Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satu Hakkinen, Joji Tanaka, Ramon Garcia Maset, Stephen C. L. Hall, Steven Huband, Julia Y. Rho, Qiao Song, Sebastien Perrier
Summary: This study reports the polymerisation-induced self-assembly of copolymers during RAFT grafting, showing the formation of various morphologies of micelles in the polymerisation process, providing new avenues for controlling polymer structure and material properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Mohamed Gamal Mohamed, Shiao-Wei Kuo
Summary: This review presents recent progress in the self-assembly of organic/inorganic POSS hybrids, highlighting various self-assembled structures and physical properties of hybrids derived from different types and functionalities of POSS cages. These studies are of great importance for understanding and applying the potential applications of POSS hybrids in materials science.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-Xuan Chang, Ren-Man Zhu, Chun-Yan Hong, Wen-Jian Zhang
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) combines synthesis and self-assembly of artificial polymers, allowing for the controlled generation of nano-objects. This study presents a novel SCPISA method that enables the self-assembly of copolymers with different sequence structures by programmable light/heat changes. The resulting nano-objects exhibit diverse morphologies, which can also be controlled by adjusting the feed molar ratio of monomers. Furthermore, the SCPISA method demonstrates its versatility in fabricating functional nano-objects with sequence structure-dependent morphologies using different functional monomers.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Correction
Polymer Science
Thiago R. Guimaraes, Y. Loong Bong, Steven W. Thompson, Graeme Moad, Sebastien Perrier, Per B. Zetterlund
Summary: The study investigates the effect of Z-group on the nucleation step in polymerization-induced self-assembly via RAFT in emulsion, providing valuable insights for this process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thomas J. Neal, Nicholas J. W. Penfold, Steven P. Armes
Summary: This study reports a new aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulation that utilizes a reverse sequence approach to prepare hydrophobic blocks and produce charge-stabilized latex particles. The latex is then converted into smaller sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles, which exhibit thermoresponsive behavior.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Csilla Gyorgy, Steven P. Armes
Summary: It is well-known that polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a powerful technique for synthesizing colloidal dispersions of diblock copolymer nanoparticles. This review article aims to summarize the advances in PISA syntheses in non-polar media since the last review article in 2016. The article discusses PISA syntheses using RAFT polymerization in various non-polar solvents and examines the morphological transitions and rheological properties of the formed nanoparticles.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dongdong Liu, Shuaiqi Yang, Shaojie Peng, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: This study reports the first simultaneous synthesis and self-assembly of bottlebrush block copolymers at room temperature using photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) with multifunctional macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro-CTAs). The bottlebrush block copolymers promote the formation of higher-order morphologies and exhibit a higher polymerization rate compared to linear block copolymers. The obtained bottlebrush block copolymer vesicles are used as seeds for further chain extension and formation of multicompartment nanoparticles with a sponge internal structure. This study expands polymer architectures employed in PISA and provides a new strategy for synthesizing polymer nanoparticles with unique structures.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Bing Niu, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: Organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials are important functional materials prepared through cooperative self-assembly and polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The conventional method of cooperative self-assembly encounters problems with low solids contents and multi-step processes, while PISA enables the preparation of concentrated block copolymer nanomaterials. This review focuses on recent developments in preparing organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials via PISA.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haolan Li, Erik Jan Cornel, Zhen Fan, Jianzhong Du
Summary: This study demonstrates that the chiral ratio of core-forming monomers can control the properties and biodegradation rate of PISA nanoparticles. This chiral-controlled method allows the preparation of nanoparticles that are more adjustable and applicable for biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Junpeng Cao, Yingxin Tan, Xiaocong Dai, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: In this study, the intrinsic monomer-feeding mechanism of RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization was utilized to delay in situ crosslinking during PISA, enabling the preparation of cross-linked block copolymer nano-objects with high crosslinker contents. The use of various cross-linkers with different properties was demonstrated to promote the formation of higher-order morphologies.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Junhao Wang, Yichuan Zhu, Shixin Zhou, Weichun Wu, Qin Tong, Jianghong Hu, Shenxi Min, Guangliang Hou, Bin Dong, Bo Song
Summary: This study reported a nano-fluorophore prepared through PISA method, with uniform size, excellent dispersion, and enhanced fluorescence emission in aqueous solution. The nano-fluorophores, covered with hydrophilic polyethylene glycol, showed excellent biocompatibility and were successfully applied in fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells. This work provides a novel approach for incorporating fluorescent dyes into polymeric nanoparticles with narrow size distribution, tunable solubility, and biocompatibility.
