The molar segment mass, weight-average molar mass, and molar mass distribution of a poly-(ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample were determined by the methods of proton nuclea...The molar segment mass, weight-average molar mass, and molar mass distribution of a poly-(ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample were determined by the methods of proton nuclear magnetic resonance, low angle laser light scattering, and gel permeation chromatography.展开更多
The compositional homogeneity of a poly (ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample with low content of hard segment was examined by GPC, TLC, and solubility method. The copolymer ...The compositional homogeneity of a poly (ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample with low content of hard segment was examined by GPC, TLC, and solubility method. The copolymer sample was found to have a uniform composition as a function of elution volume over the major portion of sample from GPC method. However within one elution fraction, the copolymer chains, although having the same hydrodynamic volume, may have some difference in composition. Two fractions with different composition were obtained by precipitation in ethanol. Some low molar mass copolymers were also separated by a TLC technique from the copolymer sample.展开更多
Switchable polymerization is emerging as a powerful tool to construct block copolymers directly from mixtures of monomers.However,current achievements typically iterate between two polymerization cycles to afford prod...Switchable polymerization is emerging as a powerful tool to construct block copolymers directly from mixtures of monomers.However,current achievements typically iterate between two polymerization cycles to afford products with fixed sequences and compositions.Herein,we report the triethylborane/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene(Et_3B/DBU)pair-mediated four-component switchable polymerization of propylene oxide(PO),CO_(2),phthalic anhydride(PA),and racemic lactide(rac-LA),which enables the on-demand synthesis of four different block copolymers,i.e.,poly(propylene phthalate)-b-polylactide(PPE-b-PLA),PPE-b-PLA-b-poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC),PPE-b-PPC-b-PLA,and PPE-b-PPCb-poly(propylene oxide)(PPO),through rationally modulating the Lewis pair(LP)ratio.Core to this protocol is that increasing the loading of Et_(3)B accelerates the ring-opening of PO while impeding the reactivity of rac-LA,thus allowing for fine-tuning of the thermodynamic and kinetic of the switchable polymerization.Therefore,the four polymerization cycles involving PO/PA ring-opening copolymerization(ROCOP),PO/CO_(2) ROCOP,rac-LA ring-opening polymerization(ROP),and PO ROP can be connected and discriminated in precisely programmed manners.展开更多
The diagnostic efficacy of contemporary bioimaging technologies remains constrained by inherent limitations of conventional imaging agents,including suboptimal sensitivity,off-target biodistribution,and inherent cytot...The diagnostic efficacy of contemporary bioimaging technologies remains constrained by inherent limitations of conventional imaging agents,including suboptimal sensitivity,off-target biodistribution,and inherent cytotoxicity.These limitations have catalyzed the development of intelligent stimuli-responsive block copolymers-based bioimaging agents,which was engineered to dynamically respond to endogenous biochemical cues(e.g.,p H gradients,redox potential,enzyme activity,hypoxia environment) or exogenous physical triggers(e.g.,photoirradiation,thermal gradients,ultrasound(US)/magnetic stimuli).Through spatiotemporally controlled structural transformations,stimuli-responsive block copolymers enable precise contrast targeting,activatable signal amplification,and theranostic integration,thereby substantially enhancing signal-to-noise ratios of bioimaging and diagnostic specificity.Hence,this mini-review systematically examines molecular engineering principles for designing p H-,redox-,enzyme-,light-,thermo-,and US/magnetic-responsive polymers,with emphasis on structure-property relationships governing imaging performance modulation.Furthermore,we critically analyze emerging strategies for optical imaging,US synergies,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Multimodal bioimaging has also been elaborated,which could overcome the inherent trade-offs between resolution,penetration depth,and functional specificity in single-modal approaches.By elucidating mechanistic insights and translational challenges,this mini-review aims to establish a design framework of stimuli-responsive block copolymersbased for high fidelity bioimaging agents and accelerate their clinical translation in precise diagnosis and therapy.展开更多
Star-shaped six-arm polymers with hexaaza[2_(6)]orthoparacyclophane core and arms of block copolymers of poly-2-ethyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine with poly-2-isopropyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine were synthesized successfully using cat...Star-shaped six-arm polymers with hexaaza[2_(6)]orthoparacyclophane core and arms of block copolymers of poly-2-ethyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine with poly-2-isopropyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine were synthesized successfully using cationic ring-opening polymerization.The ratio of blocks,the order of their attachment to the core,and arm length were varied.Conformation of synthesized stars was determined by methods of molecular hydrodynamics and optics.It has been shown that star-shaped molecules were characterized by high intramolecular density,and the arm folding increased with their lengthening.The influence of the structure of block copolymers and their molar mass on the critical micelle concentration has been established.Complexes of synthesized star-shaped block copolymers with curcumin were obtained and the efficient binding of curcumin to polymer molecules was demonstrated.The behavior of the aqueous solutions of the prepared polymer stars and their complexes with curcumin was investigated by light scattering and turbidimetry methods.The influence of the structure and molar mass of star polymers on their thermoresponsiveness and the phase separation temperatures in aqueous solutions was analyzed.A slight increase in the phase separation temperature was found on passage from polymer solutions to solutions of polymer complexes with hydrophobic curcumin.展开更多
