Cross-linked Polymer Research Articles

Development of cross-linked donor polymers for polymer solar cells with improved efficiency and thermal stability

Due to low glass-transition temperature and high diffusion coefficient of small molecule acceptors (SMAs), the bi-continuous interpenetrating morphology of SMA-based polymer solar cells (PSCs) are metastable and therefore most SMA-based PSCs exhibit poor operational and thermal stability. Cross-linked donor polymers have been proposed because the cross-linked behavior can “freeze” the initial morphology and avoid its further evolution. In this work, two new cross-linked donor polymers P1 and P2 were designed for application in PSCs with a non-fullerene acceptor Y6, in which the photovoltaic performance and thermal stability of PSCs were significantly improved. The P1-based PSCs achieved a superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.29 % with a Jsc of 25.99 mA cm−2, a Voc of 0.860 V and a FF of 77.35 %, which surpassed 9 % for PM6-based PSCs (15.86 %). Furthermore, the P1-based PSCs exhibited better thermal stability with a 17 % efficiency loss under continuous 60 °C for 210 h due to the fixation of active layer morphology, while PM6-based PSCs suffered from a serve PCE reduction of over 26 %. These results demonstrate that cross-linked donor polymer has a great application prospect to improve the PCE and thermal stability of PSCs.

Covalent adaptable polymer networks with CO2-facilitated recyclability

Cross-linked polymers with covalent adaptable networks (CANs) can be reprocessed under external stimuli owing to the exchangeability of dynamic covalent bonds. Optimization of reprocessing conditions is critical since increasing the reprocessing temperature costs more energy and even deteriorates the materials, while reducing the reprocessing temperature via molecular design usually narrows the service temperature range. Exploiting CO2 gas as an external trigger for lowering the reprocessing barrier shows great promise in low sample contamination and environmental friendliness. Herein, we develop a type of CANs incorporated with ionic clusters that achieve CO2-facilitated recyclability without sacrificing performance. The presence of CO2 can facilitate the rearrangement of ionic clusters, thus promoting the exchange of dynamic bonds. The effective stress relaxation and network rearrangement enable the system with rapid recycling under CO2 while retaining excellent mechanical performance in working conditions. This work opens avenues to design recyclable polymer materials with tunable dynamics and responsive recyclability.

Shallow penetration conformance sealants (SPCS) based on organically cross-linked polymer and particle gels—An overview

Shallow penetration conformance sealants (SPCS) based on organically cross-linked polymer and particle gels—An overview

Environmentally friendly and temperature resistant water-based drilling fluids with highly inhibitory synthetic nanocellulose polymers for deep sea drilling

The ocean is rich in sustainable hydrocarbon. The process of extracting these resources poses challenges such as coexistence of low temperature and high temperature, high pressure of deepwater and unpredictable shale formations. A kind of ionic crosslinking polymer consisting of N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF) (PADC), was synthesized to address these challenges. Cellulose was first oxidized to nanocellulose (CNF) through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxide (TEMPO) oxidation. Subsequently, the ionic crosslinking polymer, consisting of DMA, AMPS, and CNF, was synthesized using ionic crosslinking polymerization. The surface characteristics and morphology were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle size analysis, and zeta potential analysis. The structural composition was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The shale inhibition mechanism was investigated through contact angle and pressure transmission experiments. The results indicated that the average length of PADC is approximately 1450 nm, with an average diameter of less than 100 nm and contains sulfonic acid groups. The shale contact angle increased from 16.75° to 82°, indicating that PADC increased the hydrophobicity of the shale by 390%. Pressure transfer experiments show that PADC can reduce shale permeability by 37%, which means PADC has good hydration inhibition performance. In addition, a drilling fluid system suitable for deep sea drilling was proposed. The drilling fluid system exhibits good rheological properties at 160 °C and 0 °C. The fluid loss after hot rolling at 160 °C is less than 12 mL. The linear expansion of shale core after 16 h is only 0.7%, and the rolling recovery rate at 160 °C is as high as 99.48%. Luminescent bacteria EC50 is 2.0 × 105 mg/L, which means it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. And drilling fluid conforms to the power law flow model. Therefore, the drilling fluids proposed in this paper can meet the requirements of deep sea drilling in terms of rheological properties and filtration loss properties at 0–160 °C, and can seal shale pores and inhibit shale hydration through the ionic cross-linking PADC. This research offers insights into the utilization of cellulose in well drilling processes and provides references for designing deep sea drilling fluids.

