Dimethylamino Ethyl Research Articles

Influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional monomers on the performance of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of human insulin

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were used to detect and bioseparation of insulin. Because of the significant role of electrostatic interactions, the effects of hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions were investigated in non-covalent molecular imprinting. The imprinting polymer was synthesized using different type and molar ratios of functional monomers containing acrylamide (AAm) as the neutral-hydrophilic monomer alongside methacrylic acid (MAA) and 2-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) in the two cases: hydrophilic-hydrophobic-neutral (MMIP3) and hydrophobic-neutral (MMIP2), respectively. The MMIPs adsorption results showed high capacity, good selectivity, and high rapidness to insulin adsorption in both cases. The maximum adsorption (Q) and imprinting factor (IF) of MMIP2 and MMIP3 obtained 54 mg.g−1 and 4.4, and 67 mg.g−1 and 3.2, respectively. In addition, dynamic light scattering results revealed that the average particle size of the surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@MPS), MMIP2, and MMIP3 were equal to 135 ± 8, 360 ± 21, and 275 ± 28 nm, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that MNIP2 has almost 25% more polymer layer than MNIP3. VSM analysis was also carried out showed the magnetic power of 21.88, 7.74, and 19.93 emu/g for MNPs, MMIP2, and MMIP3, respectively.

One-step zwitterionization and quaternization of thick PDMAEMA layer grafted through subsurface-initiated ATRP for robust antibiofouling and antibacterial coating on PDMS

In this work, we demonstrate the grafting of thick poly((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) layer on PDMS via subsurface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SSI-ATRP). The self-migration of DMAEMA monomers into the subsurface of PDMS is proven to be the dominant factor for the success of SSI-ATRP. The as-prepared thick microscale graft layer on PDMS shows much better abrasion resistance than nanoscale graft layer obtained by conventional surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) under identical condition. Taking advantage of the tertiary amines of PDMAEMA, the simultaneous zwitterionization and quaternization of the PDMAEMA thick layer is realized through a facile one-step process. The effect of zwitterionization and quaternization degree on the antibiofouling and antibacterial properties is investigated. The results show that a relatively high zwitterionization degree (75 mol%) and a low quaternization degree (25 mol%) exhibit a good well-balanced effect on both fouling repellence and bactericidal activity. This work may lead to the development of robust bifunctional antibiofouling and antibacterial surfaces via SSI-ATRP strategy.

Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles (PGNs) with Adjustable Graft-Density and Interparticle Hydrogen Bonding Interaction.

Polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) receive great attention because they possess the advantages of both the grafted polymer and inorganic cores, and thus demonstrate superior optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Thus, PGNs with tailorable interparticle interactions are indispensable for the formation of a superlattice with a defined and ordered structure. In this work, the synthesis of PGNs is reported which can form interparticle hydrogen-bonding to enhance the formation of well-defined 2D nanoparticle arrays. Various polymers, including poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP), poly(dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate) (PDMAEMA), and poly(4-acetoxy styrene) (PAcS), are attached to silica cores by a "grafting from" in a mini emulsion-like synthesis approach. SiO2 -PAcS brushes are deprotected by hydrazinolysis and converted into poly(4-vinyl phenol) (PVP), containing hydroxyl groups as potential hydrogen-bonding donor sites. Understanding and controlling interparticle interactions by varying grafting density in the range of 10-2 -10-3 chain nm-2 , and the formation of interparticle hydrogen bonding relevant for self-assembly of PGNs and potential formation of PGN superlattice structures are the motivations for this study.

Regulated Polyelectrolyte Nanogels for Enzyme Encapsulation and Activation.