Block copolymer(BCP) nanolithography offers potential beyond traditional photolithographic limits, yet reliably producing low-defect, perpendicular domains remains challenging. We introduce a microenvironmentdriven is...Block copolymer(BCP) nanolithography offers potential beyond traditional photolithographic limits, yet reliably producing low-defect, perpendicular domains remains challenging. We introduce a microenvironmentdriven isothermal annealing method for directed self-assembly of BCP thin films. By annealing films at stable temperature in a quasi-sealed, inert-gas chamber, our approach promotes highly uniform perpendicular lamellar nanopatterns over large areas, effectively mitigating environmental fluctuations and emulating solvent-vapor annealing without solvent exposure. Resulting BCP structures demonstrate enhanced spatial coherence and notably low defect density. Furthermore, we successfully transfer these nanopatterns into precise metal nano-line arrays,confirming the method's capability for high-fidelity pattern replication. This scalable, solvent-free technique provides a robust, reliable route for high-resolution nanopatterning in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.展开更多
Colloidal molecules exhibit unique electronic,optical,and magnetic properties owing to their molecular-like configurations and coupling effects,making them promising building blocks for multifunctional materials.Howev...Colloidal molecules exhibit unique electronic,optical,and magnetic properties owing to their molecular-like configurations and coupling effects,making them promising building blocks for multifunctional materials.However,achieving precise and controllable assembly of isotropic nanoparticles with high yields remains a great challenge.In this study,we present a synergistic strategy that integrates molecular dynamics simulations with interpretable machine learning to develop a programmable assembly system based on block copolymers and DNA-functionalized nanoparticles.Our simulation results reveal that block copolymer modification facilitates stepwise control over surface phase separation and nanoparticle coassembly,thereby enhancing structural stability and efficiently suppressing disordered aggregation of atom-like nanoparticles.Furthermore,we demonstrated that precise,controllable,and programmable assembly of colloidal molecules can be achieved through rational DNA sequence design.SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)analysis identified key structural descriptors that govern assembly outcomes and elucidated their underlying mechanistic roles.This work not only deepens the understanding of colloidal molecule assembly mechanisms but also lays a theoretical foundation for the rational design of functional colloidal architectures in nanomaterial science.展开更多
The self-assembly of block copolymers serves as an effective approach for fabricating various periodic ordered nanostructures. By employing self-consistent field theory (SCFT) to calculate the phase diagrams of block ...The self-assembly of block copolymers serves as an effective approach for fabricating various periodic ordered nanostructures. By employing self-consistent field theory (SCFT) to calculate the phase diagrams of block copolymers, one can accurately predict their self-assembly behaviors, thus providing guidance for the fabrication of various novel structures. However, SCFT is highly sensitive to initial conditions because it finds the free energy minima through an iterative process. Consequently, constructing phase diagrams using SCFT typically requires predefined candidate structures based on the experience of researchers. Such experience-dependent strategies often miss some structures and thus result in inaccurate phase diagrams. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have demonstrated significant potential across diverse fields of science and technology. By leveraging AI methods, it is possible to reduce reliance on human experience, thereby constructing more robust and reliable phase diagrams. In this work, we demonstrate how to combine AI with SCFT to automatically search for self-assembled structures of block copolymers and construct phase diagrams. Our aim is to realize automatic construction of block copolymer phase diagrams while minimizing reliance on human prior knowledge.展开更多
A significant challenge in developing block copolymer photonic crystals is constructing low-symmetric ordered phases,which are essential for achieving a complete photonic band gap.Here,we propose a promising strategy ...A significant challenge in developing block copolymer photonic crystals is constructing low-symmetric ordered phases,which are essential for achieving a complete photonic band gap.Here,we propose a promising strategy to create low-symmetric ordered morphologies by incorporating shape-anisotropic rod-like side chains into block copolymers.Using dissipative particle dynamics simulations,we demonstrate that block copolymers with longer rod-like side chains can self-assemble into a hexagonally packed columnar phase characterized by a low-symmetric rectangular cross-section.Photonic band structure calculations reveal that this low-symmetric columnar phase can exhibit a complete photonic band gap,with the gap size dependent on the aspect ratio of the rectangular cross-sections of the columns.Our findings suggest an effective approach to constructing low-symmetric photonic crystals through the self-assembly of block copolymers with shape-anisotropic segments.展开更多
Mechanochromic materials respond to external stimuli and provide early warnings of material damage.Perylene diimide(PDI)-based materials have attracted attention because of their outstanding fluorescence performance.H...Mechanochromic materials respond to external stimuli and provide early warnings of material damage.Perylene diimide(PDI)-based materials have attracted attention because of their outstanding fluorescence performance.However,the application of PDI in mechanochromism is limited by the difficulty for mechanical forces to disrupt the aggregation of PDI and its derivatives,as well as the fluorescence quenching caused by continuousπ-πstacking between PDI molecules.To eliminate the fluorescence quenching effect caused by the aggregation of PDI and broaden its application fields,polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane(POSS)-PDI-POSS(PPP)was screened as PDI doping.The photophysical properties of PPP in both monomeric and aggregated states in different solvents were studied.Then,PPP and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer(SBS)were mixed to prepare the PPP/SBS film.The mechanochromic properties of PPP/SBS film were explored.The fluorescence emission spectra confirmed that when the PPP mass fraction increased to 0.30%,the PPP/SBS film exhibited mechanochromic behavior under uniaxial deformation due to the changes in the molecular packing.展开更多