Intrinsic Permanent Shape Reconfigurable Semicrystalline Biopolyester Thermoset.

Catalyst-free, volatile organic solvent (VOC)-free synthesis of biobased cross-linked polymers is an important sustainable feature in polyesterification. To date, these polyesters have been extensively studied for their fundamental sustainability across various uses. The ultimate potential sustainability for these materials, however, is constrained to static structural parts due to their intractable rigid three-dimensional (3D) network. Here, we reveal intrinsic dynamic exchangeable bonds within this type of cross-linked semicrystalline network, poly(1,8-octanediol-co-1,12-docanedioate-co-citrate) (PODDC), enabling permanent shape reconfigurability. Annealing at slightly above melting-transition temperature (Tm) allows for shape reconfigurability up to nine times, comparable in performance to the existing bond-exchange systems. No reagents are involved from synthesis to shape reconfiguration, suggesting an exciting feature exhibited by this sustainable cross-linked material without the need for further chemical modification. We further extend this benefit of reconfigurability to enable flexible shape design in a smart shape-memory polymer (SMP), showing it as one of its potential applications. After its applications, it can undergo hydrolytic degradation. We envision that such multifaceted sustainability for the material will attract interest in environmentally friendly applications such as fabricating external part of soft robots and shape-morphing devices with reduced environmental impact.

Synthesis of an ion-imprinted starch phosphate porous carbonaceous material removing U(VI) from wastewater: Kinetics and mechanism

Uranium enrichment and separation are important for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. In this study, reverse-phase emulsion crosslinking polymerization was used to synthesize spherical hollow porous carbon materials (II-CLSPC) with a “red blood cell” morphology after roasting. The soft template method was used to modify II-CLSPC to obtain an open pore structure, which increased its contact area. Based on this, ion imprinting was conducted to improve the selective adsorption of U(VI). A spatial site matching the size of U(VI) was formed after ion template removal, which played a crucial role in this process. Multifaceted and multilevel improvements of II-CLSPC facilitated rapid adsorption, reaching equilibrium at 40 min and a removal rate of 94.6 % (pH 5, 298 K). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isothermal model indicated that the adsorption process of uranyl ions by II-CLSPC involved via monolayer chemisorption with a theoretical saturation adsorption capacity of 653.6 mg g−1. In addition, II-CLSPC exhibited excellent selectivity (KdU = 3.7 × 104 mL g−1), cyclic stability, and salt tolerance, making it a promising candidate for uranium removal from wastewater.

Study on protein-polysaccharide environmental foam dust suppressant based on Maillard reaction

Given the problems of traditional dust suppressants, such as high cost, poor environmental protection and degradation, this study developed a GEL-GG/OB-2 foam dust suppressant with high polymerized reticulation structure using polymer bio-based materials gelatin (GEL) and guar gum (GG) as the main materials for the Maillard reaction. The results of the orthogonal experiment showed that 0.1 % gelatin and 0.2 % guar gum reacted best at a temperature of 95 °C for 45 min, with a viscosity of 12.3 mPa·s. After drying, SEM observed that the surface formed a layer of compact film, and the hardness of the cemented coal layer could reach 79 HA. The contact angle with the coal sample after spraying for 3 s was 1.6°. It was found that the gelatin reacted with the polysaccharide hydrolysate by microscopic experiments. The affiliation of sugar molecules with gelatin molecules led to a change in the spatial conformation of the proteins, which led to the generation of the highly cross-linked polymer GEL-GG. The inhibition rates of PM2.5 and PM10 tested by the simulation test platform could reach 97.3 % and 98.2 %, respectively. In addition, GEL-GG/OB-2 is degradable and non-polluting, providing a feasible solution for the efficient suppression of coal mine dust.

Advancing Recyclable Thermosets through C═C/C═N Dynamic Covalent Metathesis Chemistry.