Article
Polymer Science
Vahid Jabbari, Abhijit H. Phakatkar, Azadeh Amiri, Alireza Ghorbani, Reza Shahbazian-Yassar
Summary: The ability to control the structure and properties of molecular self-assemblies is essential for customizing their functionality. However, the mechanisms behind the evolution from molecules to self-assembled structures remain unresolved. In this study, graphene liquid cell transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the formation and evolution of nanoscale polymer micelles during polymerization-induced self-assembly. The proposed spinodal decomposing mechanism provides new insights into understanding the complex process of self-assembly in amphiphilic molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew J. Rymaruk, Cate T. O'Brien, Csilla Gyorgy, Bastien Darmau, James Jennings, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Steven P. Armes
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is used to prepare lyotropic phases with diblock copolymer nano-objects in non-polar media. Through NMR and X-ray scattering studies, the copolymer compositions and phase transitions during benzyl methacrylate polymerization are revealed. The hexagonal cylinder phase undergoes an order-disorder transition upon heating to 150 degrees C, forming a pure hexagonally close-packed (HCP) phase upon cooling to 20 degrees C.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sany Chea, Kristin Schade, Stefan Reinicke, Regina Bleul, Ruben R. Rosencrantz
Summary: The base pairing and melting behavior of oligonucleotides can be utilized to develop smart thermoresponsive and programmable materials. In this study, complementary cytidine (C) and guanosine (G) monomers were blockcopolymerized using RAFT polymerization technique with hydrophilic macro chain transfer agent. The hydrogen bond interactions between C-C, G-G, and C-G were investigated, and the self-assembly of these bioinspired compounds showed potential for future drug delivery systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew A. H. Farmer, Osama M. Musa, Steven P. Armes
Summary: Hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles were prepared via a method called reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water. This approach involved the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of DMAC using a poly(lactone) precursor. The resulting nanoparticles showed controlled sizes and confirmed hydrolytic degradation in both acidic and alkaline solutions. However, no degradation was observed when stored in deionized water. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed potential as a dispersant in an agrochemical formulation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang Chen, Chenxi Hu, Yang Wang, Ting Li, Jie Jiang, Jing Huang, Shibo Wang, Tianxi Liu, Weifu Dong, Jinliang Qiao
Summary: This study systematically investigates the optical properties of poly(maleic anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate) (PMV) synthesized using different polymerization methods. It is found that solution polymerization and redissolving methods can increase the quantum yield of the polymer. The study also suggests that good solvents can reduce the rigidity of the polymer chains and promote the formation of clusters.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinwei Tang, Jiangtao Luo, Zhiwei Hu, Shijie Lu, Xiaoyi Liu, Shuangshuang Li, Xu Zhao, Zihang Zhang, Qianqian Lan, Piming Ma, Zicheng Wang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: In this study, a novel MXene-based graphene porous film with ultrathin, flexible, and oxidation-resistant characteristics was successfully fabricated. The porous conductive network in the film efficiently shields electromagnetic waves, achieving excellent shielding performance. Moreover, the film exhibits durability and maintains high shielding performance for up to 12 months.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yeshu Tan, Jianrui Feng, Haobo Dong, Longxiang Liu, Siyu Zhao, Feili Lai, Tianxi Liu, Ying Bai, Ivan P. Parkin, Guanjie He
Summary: This study fabricates unique heterostructures by depositing platinum nanocrystals on the edge of transition metal phosphide nanosheets, showing outstanding HER performance in an alkaline medium. The heterostructures exhibit low platinum usage amount and excellent stability. Additionally, the study provides a new strategy for designing enhanced HER performance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanjun Li, Honggang Huang, Yao Chen, Feili Lai, Hui Fu, Longsheng Zhang, Nan Zhang, Shuxing Bai, Tianxi Liu
Summary: High-entropy alloy aerogels (HEAAs) show great potential as new catalysts for the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). The PdCuAuAgBiIn HEAAs fabricated using the freeze-thaw method exhibit almost 100% Faradaic efficiency for C1 products and outperform other materials, thanks to the strong interactions between different metals and the regulation of unsaturated surface sites.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Le Li, Yufeng Wang, Xuran Bao, Dai Hai Nguyen, Chao Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This study presents the fabrication of a host-guest hybrid gel electrode composed of poly-pyrrole aerogel and Fe-PAA hydrogel. The electrode exhibits high elasticity and self-healing properties, making it suitable for all-gel-state supercapacitors with thickness-independent capacitive performance. The interfacial polymerization approach is used to prepare the pseudocapacitive PPy aerogel as a host component, and the ionically conductive and self-healable Fe-PAA hydrogel as a guest component, resulting in enhanced electron/ion transport kinetics and thickness-independent supercapacitance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Qiaoran Zhang, Lei Ma, Tiantian Xue, Jing Tian, Wei Fan, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This study introduces a novel double-layer smart textile made of polyimide aerogel fiber, which combines excellent fire resistance with thermal regulation. The outer layer reduces peak heat release rate, exhibiting outstanding fire resistance, while the inner layer delays temperature rise during phase change, providing cool somatosensory temperature for firefighters. The double-layer textile extends the time to pain threshold of human skin, showing great potential for next-generation firefighting clothing.