Polyelectrolyte (PE) nanogels consisting of cross-linked PE networks integrate the advanced features of both nanogels and PEs. The soft environment and abundant intrinsic charges are of special interest for enzyme immobilization. However, the crucial factors that regulate enzyme encapsulation and activation remain obscure to date. Herein, we synthesized cationic poly (dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate), PDMAEMA, nanogels with well-defined size and cross-link degrees and fully investigated the effects of different control factors on lipase immobilization. We demonstrate that the cationic PDMAEMA nanogels indeed enable efficient and safe loading of anionic lipase without disturbing their structures. Strong charge interaction achieved by tuning pH and larger particle size are favorable for lipase loading, while the enhanced enzymatic activity demands nanogels with smaller size and a moderate cross-link degree. As such, PDMAEMA nanogels with a hydrodynamic radius of 35 nm and 30% cross-linker fraction display the optimal catalytic efficiency, which is fourfold of that of free lipase. Moreover, the immobilization endows enhanced enzymatic activity in a broad scope of pH, ionic strength, and temperature, demonstrating effective protection and activation of lipase by the designed nanogels. Our study validates the crucial controls of the size and structure of PE nanogels on enzyme encapsulation and activation, and the revealed findings shall be helpful for designing functional PE nanogels and boosting their applications for enzyme immobilization.

Adsorption of Binary Mixture of Highly Positively Charged PTMA5M and Partially Negatively Charged PAA onto PSL Particles Studied by Means of Brownian Motion Particle Tracking and Electrophoresis

Effects of ionic strength on the adsorption of highly charged polycationic ((2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) methyl chloride quaternary salt (PTMA5M) individually as well as in a binary mixture with polyanionic acrylic acid (PAA) onto polystyrene sulfate latex (PSL) particles with negative charges were investigated by means of Brownian movement particle tracking and measurement of electrophoretic mobility. In addition, the adsorption mechanism was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic methods. The hydrodynamic thickness of the adsorbed polyelectrolyte layer (δH) and electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of particles as a function of concentration ratios of the two polyelectrolytes were measured to clarify the effect of negatively charged molecules on the structure of the positively charged adsorbed layer at various ionic strengths. Extremely thick δH was confirmed for the case of excess dosage of polycations. The δH decreased more significantly with the addition of PAA than increasing ionic strength. Interestingly, in the presence of PAA, the adsorbed layer thickness increased more at lower ionic strength than at higher ionic strength. In addition, the initial δH decreases remarkably after a time lapse of 1 h. Contrary to the decrease of the δH, almost all EPM either remained unchanged or increased over time depending on the concentration ratio of the two polyelectrolytes. Constant charge density, desorption of polyanions, and then reconformation of the adsorbed polycationic layer are proposed model components.

Application of polymeric dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate based carriers of plasmid DNA for genetic transformation of Ceratodon purpureus moss

Introduction. Genetic engineering in plants is of great importance for agriculture, biotechnology and medicine, and nanomaterials are widely used for genetic engineering. The aim of present study was to evaluate the potential of poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)-based comb-like polymers as gene delivery systems in moss Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. protoplasts and determine the level of phytotoxicity of these polymers. Materials and Methods. In order to confirm the formation of complex of poly-DMAEMA carrier with plasmid DNA pSF3, gel retardation assay was used. The PEG-mediated transformation protocol was adapted to transform the protoplasts of C. purpureus moss with poly-DMAEMA carriers. Light microscopy was used to study a toxicity of polymers for moss protoplasts. The level of the polymers toxicity was estimated as IC50 value. Results and Discussion. The formation of pDNA complex with DMAEMA-based carriers took place at 0.03% concentration of the polymers BGA-21, BGA-22(2ph), BG-24, BG-25, BG-26 or 0.1% concentration of the BGA-22 polymer. Poly-DMAEMA carriers were able to deliver plasmid DNA pSF3 into protoplasts of C. purpureus moss. Three stable transformants of C. purpureus were obtained at using BGA-22 polymer, 2 clones – at using BGA-21 carrier, and 1 clone – at using BGA-22(2ph), BG-24, BG-25, BG-26 polymers. The poly-DMAEMA carriers at the working 0.0025% dose were relatively non-toxic for protoplasts of C. purpureus moss. 83.1-88.4% of viable protoplasts of C. purpureus moss were detected after treatment with studied carriers at 0.0025% dose. A survival ratio of protoplasts reached 66.7-72.9% under the effect of these polymers at 0.025% dose, which is 10 times higher than their working concentration. The IC50 value of poly-DMAEMA carriers was in the range of 0.113-0.164%, that was approximately 10 times higher than that of the PEG-6000 used for gene delivery in plants. Conclusion. Novel synthetic poly-DMAEMA carriers delivered the gene of interest into moss C. purpureus protoplasts and possessed a low phytotoxicity. Thus, these carriers can be useful for gene delivery into plant cells.