The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical b...The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical behavior of a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene(SBS)matrix with CNTs of different aspect ratios using hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics simulations.Structural factor analysis of the nanocomposites indicated that CNTs with higher aspect ratios promoted the transition of the SBS matrix from a bicontinuous to a lamellar phase.The resistor network algorithm method showed that the electrical conductivity of SBS and CNTs nanocomposites was influenced by the interplay between the CNTs aspect ratios,concentrations,and domain sizes of the triblock copolymer SBS.Our research sheds light on the relationship between CNTs dispersion and the electrical behavior of SBS/CNTs nanocomposites,guiding the engineering of materials to achieve desired electrical properties through the modulation of CNTs aspect ratios and tailored sizing of triblock copolymer domains.展开更多
Spatial confinement of block copolymers can induce frustrations,which can further be utilized to regulate self-assembled structures,thus providing an efficient route for fabricating novel structures.We studied the sel...Spatial confinement of block copolymers can induce frustrations,which can further be utilized to regulate self-assembled structures,thus providing an efficient route for fabricating novel structures.We studied the self-assembly of AB di-block copolymers(di-BCPs)confined in Janus spherical nanocavities using simulations,and explained the structure formation mechanisms.In the case of a strongly selective cavity wall,all the lamella-forming,gyroid-forming,and cylinder-forming di-BCPs can form interfacial frustration-induced Janus concentric perforated lamellar nanoparticles,whose outermost is a Janus spherical shell and the internal is a sphere with concentric perforated lamellar structure.In particular,Janus concentric perforated lamellar nanoparticles with holes distributed only near the equatorial plane were obtained in both lamella-forming and gyroid-forming di-BCPs,directly reflecting the effect of interfacial frustration.The minority-block domain of the cylider-forming di-BCPs may form hemispherical perforated lamellar structures with holes distributed in parallel layers with a specific orientation.For symmetric di-BCPs,both the A and B domains in each nanoparticle are continuous,interchangeable,and have rotational symmetry.While for gyroid-forming and cylinder-forming di-BCPs,only the majority-block domains are continuous in each nanoparticle,and holes in the minority-block domains usually have rotational symmetry.In the case of a weakly selective cavity wall,the inhomogeneity of the cavity wall results in structures having a specific orientation(such as flower-like and branched structures in gyroid-forming and cylinder-forming di-BCPs)and a perforated wetting layer with uniformly distributed holes.The novel nanoparticles obtained may have potential applications in nanotechnology as functional nanostructures or nanoparticles.展开更多
Polymers that exhibit both biodegradability and chemical recyclability offer a promising solution to environmental pollution and resource scarcity. Poly(glycolic acid)(PGA) is a promising chemically recyclable polymer...Polymers that exhibit both biodegradability and chemical recyclability offer a promising solution to environmental pollution and resource scarcity. Poly(glycolic acid)(PGA) is a promising chemically recyclable polymer, characterized by its seawater degradability and high mechanical strength. In this study, aliphatic polycarbonates were synthesized through melt polycondensation and subsequently copolymerized with glycolide(GL) to produce chemically recyclable PGA based triblock copolymers with well-defined structures. The properties of these copolymers, including their thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical performance, can be effectively adjusted by modifying the structure and content of the middle block. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation reveals that the pyrolysis process involves ester exchange, radical, and back-biting reactions. In addition, the high-efficiency "Monomer↔Copolymer" chemical recycling loop has been established, achieving a remarkable yield exceeding 88% along with a purity greater than 99%.展开更多
Cutting-edge research has primarily focused on flow synthesis of linear block copolymers,lacking the ability for manipulating chain architectures for more extensive applications.Herein,we develop a flow chemistry plat...Cutting-edge research has primarily focused on flow synthesis of linear block copolymers,lacking the ability for manipulating chain architectures for more extensive applications.Herein,we develop a flow chemistry platform for the continuous microflow synthesis of bottlebrush block copolymers(BBCPs)using a grafting-through method.This involves performing ring-opening metathesis polymerization(ROMP)of two different macromonomers within two microfluidic reactors connected in series.The microflow environment allows for complete monomer conversion within a few tens of seconds,benefiting from the superior mixing efficiency achieved in Z-shaped channels as indicated by both theoretical simulations and experimental results.Consequently,a library of well-defined BBCPs of up to 528 distinct samples can be produced within one day through automation of the continuous procedure,while keeping precise control on degree of polymerization(DP<4)and polydispersity indices(PDI<1.2).The synthetic method is generally applicable to different macromonomers with different compositions and contour lengths,yielding libraries of branched block copolymers with great diversity in physiochemical properties and chain architectures.This work presents a powerful platform for high-throughput production of branched copolymers,significantly lowering the costs of the materials for real applications.展开更多
Conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)pose significant safety risks and interfacial instability,hindering the development of high-energy-density systems.Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs),partic...Conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)pose significant safety risks and interfacial instability,hindering the development of high-energy-density systems.Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs),particularly polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based systems,offer enhanced safety but suffer from low room-temperature ionic conductivity due to high crystallinity,alongside limitations such as poor lithium-ion transference numbers and dendrite growth.To address these challenges,this study develops a novel composite solid electrolyte(PSPH)by synthesizing a polystyrene-polyethylene oxide-polystyrene(PSPEO-PS)triblock copolymer and blending it with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP)and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).The rigid PS segments suppress PEO crystallization,while PVDF-HFP enhances amorphous domain content,promotes LiTFSI dissociation via its high dielectric constant,and improves mechanical strength.The optimized PSPH composition(M_(w,PEO)=35 kg·mol^(-1),w_(PS)=15%,w_(PVDF-HFP)=30%)exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.05×10^(-4) S·cm^(-1)at 25℃,a Li^(+)transference number of 0.46,and an extended electrochemical stability window up to 4.8 V.PSPH demonstrates excellent thermal stability(decomposition onset at about 340℃),flexibility,and interfacial compatibility.LiFePO_(4)/PSPH/Li cells delivere a high discharge capacity of 163.7 mAh·g^(-1) at 0.1 C,with 96.2%capacity retention and 99.83%average coulombic efficiency after 200 cycles.Furthermore,Li/PSPH/Li symmetric cells exhibit stable cycling for over 1500 h at 0.05 mA·cm^(-2) with low overpotential(about 0.15 V).These results demonstrate that PSPH is a highly promising electrolyte for enhancing the safety and electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries(LMBs).展开更多