Thermoset polymers have become integral to our daily lives due to their exceptional durability, making them feasible for a myriad of applications; however, this ubiquity also raises serious environmental concerns. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) with dynamic covalent linkages that impart efficient reprocessability and recyclability to thermosets have garnered increasing attention. While various dynamic exchange reactions have been explored in CANs, many rely on the stimuli of active nucleophilic groups and/or catalysts, introducing performance instability and escalating the initial investment. Herein, we propose a new direct and catalyst-free C═C/C═N metathesis reaction between α-cyanocinnamate and aldimine as a novel dynamic covalent motif for constructing recyclable thermosets. This chemistry offers mild reaction conditions (room temperature and catalyst-free), ensuring high yields and simple isolation procedures. By incorporating dynamic C═C/C═N linkages into covalently cross-linked polymer networks, we obtained dynamic thermosets that exhibit both malleability and reconfigurability. The resulting tunable dynamic properties, coupled with the high thermal stability and recyclability of the C═C/C═N linkage-based networks, enrich the toolbox of dynamic covalent chemistry.

Microplastic-Free Microcapsules Using Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Bis-Urea Molecules at an Emulsion Interface.

Encapsulation technology is well established for entrapping active ingredients within an outer shell for their protection and controlled release. However, many solutions employed industrially use nondegradable cross-linked synthetic polymers for shell formation. To curb rising microplastic pollution, regulatory policies are forcing industries to substitute the use of such intentionally added microplastics with environmentally friendly alternatives. This work demonstrates a one-pot process to make microplastic-free microcapsules using supramolecular self-assembly of bis-ureas. Molecular bis-urea species generated in-situ spontaneously self-assemble at the interface of an oil-in-water emulsion via hydrogen bonding to form a shell held together by noncovalent bonds. In addition, Laponite nanodiscs were introduced in the formulation to restrict aggregation observed during the self-assembly and to reduce the porosity of the shell, leading to well-dispersed microcapsules (mean Sauter diameter d [3,2] ∼ 5 μm) with high encapsulation efficiency (∼99%). Accelerated release tests revealed an increase in characteristic release time of the active by more than an order of magnitude after encapsulation. The mechanical strength parameters of these capsules were comparable to some of the commercial, nondegradable melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules. With mild operating conditions in an aqueous environment, this technology has real potential to offer an industrially viable method for producing microplastic-free microcapsules.

Synthesis of azo polymers and their catalytic performance in hydrogen production via NaBH4 methanolysis

The extensive use of fossil fuels has a profound impact on ecosystems and contributes to global warming through the emission of greenhouse gases. To mitigate these effects, alternative energy sources such as hydrogen are crucial. In this study, a green synthesis approach was used to prepare an azo cross-linked polymer containing 4-aminophenyl ether and resorcinol. The synthesized polymer was thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, BET, TGA, Zeta Potential and SEM-EDS analyses. The catalytic performance of the polymer in hydrogen production from NaBH4 via methanolysis was then investigated. Various parameters affecting hydrogen production, including catalyst and NaBH4 amounts, methanol volume and temperature, were systematically investigated to identify the optimum conditions. The polymer exhibited maximum hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 12,619 mL H2 min⁻¹ gcat⁻¹ at 60 °C, respectively, with an activation energy of 24.22 kJ mol⁻¹. After optimization, the reusability of the polymer was evaluated over five cycles and the theoretical hydrogen generation rates were consistently achieved; however, the hydrogen generation time increased with each subsequent cycle. The primary objective of this research was to highlight novel azo linked polymers with potent catalytic activity in hydrogen generation, demonstrating the significant potential of the polymer to advance hydrogen generation. Ultimately, this study highlights the promising role of azo cross-linked polymers as effective catalysts for hydrogen production, offering new avenues and perspectives towards sustainable energy solutions.

One-Pot Preparation of Double-Network Epoxy Vitrimers with High Performance, Recyclability, and Two-Stage Stress Relaxation.

Although considerable progress has been made in developing different types of vitrimers, ongoing challenges remain in tuning their mechanical and rheological properties, self-healing, and adhesion. Here, we demonstrate a one-pot method to produce a novel double-network epoxy vitrimer using an aliphatic amine cross-linker with a siloxane covalent bond and an aromatic amine cross-linker with a disulfide covalent bond. When a controlled two-stage curing process is employed, the markedly different reactivities of aliphatic amine and aromatic amine with epoxy allow for sequential cross-linked network formation, leading to the development of a double network that incorporates two types of dynamic covalent bonds. As a result, the produced vitrimers exhibit controllable mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties, as well as recyclability. This is evidenced by a tensile strength as high as 72 MPa, while maintaining ∼10% elongation at break, a wide glass-transition temperature range from 91 to 171 °C, and an adjustable two-stage stress relaxation. These characteristics suggest opportunities to develop high-performance cross-linked polymers with specific responses to time and temperatures.