The impact of anionic polymers on gene delivery: how composition and assembly help evading the toxicity-efficiency dilemma

Cationic polymers have been widely studied for non-viral gene delivery due to their ability to bind genetic material and to interact with cellular membranes. However, their charged nature carries the risk of increased cytotoxicity and interaction with serum proteins, limiting their potential in vivo application. Therefore, hydrophilic or anionic shielding polymers are applied to counteract these effects. Herein, a series of micelle-forming and micelle-shielding polymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The copolymer poly[(n-butyl acrylate)-b-(2-(dimethyl amino)ethyl acrylamide)] (P(nBA-b-DMAEAm)) was assembled into cationic micelles and different shielding polymers were applied, i.e., poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(4-acryloyl morpholine) (PNAM) or P(NAM-b-AA) block copolymer. These systems were compared to a triblock terpolymer micelle comprising PAA as the middle block. The assemblies were investigated regarding their morphology, interaction with pDNA, cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, polyplex uptake and endosomal escape. The naked cationic micelle exhibited superior transfection efficiency, but increased cytotoxicity. The addition of shielding polymers led to reduced toxicity. In particular, the triblock terpolymer micelle convinced with high cell viability and no significant loss in efficiency. The highest shielding effect was achieved by layering micelles with P(NAM-b-AA) supporting the colloidal stability at neutral zeta potential and completely restoring cell viability while maintaining moderate transfection efficiencies. The high potential of this micelle-layer-combination for gene delivery was illustrated for the first time.

Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structures of Zinc(II) and Cobalt(III) Complexes Derived from Tridentate NNO- and NON- Schiff Bases with Antibacterial Activities

Two new polynuclear zinc complexes [Zn2Br2(L1)2] (1) and [Zn(μ1,5-dca)L2]n (2), and two new mononuclear cobalt(III) complexes [CoL1N3(Brsal)] (3) and [CoL2(HL2)] (4), where L1 = 5-bromo-2-(((2-dimethylamino)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenolate, L2 = 5-bromo-2-(((2-hydroxyethyl)imino)methyl)phenolate, dca = dicyanoamide, Brsal = 5-bromo-2-formylphenolate, have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-Vis spectra, molar conductivity, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analysis indicates that the Zn atoms in complex 1 are in distorted square pyramidal coordination, the Zn atoms in complex 2 are in distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination, and the Co atoms in complexes 3 and 4 are in octahedral coordination. The molecules of the complexes are stacked through π···π interactions and hydrogen bonds. The complexes were assayed for antibacterial activities against three Gram-positive bacterial strains (B. subtilis, S. aureus, and St. faecalis) and three Gram-negative bacterial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae) by MTT method.

High Adsorption of α-Glucosidase on Polymer Brush-Modified Anisotropic Particles Acquired by Electrospraying-A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study.

In this particular contribution, we aim to immobilize a model enzyme such as α-glucosidase onto poly(DMAEMA) [poly(2-dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate)] brush-modified anisotropic (cup- and disc-shaped) biocompatible polymeric particles. The anisotropic particles comprising a blend of PLA [poly(lactide)] and poly(MMA-co-BEMA) [poly((methyl methacrylate)-co-(2-(2-bromopropionyloxy) ethyl methacrylate)] were acquired by electrospraying, a scalable and convenient technique. We have also demonstrated the role of a swollen polymer brush grafted on the surface of cup-/disc-shaped particles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization in immobilizing an unprecedentedly high loading of enzyme [441 mg/g (cup)-589 mg/g (disc) of particles, 15-20 times higher than that of the literature-reported system] as compared to non-brush-modified particles. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to predict the structural changes of the enzyme upon immobilization onto the carrier particles. An enormously high amount of enzymes with preserved activity (∼85 ± 13% for cups and ∼78 ± 15% for discs) was found to adhere onto brush-modified particles at pH 7 via electrostatic adsorption. These findings were further explored at the atomistic level using a coarse-grained dissipative particle dynamics simulation approach, which exhibited excellent correlation with experimental results. In addition, accelerated particle separation was also achieved via magnetic force-induced aggregation within 20 min (without a centrifuge) by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into disc-shaped particles while electrojetting. This further strengthens the technical feasibility of the process, which holds immense potential to be applied for various enzymes intended for several applications.