The development of high-performance solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)capable of reconciling high ionic conductivity with robust mechanical strength is crucial for advancing safe lithium-metal batteries(LMBs).In this stud...The development of high-performance solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)capable of reconciling high ionic conductivity with robust mechanical strength is crucial for advancing safe lithium-metal batteries(LMBs).In this study,we synthesized a novel BAB-type triblock copolymer PuPyMA-b-PEO-b-PuPyMA and used it to prepare SSEs.The copolymer design incorporates polyethylene oxide(PEO)segments to achieve ionic conduction,while uracil ketone(uPy)groups are introduced to provide quadruple hydrogen bonding.This molecular architecture leverages microphase separation and supramolecular interactions to optimize performance.The optimized electrolyte,PPMP-30 with w(uPyMA)=30%,n(EO)/n(Li^(+))=25/1,exhibits outstanding comprehensive properties at room temperature:an ionic conductivity of 4.0×10^(-4)S·cm^(-1),a high Li^(+)transference number of 0.41,and an extended electrochemical stability window up to 5.6 V(vs.Li^(+)/Li).Li//Li symmetric cells demonstrate exceptional interfacial stability and lithium dendrite suppression,cycling stably for over 650 h at 0.05 mA·cm^(-2).When assembled into LiFePO_(4)//Li cells,the electrolyte enables a high initial discharge capacity(about 160 mAh·g^(-1)at 0.1 C),excellent cycling stability(85.0%capacity retention after 120 cycles),and good rate capability with significant capacity recovery upon returning to low rates.These results highlight the significant potential of this tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded block copolymer electrolyte in overcoming the ionic conductivity-mechanical strength trade-off for practical solid-state LMBs.展开更多
This review paper provides a comprehensive introduction to various numerical methods for the phase-field model used to simulate the phase separation dynamics of diblock copolymer melts.Diblock copolymer systems form c...This review paper provides a comprehensive introduction to various numerical methods for the phase-field model used to simulate the phase separation dynamics of diblock copolymer melts.Diblock copolymer systems form complex structures at the nanometer scale and play a significant role in various applications.The phase-field model,in particular,is essential for describing the formation and evolution of these structures and is widely used as a tool to effectively predict the movement of phase boundaries and the distribution of phases over time.In this paper,we discuss the principles and implementations of various numerical methodologies for this model and analyze the strengths,limitations,stability,accuracy,and computational efficiency of each method.Traditional approaches such as Fourier spectral methods,finite difference methods and alternating direction explicit methods are reviewed,as well as recent advancements such as the invariant energy quadratization method and the scalar auxiliary variable scheme are also presented.In addition,we introduce examples of the phase-field model,which are fingerprint image restoration and 3D printing.These examples demonstrate the extensive applicability of the reviewed methods and models.展开更多
In this paper,we present a necessary and sufficient condition for hyponormal block Toeplitz operators T on the vector-valued weighted Bergman space with symbolsΦ(z)=G^(*)(z)+F(z),where F(z)=∑^(N)_(i)=1 A_(i)z^(i)and...In this paper,we present a necessary and sufficient condition for hyponormal block Toeplitz operators T on the vector-valued weighted Bergman space with symbolsΦ(z)=G^(*)(z)+F(z),where F(z)=∑^(N)_(i)=1 A_(i)z^(i)and G(z)=∑^(N)_(i)=1 A_(−i)z^(i),A_(i)ae culants.展开更多
The preparation and functionalization of polymeric capsules attract intense attention due to their application in various areas.Herein we presented an amphiphilic alternating copolymer(ACP)-based microcapsule which is...The preparation and functionalization of polymeric capsules attract intense attention due to their application in various areas.Herein we presented an amphiphilic alternating copolymer(ACP)-based microcapsule which is both robust and readily-functionalized through interfacial click polymerization.A water-in-oil emulsion was constructed to act as the reaction medium,the hydrophilic 1,3-butadiene diepoxide(BDE)in water phase reacted with the oleophilic 1,4-dibutanedithiol(BDT)in oil phase at the water-oil interface to form the amphiphilic ACP named poly(2,3-dihydroxy butylene-alt-butylene dithioether)(abbreviated as P(DHB-a-BDT)below),which would deposite in situ to form the micro-sized capsules.Significantly,the dried capsules are robust enough to be rehydrated once the water was added and almost restored their original morphologies.Further elucidation showed that the Young's modulus of these capsules exceeded 1 GPa.As long as we know,it is the first time for the mechanical properties of the ACP-based microstructures being investigated.Besides,functionalization could be achieved simultaneously with the formation process.As a proof of concept,positive-charged capsules were successfully obtained through click copolymerization.Stemming from the unique characteristics of amphiphilic ACPs which combined both merits of click chemistry and interfacial reactions,all these features of the current method as well as the resultant capsules may promote the application of the polymeric capsules.展开更多
When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can off...When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can offer crucial diagnostic evidence, aiding in prognosis assessment and the adoption of appropriate treatment strategies.展开更多
文摘The molar segment mass, weight-average molar mass, and molar mass distribution of a poly-(ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample were determined by the methods of proton nuclear magnetic resonance, low angle laser light scattering, and gel permeation chromatography.