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuangshuang Li, Xinwei Tang, Xu Zhao, Shijie Lu, Jiangtao Luo, Zheyuan Chai, Tiantian Ma, Qianqian Lan, Piming Ma, Weifu Dong, Zicheng Wang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: In this study, an ultralight magnetic composite foam with hierarchical impedance structure was developed by electrostatic self-assembly of MXene on graphene skeletons and subsequent hydrothermal anchoring of FeS clusters. The composite foam exhibited high microwave absorption performance, with a minimum reflection loss of -47.17 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.15 GHz at a thickness of 4.78 mm. The microwave absorption performance of the foam could be further optimized by controlling the loading of MXene and applying low-temperature thermal treatment.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jingxiao Chen, Yufeng Wang, Le Li, Yue-E Miao, Xu Zhao, Xiu-Ping Yan, Chao Zhang, Wei Feng, Tianxi Liu
Summary: In this study, an ultrastretchable fluorinated ionogel with high transparency and waterproofness is prepared. The ionogel exhibits stable cross-linking structures, high mechanical elasticity, and self-healing capabilities. It also demonstrates excellent stretchability, mechanical toughness, and underwater strain-sensing performances. This work provides a method for obtaining waterproof ionogel elastomers for next-generation underwater sensors and communications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hele Guo, Qingyang Fei, Meng Lian, Tianyi Zhu, Wei Fan, Yueming Li, Li Sun, Flip de Jong, Kaibin Chu, Wei Zong, Chao Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: An ultralight and hyperelastic nanofiber-woven hybrid carbon assembly (NWHCA) is fabricated using nanofiber weaving and metallogel-derived quasi-aerogel hybridization. The NWHCA exhibits remarkable resistance to plastic deformation and structural damage under high compression through its 3D lamella-bridge architecture and quasi-aerogel integration. Due to its superelasticity and quasi-aerogel integration, the NWHCA-based zinc-air battery shows excellent electrochemical performance and flexibility. A proof-of-concept integrated device demonstrates the potential of NWHCA in wearable and integrated electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiancheng Dong, Xinwei Tang, Yidong Peng, Chonghui Fan, Le Li, Chao Zhang, Feili Lai, Guanjie He, Piming Ma, Zicheng Wang, Qufu Wei, Xiu-Ping Yan, Hai-Long Qian, Yunpeng Huang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: In this study, highly breathable and ultrastretchable SEBS-Ag-liquid metal (SSLM) nonwoven electronic textiles were fabricated for versatile applications in wearable and healthcare electronics. The SSLM E-textiles demonstrated exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness and efficient Joule heating performance under large-scale deformation. Moreover, they showed prominent monitoring performance for various biophysical signals and electroencephalogram signals. Therefore, the liquid metal E-textiles have great potential in next-generation skin electronics and protective textiles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingyi Wang, Jianrui Feng, Yuying Li, Feili Lai, Gui-Chang Wang, Tianxi Liu, Jiajia Huang, Guanjie He
Summary: In this study, a novel structure of self-supported electrocatalyst Co-ALMO@NF was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The Co-ALMO@NF exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performances, requiring low voltage and achieving high current density. The structural design of self-supported electrocatalysts was highlighted as important.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yong Zheng, Mingjin Li, Yongye Wang, Niu Huang, Wei Liu, Shan Chen, Xuepeng Ni, Kunming Li, Siwei Xiong, Yi Shen, Siliang Liu, Baolong Zhou, Niaz Ali Khan, Liqun Ye, Chao Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: Fe-N-x nanoparticles-embedded porous carbons with a desired superstructure were synthesized using Fe-coordinated covalent triazine polymer and a hypersaline-confinement-conversion strategy. The resulting Fe/N@CNF-800 exhibited excellent catalytic performance for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction, including high half-wave potential, dominant 4e(-) transfer approach, and great cycle stability. The assembled zinc-air battery using Fe/N-PCNF-800 showed superior performance compared to commercial Pt/C, highlighting the potential of metal nanoparticles-based carbon catalysts for energy-related electrocatalytic reactions and beyond.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yufan Huang, Xu Zhang, Tianyi Zhu, Yufeng Wang, Nan Hu, Zeyu Ren, Xiaohui Yu, Dai Hai Nguyen, Chao Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: A salting-out bioriented nanocomposite hydrogel (s-BNCH) with high mechanical strength and superior stretchability has been developed through a reactive freeze-casting procedure. The s-BNCH exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties and ionic conductivity, making it suitable for skin-inspired sensors with impressive strain-sensing performance and puncture resistance.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yushan Qian, Kai Chen, Zhixin Feng, Yue Ouyang, Qianqian Lan, Chao Zhang, Wei Feng, Yue-E Miao, Tianxi Liu
Summary: A fluorinated-polyimide (F-PI)-based composite nanofibrous separator with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) component was developed via electrospinning for wide-temperature lithium metal batteries. The F-PI with trifluoromethyl (-CF3) groups promotes rapid lithium ion transport, while the PVDF component enhances mechanical properties and homogenizes lithium ion flux on the electrode surface. The PVDF/F-PI separator shows a stable 2400-hour circulation for a symmetric cell, with low voltage polarization and stable cycle life even at high temperature (60 degrees C).