Preparation of cotton fabric based non-invasive colorimetric sensor for instant detection of ketones

Cotton based colorimetric sensing offers great potential for the detection of desired analytes due to their easy naked-eye sensing, ease in fabrication, cost effectiveness, rapid recognition, high sensitivity and selectivity. Poly (2-(dimethylamino ethyl) methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were deposited alternatively on a treated cotton fabric for non invasive calorimetric sensing of ketones. Physical and chemical characterizations such as FESEM, EDS, XRD, UV–vis, FTIR and XPS of the treated cotton based sensor were carried out. Standard colour chart of the targeted ketones is prepared by dissolving appropriate amount of them with distilled water to get down to the final concentration as 80 mM and 10 µL of each solution of analyte was dropped on the surface of treated cotton fabric. The fabricated sensor is also tested for its practicability by analyzing the targeted ketones in human urine and the results obtained were compared with the standard colour chart. The results shows consistency in colours thereby making it a quick, efficient, eco-friendly and reliable monitoring tool to detect various ketones.

Biphasic epoxy-ionic liquid structural electrolytes: minimising feature size through cure cycle and multifunctional block-copolymer addition

Structural electrolytes provide mechanical properties approaching structural resin combined with a high degree of ionic conductivity. Here, structural electrolytes based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (EMIM-TFSI) were synthesised through reaction induced phase separation (RIPS) using isophorone diamine (iPDA) as a curing agent. The microstructure and properties of the resulting materials were controlled through both the initial formulations and the curing temperature. Curing at room temperature generated a bi-continuous structure and improved both mechanical performance and ionic conductivity of the resulting structural electrolytes. The balance between properties can be systematically adjusted; for example, a promising Young’s modulus of 800 MPa was obtained simultaneously with an ionic conductivity of 0.28 mS cm−1, for a formulation containing 35 vol% EMIM-TFSI. The lengthscale of the structural features was reduced by an order of magnitude by introducing multifunctional block-copolymers (MF-bcP) based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and quaternised (2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Small angle neutron scattering (SANS), obtained during curing, identified at least two structural phases of different length scale, for the formulations containing MF-bcP, in agreement with microstructures observed using scanning electron microscopy. Such structural electrolytes may be required when using structural electrodes that also have finer characteristic lengthscales. The addition of the MF-bcP to formulations containing 35 vol% EMIM-TFSI produced structural electrolytes with a Young’s modulus of 530 MPa and an ionic conductivity of 0.64 mS cm−1.

Amphiphilic copolymers of dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate with controlled hydrophilicity for antialgal activity

AbstractBiofouling due to algae mass attachment has detrimental effects on the performance and economy of many manufacturing processes. In consideration of this, present research is focused to mitigate such effect through the development of environmentally benign active antialgal cationic amphiphilic copolymers of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The copolymers compositions were synthesized to tailor various characteristics to control surface biofilm formation and antialgal activities were determined through suspension assay. Biofilm formation of Dictyosphaerium sp. algae on the synthesized copolymers of different surface energies was ascertained by measuring chlorophyll A content and percent adhesion of algae. The copolymers antialgal performance enhanced with increase in PDMAEMA concentration as it exhibited the lowest contact angle as well as adhesion and minimum chlorophyll A contents. Algal adhesion on the surface of materials was also observed by optical microscopy. The copolymers with higher concentration of DMAEMA resulted in greater hydrophilicity which exhibited low adhesion of Dictyosphaerium algae due to possibility of stronger hydration effect and wettability as evident from their lower water contact angle. The developed benign cationic polymers of PDMAEMA and PMMA with varying compositions can lead to important breakthrough in the subject area of antialgal research in several manufacturing processes.