文摘The compositional homogeneity of a poly (ethylene terephthalate)-poly (tetramethylene ether) multiblock copolymer sample with low content of hard segment was examined by GPC, TLC, and solubility method. The copolymer sample was found to have a uniform composition as a function of elution volume over the major portion of sample from GPC method. However within one elution fraction, the copolymer chains, although having the same hydrodynamic volume, may have some difference in composition. Two fractions with different composition were obtained by precipitation in ethanol. Some low molar mass copolymers were also separated by a TLC technique from the copolymer sample.
基金financially supported by National Key R&D Program Young Scientists Project(No.2023YFC3903100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22322503)analytical and testing assistance from the Analysis and Testing Center of HUST。
文摘Switchable polymerization is emerging as a powerful tool to construct block copolymers directly from mixtures of monomers.However,current achievements typically iterate between two polymerization cycles to afford products with fixed sequences and compositions.Herein,we report the triethylborane/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene(Et_3B/DBU)pair-mediated four-component switchable polymerization of propylene oxide(PO),CO_(2),phthalic anhydride(PA),and racemic lactide(rac-LA),which enables the on-demand synthesis of four different block copolymers,i.e.,poly(propylene phthalate)-b-polylactide(PPE-b-PLA),PPE-b-PLA-b-poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC),PPE-b-PPC-b-PLA,and PPE-b-PPCb-poly(propylene oxide)(PPO),through rationally modulating the Lewis pair(LP)ratio.Core to this protocol is that increasing the loading of Et_(3)B accelerates the ring-opening of PO while impeding the reactivity of rac-LA,thus allowing for fine-tuning of the thermodynamic and kinetic of the switchable polymerization.Therefore,the four polymerization cycles involving PO/PA ring-opening copolymerization(ROCOP),PO/CO_(2) ROCOP,rac-LA ring-opening polymerization(ROP),and PO ROP can be connected and discriminated in precisely programmed manners.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.22208218,22078196,and 22278268)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (No.22ZR1460400)Collaborative Innovation Center of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetics,and Collaborative Innovation Project of Shanghai Institute of Technology (No.XTCX2023-07)。
文摘The diagnostic efficacy of contemporary bioimaging technologies remains constrained by inherent limitations of conventional imaging agents,including suboptimal sensitivity,off-target biodistribution,and inherent cytotoxicity.These limitations have catalyzed the development of intelligent stimuli-responsive block copolymers-based bioimaging agents,which was engineered to dynamically respond to endogenous biochemical cues(e.g.,p H gradients,redox potential,enzyme activity,hypoxia environment) or exogenous physical triggers(e.g.,photoirradiation,thermal gradients,ultrasound(US)/magnetic stimuli).Through spatiotemporally controlled structural transformations,stimuli-responsive block copolymers enable precise contrast targeting,activatable signal amplification,and theranostic integration,thereby substantially enhancing signal-to-noise ratios of bioimaging and diagnostic specificity.Hence,this mini-review systematically examines molecular engineering principles for designing p H-,redox-,enzyme-,light-,thermo-,and US/magnetic-responsive polymers,with emphasis on structure-property relationships governing imaging performance modulation.Furthermore,we critically analyze emerging strategies for optical imaging,US synergies,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Multimodal bioimaging has also been elaborated,which could overcome the inherent trade-offs between resolution,penetration depth,and functional specificity in single-modal approaches.By elucidating mechanistic insights and translational challenges,this mini-review aims to establish a design framework of stimuli-responsive block copolymersbased for high fidelity bioimaging agents and accelerate their clinical translation in precise diagnosis and therapy.