Polysquaramides.

Thermoplastics, while advantageous for their processability and recyclability, often compromise thermochemical stability and mechanical strength compared to thermosets. Addressing this limitation, we introduce an innovative approach employing reversibly cross-linked polymers, utilizing squaramide moieties to reconcile recyclability and robustness. Herein, we detail the synthesis of supramolecularly cross-linked polysquaramides through the condensation polymerization of diethyl squarate with primary and secondary diamines. This methodology embeds hydrogen-bonding squaramide motifs into the polymer chains, yielding materials with significantly enhanced storage moduli, reaching up to 1.2 GPa. Material characterization via dynamic mechanical analysis, creep-recovery, and stress relaxation experiments delineate a distinctive rubbery plateau across a broad temperature range, excellent creep resistance, and multimodal viscoelastic flow, respectively, attributable to the dynamic nature of the supramolecular cross-links. Additionally, the study showcases the modulation of glass transition temperature (Tg) by altering the monomer composition and stoichiometry, demonstrating the tunability of polymer viscoelastic properties through precise control over hydrogen bonding interactions. Overall, the incorporation of squaramide motifs not only provides the structural integrity and mechanical performance of these thermoplastics but also leads to engineering materials with tailored viscoelastic characteristics.

Improving O₂ Absorption in PVDF Membrane with Cross-Linked Polymer Coatings

Surface modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes using various polymers, including chitosan, nylon, dopamine, and EDA, was examined through SEM and FTIR analyses. SEM imaging unveiled the preservation of membrane porosity post-modification, affirming successful polymer integration without pore obstruction. Nylon coatings induced alterations in surface morphology, with enlarged pore apertures and roughened surfaces attributed to formic acid exposure during dissolution. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the respective polymers, exhibiting characteristic peaks for each. Notably, membranes coated with EDA exhibited enhanced CO2 absorption flux owing to their inherently hydrophilic nature and larger pore dimensions. Optimization of EDA coating parameters, including deposition time and concentration, revealed a direct correlation between increased EDA deposition and enhanced CO2 absorption flux, emphasizing the significant impact of these parameters on membrane performance in gas absorption. Consequently, tailored surface modifications offer a promising avenue for enhancing membrane functionality in gas separation applications

Rosemary-Mediated Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and their Integration into Hydrogel Matrices: Evaluating Effects on Wheat Growth and Antibacterial Properties.

In this study, the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) generated using rosemary extract, synthesized using environmentally friendly processes and integrated into a cross-linked polymer matrix, on growth performance of wheat is evaluated. Rosemary extract used as coating, stabilizing, and reducing agents in this green synthesis method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses demonstrated the presence of phytochemical constituents of the plant extract that served as capping agents during the synthesis process. The nanoparticles are sprayed to the plant leaves. The effects of nanoparticles within the hydrogel on plant development are compared with the effects of nanoparticles in suspension. The percentage of seed germination is unaffected by either rosemary- or raw-ZnO-NPs; however, the root and shoot elongation are considerably impacted by the nanoparticle treatments. The threshold concentrations are determined as 3000mgL-1 for rosemary-ZnO-NPs and 2000mgL-1 for raw-ZnO-NPs. Additionally, antibacterial test results showed that the activity level on Escherichia coli is higher for rosemary-ZnO-NPs compared to raw-ZnO-NPs. The results of this research may provide guidance on how green synthesis methods and the use of nanoparticle-hydrogel composites in plant breeding can be used in future agricultural applications. This can be considered an important step in terms of agricultural innovations and sustainability.

Droplet Microfluidic Method for Estimating the Dynamic Interfacial Tension of Ion-Crosslinked Sodium Alginate Microspheres.