Self-assembly of multiple stimulus response copolymer by ATRP in different media

ABSTRACT The novel pH and thermo-sensitive amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly[N,N-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PMMA-b-PNIPAM-b-PDMAEMA) was synthesized by ATRP. We have prepared the AB amphiphilic copolymer (PMMA-b-PNIPAM) and ABC amphiphilic triblock copolymer (PMMA-b-PNIPAM-b-PDMAEMA) of expected molecular mass. It was characterized by GPC,1HNMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The AB amphiphilic copolymer ability of temperature response and the morphology of self-assembly micelles different in toluene, THF, and DMF. ABC amphiphilic triblock copolymer self-assembled petal structure in alkaline aqueous solution, and lamellar structure in acidic aqueous solution. Moreover, the transmittance of micellar solution changes with the increase of temperature; these changes reflect the pH and thermo-sensitivity of the block copolymer. The micelles behavior and morphology of the system were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Polymer grafted gibbsite nanoplatelets via direct initiator tethering and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

An efficient method for the preparation of polymer grafted gibbsite nanoplatelets (NPs) was proposed by direct preparation of initiator-tethered gibbsite (gibbsite-Br) NPs followed by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) to obtain gibbsite particle brushes. By adding portion of water-soluble solvent (e.g., alcohol), individual ATRP initiator-tethered gibbsite NPs were fabricated using 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid as a tetherable initiator avoiding the aggregation of gibbsite NPs which are ready for polymer grafting process. To verify the efficiency of the tethered initiator, various polymers grafted gibbsite NPs were fabricated by SI-ATRP. The results indicated that initiator anchored gibbsite NPs and various gibbsite-g-polymers (e.g., gibbsite-g-poly2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate, gibbsite-g-polyacrylonitrile, gibbsite-g-polymethyl methacrylate) were synthesized successfully. The thermal stabilities of gibbsite-g-polymer hybrid materials have been enhanced significantly. Compared with PMMA matrix, the fire-retardant behavior of gibbsite-g-polymethyl methacrylate was strengthened due to the incorporation of gibbsite NPs. This work proposed a versatile and convenient method for producing initiator-immobilized solid NPs and polymer grafts, which thereby enables promised properties of polymer hybrid materials depending on the orientation and interactions of particle brushes.

Preparation and characterization of a new family of bio-interpenetrating network hydrogel based on a green method

In this work, semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels with and without castor oil (S-2IPN, S-3IPN, S-4IPN, S-2IPNC, S-3IPNC and S-4IPNC) are synthesized using a free-radical solution polymerization in presence of acrylic acid as a pH-responsive monomer and dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate as a thermoresponsive monomer with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a cellulose derivative, potassium persulphate and N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide. Castor oil, as a green chemical material, is incorporated with a ratio (1:2) to CMC. The semi-interpenetrating network structures are formed and justifications are done by ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy to assure their chemical composition. TGA, SEM, XRD and AFM approve thermogravimetric analysis, phase morphology, crystallinity and surface topography, respectively. The results show that the addition of castor oil enhances the texture and stability of hydrogels. It is concluded that S-IPNC hydrogels show higher swelling capacity than S-IPN hydrogels at lower NaCl concentration and pH range (5-7), due to increasing the osmotic pressure.Therefore, castor oil could be used as a green material in interpenetrating network hydrogels for water-saving applications.According to the principle of sustainable growth, environmentally biopolymer hydrogels pose a significant potential for using as water storage in the agricultural sector.

Initial Characterization of PDMAEMA: Styrene Porous Polymer Monolithic Morphologies

This research aimed to investigate a new fabrication of poly-(2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate)-co-styrene in a porous polymer monolithic morphology. Poly-(2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is responsive to changes in pH while styrene remains unresponsive to external stimuli. IR, UV/Vis, and SEM were employed to determine that the proposed porous polymer (PPM) monolith can present pH-initiated stimuli response while remaining intact. The copolymerization of PDMAEMA with styrene has not been previously documented in a PPM morphology. It is important to demonstrate that the PPM retains tunable capabilities without destruction to the material. The utility of PDMAEMA copolymers is wide-reaching and this new adaptation of its tunability in a resilient PPM can serve as a distinct preface to original applications in fields such as surface modification, membrane technologies and stationary phases. To further the groundwork of this communication, dynamic studies on the interactions of small molecules with the pores of the monolith will be essential and accomplished via capillary electrochromatography.