基金financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation(No.23-13-00205)。
文摘Star-shaped six-arm polymers with hexaaza[2_(6)]orthoparacyclophane core and arms of block copolymers of poly-2-ethyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine with poly-2-isopropyl-5,6-dihydrooxazine were synthesized successfully using cationic ring-opening polymerization.The ratio of blocks,the order of their attachment to the core,and arm length were varied.Conformation of synthesized stars was determined by methods of molecular hydrodynamics and optics.It has been shown that star-shaped molecules were characterized by high intramolecular density,and the arm folding increased with their lengthening.The influence of the structure of block copolymers and their molar mass on the critical micelle concentration has been established.Complexes of synthesized star-shaped block copolymers with curcumin were obtained and the efficient binding of curcumin to polymer molecules was demonstrated.The behavior of the aqueous solutions of the prepared polymer stars and their complexes with curcumin was investigated by light scattering and turbidimetry methods.The influence of the structure and molar mass of star polymers on their thermoresponsiveness and the phase separation temperatures in aqueous solutions was analyzed.A slight increase in the phase separation temperature was found on passage from polymer solutions to solutions of polymer complexes with hydrophobic curcumin.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.U20A20168 and 62404120)the National Key R&D Program (Grant No.2022YFB3204100)+2 种基金the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF (Grant Nos.GZB20240335 and GZC20231216)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No.2025T180151)the Initiative Scientific Research Program of the School of Integrated Circuits,Tsinghua University。
文摘Block copolymer(BCP) nanolithography offers potential beyond traditional photolithographic limits, yet reliably producing low-defect, perpendicular domains remains challenging. We introduce a microenvironmentdriven isothermal annealing method for directed self-assembly of BCP thin films. By annealing films at stable temperature in a quasi-sealed, inert-gas chamber, our approach promotes highly uniform perpendicular lamellar nanopatterns over large areas, effectively mitigating environmental fluctuations and emulating solvent-vapor annealing without solvent exposure. Resulting BCP structures demonstrate enhanced spatial coherence and notably low defect density. Furthermore, we successfully transfer these nanopatterns into precise metal nano-line arrays,confirming the method's capability for high-fidelity pattern replication. This scalable, solvent-free technique provides a robust, reliable route for high-resolution nanopatterning in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.92477118 and 22173045)the Postgraduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX25_0188)。
文摘Colloidal molecules exhibit unique electronic,optical,and magnetic properties owing to their molecular-like configurations and coupling effects,making them promising building blocks for multifunctional materials.However,achieving precise and controllable assembly of isotropic nanoparticles with high yields remains a great challenge.In this study,we present a synergistic strategy that integrates molecular dynamics simulations with interpretable machine learning to develop a programmable assembly system based on block copolymers and DNA-functionalized nanoparticles.Our simulation results reveal that block copolymer modification facilitates stepwise control over surface phase separation and nanoparticle coassembly,thereby enhancing structural stability and efficiently suppressing disordered aggregation of atom-like nanoparticles.Furthermore,we demonstrated that precise,controllable,and programmable assembly of colloidal molecules can be achieved through rational DNA sequence design.SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)analysis identified key structural descriptors that govern assembly outcomes and elucidated their underlying mechanistic roles.This work not only deepens the understanding of colloidal molecule assembly mechanisms but also lays a theoretical foundation for the rational design of functional colloidal architectures in nanomaterial science.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52394272,22333002,22203018,22303017).
文摘The self-assembly of block copolymers serves as an effective approach for fabricating various periodic ordered nanostructures. By employing self-consistent field theory (SCFT) to calculate the phase diagrams of block copolymers, one can accurately predict their self-assembly behaviors, thus providing guidance for the fabrication of various novel structures. However, SCFT is highly sensitive to initial conditions because it finds the free energy minima through an iterative process. Consequently, constructing phase diagrams using SCFT typically requires predefined candidate structures based on the experience of researchers. Such experience-dependent strategies often miss some structures and thus result in inaccurate phase diagrams. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have demonstrated significant potential across diverse fields of science and technology. By leveraging AI methods, it is possible to reduce reliance on human experience, thereby constructing more robust and reliable phase diagrams. In this work, we demonstrate how to combine AI with SCFT to automatically search for self-assembled structures of block copolymers and construct phase diagrams. Our aim is to realize automatic construction of block copolymer phase diagrams while minimizing reliance on human prior knowledge.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFB3707300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22133002,22373089)the support from the Excellent Youth Foundation of Henan Scientific Committee(No.242300421032).
文摘A significant challenge in developing block copolymer photonic crystals is constructing low-symmetric ordered phases,which are essential for achieving a complete photonic band gap.Here,we propose a promising strategy to create low-symmetric ordered morphologies by incorporating shape-anisotropic rod-like side chains into block copolymers.Using dissipative particle dynamics simulations,we demonstrate that block copolymers with longer rod-like side chains can self-assemble into a hexagonally packed columnar phase characterized by a low-symmetric rectangular cross-section.Photonic band structure calculations reveal that this low-symmetric columnar phase can exhibit a complete photonic band gap,with the gap size dependent on the aspect ratio of the rectangular cross-sections of the columns.Our findings suggest an effective approach to constructing low-symmetric photonic crystals through the self-assembly of block copolymers with shape-anisotropic segments.