The research focuses on optimizing the production of hydrogel microspheres using droplet microfluidics for pharmaceutical and bioengineering applications. A semiempirical method has been developed to predict the dynamic interfacial tension at the interface of ion-cross-linked sodium alginate microsphere-sunflower oil modified with glacial acetic acid and Tween 80 surfactant. These microspheres are produced in a small-scale coaxial device that is manufactured using affordable DLP/LCD 3D printing technology with a transparent photopolymer. The method was tested to design the minireactor in the device, which allows for the production of fully cross-linked microspheres that are ready for use at the output of the reactor without additional cross-linking steps in the microsphere collector. The mathematical expression for estimating the interfacial tension at the moment of formation of a hydrogel microsphere includes the Reynolds number for a two-phase liquid, the Ohnesorge number, and the surface tension at the liquid-air interface for continuous medium flow (modified oil). The reliability of the prediction is confirmed for continuous medium and dispersed phase flow rates of 0.8-3.2 and 0.01-0.08 mL/min, respectively. The evolution of the interfacial tension from the moment the microspheres formed and the estimated ultimate interfacial tension in a cross-linked hydrogel-modified oil system contributed to the reliable determination of the linear size of a minireactor. The ultimate interfacial tension of 76.5 ± 0.3 mN/m was determined using the Young-Laplace equation, which is based on measuring the surface free energy of the hydrogel as soft matter using the Owens-Wendt method. Additionally, the equilibrium static contact angle of the fully cross-linked hydrogel surface wetted with oil is measured using the sessile drop method. From a practical perspective, a method for optimizing and streamlining the high-tech manufacturing of cross-linked polymer microspheres and mini- and microchannel devices for use in bioengineering and pharmaceutical applications is suggested.

Stretchable Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Array with Sophisticated Sensitivity, Strain-Insensitivity, and Reproducibility.

This study delves into the development of a novel 10 by 10 sensor array featuring 100 pressure sensor pixels, achieving remarkable sensitivity up to 888.79kPa-1, through the innovative design of sensor structure. The critical challenge of strain sensitivity inherent is addressed in stretchable piezoresistive pressure sensors, a domain that has seen significant interest due to their potential for practical applications. This approach involves synthesizing and electrospinning polybutadiene-urethane (PBU), a reversible cross-linking polymer, subsequently coated with MXene nanosheets to create a conductive fabric. This fabrication technique strategically enhances sensor sensitivity by minimizing initial current values and incorporating semi-cylindrical electrodes with Ag nanowires (AgNWs) selectively coated for optimal conductivity. The application of a pre-strain method to electrode construction ensures strain immunity, preserving the sensor's electrical properties under expansion. The sensor array demonstrated remarkable sensitivity by consistently detecting even subtle airflow from an air gun in a wind sensing test, while a novel deep learning methodology significantly enhanced the long-term sensing accuracy of polymer-based stretchable mechanical sensors, marking a major advancement in sensor technology. This research presents a significant step forward in enhancing the reliability and performance of stretchable piezoresistive pressure sensors, offering a comprehensive solution to their current limitations.

Waste derived polysulphide coating on fly ash as fillers in plastic composite

Modifying fly ash (FA) for filler application can facilitate a cleaner, high volume and high value-application of FA. One of the major hurdles of utilizing unencapsulated FA as fillers is due to its hydrophilicity and tendency to leach out metals. The current study aims to develop a surface-modified FA (SuMo FA) as a suitable filler by coating it with a cross-linked polysulfide polymer from waste sulphur and oil derivatives. A Class F FA was coated with an in-house developed polysulfide polymer and was followed by a series of physicochemical analysis and 24-h batch leaching tests. This SuMo FA was compounded within PP and PE matrix and its thermo-mechanical properties were evaluated. The novel SuMo FA was ideal for filler application as it exhibited suitable spherical shape and size, hydrophobicity (contact angle ≅120°), and reduced leaching potential. Major contaminants (B, Cr, Pb, and Sr) in leachate of SuMo FA decreased by more than one order. Compounding the SuMo FA in polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) at 20 % (by weight) increased the onset temperature as compared to virgin polymers as well as filler-based polymers (with uncoated FA and CaCO3). Similarly, the SuMo FA filled polymers exhibited the best overall mechanical properties (under flexural and tensile loading) as well as notch impact strength. The Shore D hardness implies that SuMo FA filled polymers were almost identical to the conventionally used CaCO3 filled polymers. The leachate concentration of final PP composites with FA and SuMo FA fillers were lower than the regulatory limit for B, Ba, Cr and Sr. The developed filler material from the SuMo FA can potentially reduce dependence on relatively costly CaCO3 fillers in polymer production thus adhering to United Nation sustainable development goals (6 and 12).

Design Characteristics of a Neoteric, Superhydrophilic, Mechanically Robust Hydrogel Engineered To Limit Fouling in the Ocular Environment.

