to enhance activity for vanadium redox reactions. Heat treatment of the electrodes significantly improved anodic and cathodic current peaks, and testing in a redox flow cell showed discharge polarization of 110 mA cm(-2).
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lukas T. Hirschwald, Sebastian Brosch, Georg Linz, John Linkhorst, Matthias Wessling
Summary: Microfluidic systems offer advantages over classical techniques in biomedical and chemical research, allowing for rapid prototyping and parallelization on a laboratory scale. However, integrating membranes in microfluidics presents challenges in material development, membrane geometry, and integration. This study presents a durable method for anchoring free-form membranes to surfaces, enabling the fabrication of stable, multi-material microfluidic systems. The influence of membrane shape and porosity on performance indicators is also investigated, providing insights into microfluidic modules with incorporated membranes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexander Limper, Mojtaba Mohseni, Robert Keller, John Linkhorst, Juergen Klankermayer, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study introduces a novel binder-free electrode, carbon nanofibers (CNFs), synthesized on nickel foam, which exhibits high electrochemical activity in generating hydrogen peroxide as well as efficient removal of micropollutants in water bodies.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tobias Harhues, Maria Padligur, Franziska Bertram, Daniel Matthias Roth, John Linkhorst, Andreas Jupke, Matthias Wessling, Robert Keller
Summary: The electrochemical conversion of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is demonstrated in this work, along with the biphasic dehydration of fructose to HMF. The integrated approach eliminates the need for intermediate purification as the HMF-rich phase is directly fed into the electrochemical reactor. The results show a promising synthesis process for green platform chemicals and provide insights into biphasic solutions in electrochemical conversions.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lea Steinbeck, Dominik L. Braunmiller, Hanna J. M. Wolff, Vincent Huettche, Julia Wang, Matthias Wessling, Jerome J. Crassous, John Linkhorst
Summary: Complex-shaped microgels with active and remote orientational control have great potential in the field of soft metamaterials. This work introduces a method for spatio-temporal flow control using magnetically actuable microgels of complex shape, and demonstrates the concept in microfluidic impellers. The fabrication of these microgels is achieved through stop-flow lithography, and their magnetic response is comprehensively quantified. These complex-shaped microgels are then integrated as actuable impellers in a microfluidic chip, showcasing the versatility of the fabrication methodology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthias Hesselmann, Hannah Minten, Tristan Geissler, Robert Gregor Keller, Andre Bardow, Matthias Wessling
Summary: Electrolyzing carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals is a promising alternative to fossil fuel-based processes. Extensive research has focused on catalysis and electrode design, but the choice of ion exchange membrane for CO2 electrolysis from an economic perspective remains an important question. Holistic process optimization reveals that CO2 electrolysis using an anion exchange membrane achieves competitive production costs for CO, outperforming cation exchange and bipolar membranes. Contrary to common belief, the CO2 pumping effect does not significantly impact the economics and instead offers an efficient means of regenerating dissociated CO2.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kristina Baitalow, Niklas Koeller, Paul Bacmeister, Robert Keller, Matthias Wessling
Summary: In this study, the performance of switchable oxygen depolarized cathodes (sODC) for demand-side electrolysis was investigated by switching between different modes. The experimental results showed that sODCs have stable and high Faraday efficiency and a marginal difference in cell potential compared to conventional oxygen depolarized cathodes, demonstrating their high potential for industrial application.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maike Wrobel, Stefanie Kriescher, Tilman Schiffer, Robert Keller, Matthias Wessling
Summary: Understanding and controlling the gas-liquid-solid interface at gas diffusion electrodes is a crucial challenge in electrochemical engineering. This study investigates the effect of high current densities on the wetting, flooding, and weeping of GDE through macroscopic experiments. The permeation of electrolyte provides valuable information about the composition inside the GDE.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Celine Bastard, Daniel Guenther, Jose Gerardo-Nava, Mieke Dewerchin, Peter Sprycha, Christopher Licht, Arne Lueken, Matthias Wessling, Laura De Laporte
Summary: Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis can be mimicked in vitro to maximize vascularization in 3D cell cultures through the orchestrated secretion of multiple growth factors. The study investigates the temporal influence, concentrations, and combinations of growth factors on in vitro vascularization inside hydrogels. It demonstrates that combinations of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and PDGF-BB have the most significant effect on vascularization, and MSCs are the best supporting cells for the coculture. Furthermore, the study reveals that blood vessels align with magnetically oriented microgels and that transforming growth factor-beta can induce fibrosis and affect vessel formation.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maria A. Restrepo, Johannes Kamp, Lasse Guericke, Robin Schnichels, Hannah Roth, Matthias Wessling
Summary: The modification of membranes using the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) method with polyelectrolytes has become advanced technology, but it is time consuming. This study explores a simpler one-step membrane modification using coating solutions containing both polyanions and polycations. Different coating methods are proposed: interfacial complexation (IC), diffusive desalination (DDS), and polyelectrolyte concentration (PC). The ability to produce nanofiltration membranes and in-situ functionalization of the membranes are evaluated. With PC, membranes with high MgCl 2 rejection and permeability are obtained.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Franziska Hagemann, John Linkhorst, Hannah Roth, Matthias Wessling
Summary: Tuning the pore size distribution of hemodialysis membranes is crucial for membrane selectivity and the quality of dialysis treatment. This study presents novel data on the clearance of middle molecules and albumin loss using different dialyzers at varying flow rates. The findings provide significant insights for dialysis therapy and have broader implications for ultrafiltration membrane selectivity. The Theranova dialyzer shows the best compromise between low albumin loss and good clearances of middle molecules.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carolin Grutering, Tobias Harhues, Fabian Speen, Robert Keller, Martin Zimmermann, Peter R. Jensen, Matthias Wessling, Lars M. Blank
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient production of enantiopure (3R)-acetoin using genetically modified Lactococcus lactis in dilute resting cell buffer, followed by electrochemical conversion to 2-butanone. The electrocatalysis using resting cell broth as the electrolyte achieved a higher 2-butanone yield compared to previous studies and synthesis from complex media fermentation supernatants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. Karthikeyan, J. Suresh, K. Balaji, S. Manikandan, C. Sudhakar, K. Sivakumar, A. Arun
Summary: In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the antioxidant ability of metal complexes of chalcone-triazine hybrids, and discovered a new substitution of -6-(phenyl)amino-, which enhanced the biological effects of the metal complexes, showing significant antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus.
CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Karthikeyan, J. Suresh, K. Balaji, S. Anandhakumar, A. Arun
Summary: In this study, metal complexes containing iron, copper, nickel, and zinc were synthesized using a novel triazine-based chalcone ligand DNPP. The formation of the product was confirmed by H-1 NMR and IR spectrum, and the characteristics of the metal complexes were analyzed using various techniques, such as UV-Visible spectrum, SEM with EDX, and TGA analysis. The synthesized compound showed high stability and antioxidant activity.