Generation of Recombinant Primary Human B Lymphocytes Using Non-Viral Vectors.

Although the development of gene delivery systems based on non-viral vectors is advancing, it remains a challenge to deliver plasmid DNA into human blood cells. The current “gold standard”, namely linear polyethyleneimine (l-PEI 25 kDa), in particular, is unable to produce transgene expression levels >5% in primary human B lymphocytes. Here, it is demonstrated that a well-defined 24-armed poly(2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA, 755 kDa) nano-star is able to reproducibly elicit high transgene expression (40%) at sufficient residual viability (69%) in primary human B cells derived from tonsillar tissue. Moreover, our results indicate that the length of the mitogenic stimulation prior to transfection is an important parameter that must be established during the development of the transfection protocol. In our hands, four days of stimulation with rhCD40L post-thawing led to the best transfection results in terms of TE and cell survival. Most importantly, our data argue for an impact of the B cell subsets on the transfection outcomes, underlining that the complexity and heterogeneity of a given B cell population pre- and post-transfection is a critical parameter to consider in the multiparametric approach required for the implementation of the transfection protocol.

Magnetic/pH-sensitive nanocomposite hydrogel based on radiation prepared 2-(N, N′-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate/chitosan for in vitro drug delivery application

This study aimed to manufacture a new pH-responsive hydrogel based on 2-(N, N′-dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate) DMAEMA and chitosan CS by the impact of gamma radiation which introduces high sensitivity to the variation in the pH of the medium depending on the composition of DMAEMA/CS. The highest swellable DMAEMA/CS composition was used as a precursor for the preparation of a magnetic counterpart with more valued properties as increased surface area and reactivity. The various pH-responsive hydrogels DMAEMA/Cs and magnetic hydrogel DMAEMA/CS/M have been studied and examined intensively as a controlled drug delivery system and smart drug carriers specific for stomach treatment. Kinetics of Pantoprazole drug release (as model drug) from DMAEMA/CS hydrogels and the DMAEMA/CS/M magnetic nanocomposite are illustrated in this manuscript.

Quantum dot assisted luminescent hexarhenium cluster dye for a transparent luminescent solar concentrator

A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is a solar-light harvesting device that concentrates light on a photovoltaic cell placed at the edge of an LSC panel to convert it into electricity. The nano-sized inorganic–organic cluster complex (dMDAEMA)4[Re6S8(NCS)6] (this refers to RMC where dMDAEMA is 2-dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) is a promising candidate for LSC luminophores due to its downshifted broad photoluminescence suitable for photovoltaic cells. However, the low quantum yield (QY) of RMC limits the performance. Here, zinc-doped CuGaS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (ZQD) were used as energy transferring donor with high QY to improve the performance of the LSC. The two metal chalcogenide luminophores, RMC and ZQD, are chemically suitable for dispersion in an amphiphilic polymer matrix, producing a transparent waveguide with suppressed reabsorption and extended harvesting coverage of the solar spectrum. We achieved an ηopt of 3.47% and a PCE of 1.23% while maintaining greater than 80% transparency in the visible range. The high performance of this dual-dye LSC with suppressed reabsorption, and scattering losses is not only due to uniform dispersion of dyes in a polymer matrix, but also energy transfer from ZQD to RMC. This report suggests a new possibility for promising various multi-dye LSCs for use in building-integrated photovoltaic windows.

Improving Resistance to Fouling of Aromatic Polyamide Thin-Film Composite Reverse Osmosis Membrane by Surface Grafting of N,N'-Dimethyl Aminoethyl Methacrylate (DMAEMA)

Improving Resistance to Fouling of Aromatic Polyamide Thin-Film Composite Reverse Osmosis Membrane by Surface Grafting of N,N'-Dimethyl Aminoethyl Methacrylate (DMAEMA)