Current challenges with ocular drug delivery and the chronic nature of many ocular ailments render the use of traditional ocular devices for additional drug delivery purposes very attractive. To achieve this feat, there is the need to develop biomaterials that are biocompatible, mechanically robust for ocular applications, highly transparent (depending on the targeted ocular device), and with ultralow protein adhesion potential (the primary step in processes that lead to fouling and potential device failure). Herein is reported the facile synthesis of a novel, highly transparent, mechanically robust, nontoxic, bulk functionalized hydrogel with characteristics suited to scalable fabrication of ocular implantable and nonimplantable devices. Synergistic superhydrophilicity between methacrylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAGMA) and zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate was exploited to obtain a superhydrophilic polymer conjugate through facile photoinitiated cross-linking polymerization. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATF-FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to confirm the synthesis and establish the physicochemical parameters for both the starting materials, the conjugated polymer, and the hydrogels. Cytotoxicity and cell adhesion potential evaluated in primary human retinal epithelial cells showed no toxicity or adhesion of the ocular cells. Biofilm adhesion studies in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed over 85% reduction in biofilm adhesion for the best-modified polymer compared to the unconjugated PVAGMA, highlighting its antifouling potential.

UV cross-linked highly stable polymer garnet composite electrolyte with improved interphase for lithium metal batteries

The next-generation electric vehicles heavily rely on high-energy–density lithium metal batteries with enhanced safety. Replacing liquid electrolytes with solid-state polymer electrolytes offers superior protection, high flexibility, and stability. However, inadequate ionic conductivity and poor compatibility at the interfaces with the electrodes hinder the practical application of solid-state electrolytes. In this work, we developed a polyethylene glycol-based, highly cross-linked polymer electrolyte with a garnet-type, fast Li+ conductive Li6.2Al0.24La3Zr2O12 (Al-LLZO) filler. The Al-LLZO filler was incorporated into a cross-linking functional polymeric matrix of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-mercaptopropionate), and lithium perchlorate salt. The cross-linked polymer garnet composite electrolyte (CPGCE) was prepared via UV-induced photo-polymerization. The resulting CPGCE exhibits superior free-standing flexibility, a desired ionic conductivity of 4.4 × 10−4 S cm−1, and a wide potential window up to 4.2 V. The Li|CPGCE|Li symmetric cell underwent stripping and plating at varying current densities of 0.05 to 0.3 mA cm−2, displaying a low overpotential range from ±0.02 V to ±0.08 V over 500 cycles. Similarly, the as-cycled Li|CPGCE|Li showed excellent stripping and plating performance at 0.1 mA cm−2 for 500 cycles at 60 °C. The incorporation of the Al-LLZO nanofiller provided active sites with continuous Li+ conducting pathways, suppressing the growth of dead lithium dendrites. The Li|CPGCE|LiFePO₄ full cell exhibited a discharge capacity of 155 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.1C, with a coulombic efficiency of 96 % over 50 cycles at 25 °C. This work offers a straightforward and convenient approach to creating highly durable polymer composite electrolytes with enhanced interfacial stability, advancing the implementation of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Sulfonate-bridged semi-biopolyamide for Pb(II) electrochemical probing and dye adsorption

With the continuous development of modern industry, environmental problems accompanied by heavy metal Pb(II) and organic dyes become increasingly apparent, and the development of associated detection/removal materials has important practical significance thus. In this work, a novel biomass (diphenolic acid and furfurylamine)-based, polyamide-sulfonate cross-linked polymer (PA-df-OBSC) was successfully constructed. Further characterization of PA-df-OBSC indicated that the chemical structure of PA-df-OBSC consists of multiple N/O/S-containing molecular fragments as amide, tertiary amine, carboxylic acid, sulfonate ester and sulfonate acid. Such structural characteristic endows PA-df-OBSC dual functional application prospect. PA-df-OBSC can be applied as an enrichment-type Pb(II) electrochemical probe due to its specific complexation for Pb(II). The modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with PA-df-OBSC as active modifier presented a wide detection range (0.1–30 μmol/L) and low detection limit (1.31 × 10−8 M) for Pb(II). Besides, PA-df-OBSC also showed selective adsorption for cationic dye methylene blue (MB), with the maximum adsorption capacity up to 521.72 mg/g.