基金Yunfu 2023 Innovation Team Project,China(CYRC202305)。
文摘Mechanochromic materials respond to external stimuli and provide early warnings of material damage.Perylene diimide(PDI)-based materials have attracted attention because of their outstanding fluorescence performance.However,the application of PDI in mechanochromism is limited by the difficulty for mechanical forces to disrupt the aggregation of PDI and its derivatives,as well as the fluorescence quenching caused by continuousπ-πstacking between PDI molecules.To eliminate the fluorescence quenching effect caused by the aggregation of PDI and broaden its application fields,polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane(POSS)-PDI-POSS(PPP)was screened as PDI doping.The photophysical properties of PPP in both monomeric and aggregated states in different solvents were studied.Then,PPP and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer(SBS)were mixed to prepare the PPP/SBS film.The mechanochromic properties of PPP/SBS film were explored.The fluorescence emission spectra confirmed that when the PPP mass fraction increased to 0.30%,the PPP/SBS film exhibited mechanochromic behavior under uniaxial deformation due to the changes in the molecular packing.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52273019,62173065,22133002,22273031,and 12274056)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.04442024074)+2 种基金NationalKey R&D Program of China(No.2022YFB3707300)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.4242040)Scientific Research Funds Project of Liaoning Provincial Department of Education(No.LJKZ0034)。
文摘The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical behavior of a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene(SBS)matrix with CNTs of different aspect ratios using hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics simulations.Structural factor analysis of the nanocomposites indicated that CNTs with higher aspect ratios promoted the transition of the SBS matrix from a bicontinuous to a lamellar phase.The resistor network algorithm method showed that the electrical conductivity of SBS and CNTs nanocomposites was influenced by the interplay between the CNTs aspect ratios,concentrations,and domain sizes of the triblock copolymer SBS.Our research sheds light on the relationship between CNTs dispersion and the electrical behavior of SBS/CNTs nanocomposites,guiding the engineering of materials to achieve desired electrical properties through the modulation of CNTs aspect ratios and tailored sizing of triblock copolymer domains.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Nos.22173051,21829301,21774066)College Discipline Innovation and Intelligence Introduction Program(111 Project(B16027)+1 种基金the International Cooperation Base(2016D01025)Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Center。
文摘Spatial confinement of block copolymers can induce frustrations,which can further be utilized to regulate self-assembled structures,thus providing an efficient route for fabricating novel structures.We studied the self-assembly of AB di-block copolymers(di-BCPs)confined in Janus spherical nanocavities using simulations,and explained the structure formation mechanisms.In the case of a strongly selective cavity wall,all the lamella-forming,gyroid-forming,and cylinder-forming di-BCPs can form interfacial frustration-induced Janus concentric perforated lamellar nanoparticles,whose outermost is a Janus spherical shell and the internal is a sphere with concentric perforated lamellar structure.In particular,Janus concentric perforated lamellar nanoparticles with holes distributed only near the equatorial plane were obtained in both lamella-forming and gyroid-forming di-BCPs,directly reflecting the effect of interfacial frustration.The minority-block domain of the cylider-forming di-BCPs may form hemispherical perforated lamellar structures with holes distributed in parallel layers with a specific orientation.For symmetric di-BCPs,both the A and B domains in each nanoparticle are continuous,interchangeable,and have rotational symmetry.While for gyroid-forming and cylinder-forming di-BCPs,only the majority-block domains are continuous in each nanoparticle,and holes in the minority-block domains usually have rotational symmetry.In the case of a weakly selective cavity wall,the inhomogeneity of the cavity wall results in structures having a specific orientation(such as flower-like and branched structures in gyroid-forming and cylinder-forming di-BCPs)and a perforated wetting layer with uniformly distributed holes.The novel nanoparticles obtained may have potential applications in nanotechnology as functional nanostructures or nanoparticles.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2021YFB3801901)the Institutional Research Fund from Sichuan University(No.2020SCUNL205)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitiesthe Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project(No.B20001)。
文摘Polymers that exhibit both biodegradability and chemical recyclability offer a promising solution to environmental pollution and resource scarcity. Poly(glycolic acid)(PGA) is a promising chemically recyclable polymer, characterized by its seawater degradability and high mechanical strength. In this study, aliphatic polycarbonates were synthesized through melt polycondensation and subsequently copolymerized with glycolide(GL) to produce chemically recyclable PGA based triblock copolymers with well-defined structures. The properties of these copolymers, including their thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical performance, can be effectively adjusted by modifying the structure and content of the middle block. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation reveals that the pyrolysis process involves ester exchange, radical, and back-biting reactions. In addition, the high-efficiency "Monomer↔Copolymer" chemical recycling loop has been established, achieving a remarkable yield exceeding 88% along with a purity greater than 99%.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22071176)。
文摘Cutting-edge research has primarily focused on flow synthesis of linear block copolymers,lacking the ability for manipulating chain architectures for more extensive applications.Herein,we develop a flow chemistry platform for the continuous microflow synthesis of bottlebrush block copolymers(BBCPs)using a grafting-through method.This involves performing ring-opening metathesis polymerization(ROMP)of two different macromonomers within two microfluidic reactors connected in series.The microflow environment allows for complete monomer conversion within a few tens of seconds,benefiting from the superior mixing efficiency achieved in Z-shaped channels as indicated by both theoretical simulations and experimental results.Consequently,a library of well-defined BBCPs of up to 528 distinct samples can be produced within one day through automation of the continuous procedure,while keeping precise control on degree of polymerization(DP<4)and polydispersity indices(PDI<1.2).The synthetic method is generally applicable to different macromonomers with different compositions and contour lengths,yielding libraries of branched block copolymers with great diversity in physiochemical properties and chain architectures.This work presents a powerful platform for high-throughput production of branched copolymers,significantly lowering the costs of the materials for real applications.
基金supported by the 2024 Capital Construction Funds within the Provincial Budget of Jilin Provincial Development and Reform Commission[2024C018-2].
文摘Conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)pose significant safety risks and interfacial instability,hindering the development of high-energy-density systems.Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs),particularly polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based systems,offer enhanced safety but suffer from low room-temperature ionic conductivity due to high crystallinity,alongside limitations such as poor lithium-ion transference numbers and dendrite growth.To address these challenges,this study develops a novel composite solid electrolyte(PSPH)by synthesizing a polystyrene-polyethylene oxide-polystyrene(PSPEO-PS)triblock copolymer and blending it with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP)and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).The rigid PS segments suppress PEO crystallization,while PVDF-HFP enhances amorphous domain content,promotes LiTFSI dissociation via its high dielectric constant,and improves mechanical strength.The optimized PSPH composition(M_(w,PEO)=35 kg·mol^(-1),w_(PS)=15%,w_(PVDF-HFP)=30%)exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.05×10^(-4) S·cm^(-1)at 25℃,a Li^(+)transference number of 0.46,and an extended electrochemical stability window up to 4.8 V.PSPH demonstrates excellent thermal stability(decomposition onset at about 340℃),flexibility,and interfacial compatibility.LiFePO_(4)/PSPH/Li cells delivere a high discharge capacity of 163.7 mAh·g^(-1) at 0.1 C,with 96.2%capacity retention and 99.83%average coulombic efficiency after 200 cycles.Furthermore,Li/PSPH/Li symmetric cells exhibit stable cycling for over 1500 h at 0.05 mA·cm^(-2) with low overpotential(about 0.15 V).These results demonstrate that PSPH is a highly promising electrolyte for enhancing the safety and electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries(LMBs).
基金supported by the 2024 Capital Construction Funds within the Provincial Budget of Jilin Provincial Development and Reform Commission[2024C018-2].
文摘The development of high-performance solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)capable of reconciling high ionic conductivity with robust mechanical strength is crucial for advancing safe lithium-metal batteries(LMBs).In this study,we synthesized a novel BAB-type triblock copolymer PuPyMA-b-PEO-b-PuPyMA and used it to prepare SSEs.The copolymer design incorporates polyethylene oxide(PEO)segments to achieve ionic conduction,while uracil ketone(uPy)groups are introduced to provide quadruple hydrogen bonding.This molecular architecture leverages microphase separation and supramolecular interactions to optimize performance.The optimized electrolyte,PPMP-30 with w(uPyMA)=30%,n(EO)/n(Li^(+))=25/1,exhibits outstanding comprehensive properties at room temperature:an ionic conductivity of 4.0×10^(-4)S·cm^(-1),a high Li^(+)transference number of 0.41,and an extended electrochemical stability window up to 5.6 V(vs.Li^(+)/Li).Li//Li symmetric cells demonstrate exceptional interfacial stability and lithium dendrite suppression,cycling stably for over 650 h at 0.05 mA·cm^(-2).When assembled into LiFePO_(4)//Li cells,the electrolyte enables a high initial discharge capacity(about 160 mAh·g^(-1)at 0.1 C),excellent cycling stability(85.0%capacity retention after 120 cycles),and good rate capability with significant capacity recovery upon returning to low rates.These results highlight the significant potential of this tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded block copolymer electrolyte in overcoming the ionic conductivity-mechanical strength trade-off for practical solid-state LMBs.
文摘This review paper provides a comprehensive introduction to various numerical methods for the phase-field model used to simulate the phase separation dynamics of diblock copolymer melts.Diblock copolymer systems form complex structures at the nanometer scale and play a significant role in various applications.The phase-field model,in particular,is essential for describing the formation and evolution of these structures and is widely used as a tool to effectively predict the movement of phase boundaries and the distribution of phases over time.In this paper,we discuss the principles and implementations of various numerical methodologies for this model and analyze the strengths,limitations,stability,accuracy,and computational efficiency of each method.Traditional approaches such as Fourier spectral methods,finite difference methods and alternating direction explicit methods are reviewed,as well as recent advancements such as the invariant energy quadratization method and the scalar auxiliary variable scheme are also presented.In addition,we introduce examples of the phase-field model,which are fingerprint image restoration and 3D printing.These examples demonstrate the extensive applicability of the reviewed methods and models.
文摘In this paper,we present a necessary and sufficient condition for hyponormal block Toeplitz operators T on the vector-valued weighted Bergman space with symbolsΦ(z)=G^(*)(z)+F(z),where F(z)=∑^(N)_(i)=1 A_(i)z^(i)and G(z)=∑^(N)_(i)=1 A_(−i)z^(i),A_(i)ae culants.
基金financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(No.24D110627)。
文摘The preparation and functionalization of polymeric capsules attract intense attention due to their application in various areas.Herein we presented an amphiphilic alternating copolymer(ACP)-based microcapsule which is both robust and readily-functionalized through interfacial click polymerization.A water-in-oil emulsion was constructed to act as the reaction medium,the hydrophilic 1,3-butadiene diepoxide(BDE)in water phase reacted with the oleophilic 1,4-dibutanedithiol(BDT)in oil phase at the water-oil interface to form the amphiphilic ACP named poly(2,3-dihydroxy butylene-alt-butylene dithioether)(abbreviated as P(DHB-a-BDT)below),which would deposite in situ to form the micro-sized capsules.Significantly,the dried capsules are robust enough to be rehydrated once the water was added and almost restored their original morphologies.Further elucidation showed that the Young's modulus of these capsules exceeded 1 GPa.As long as we know,it is the first time for the mechanical properties of the ACP-based microstructures being investigated.Besides,functionalization could be achieved simultaneously with the formation process.As a proof of concept,positive-charged capsules were successfully obtained through click copolymerization.Stemming from the unique characteristics of amphiphilic ACPs which combined both merits of click chemistry and interfacial reactions,all these features of the current method as well as the resultant capsules may promote the application of the polymeric capsules.
基金Military Healthcare Special Scientific Research Project(25BJZ31, awarded to SHI XM)。
文摘When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can offer crucial diagnostic evidence, aiding in prognosis assessment and the adoption of appropriate treatment strategies.
