2-methoxyethanol Research Articles

Boosting the Electrical Performance of PLA-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable Power Sources and Self-Powered Sensing.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising technology for harvesting mechanical energy from the ambient environment. However, developing tribopositive materials with strong piezoelectric effects and high electron-donating ability still remains a challenge. Herein, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) to soft poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is adopted, then PLA/mPEG nanofibers are fabricated under electrospinning and used as the tribopositive material for fabricating robust power density TENGs. The crystallinity and dynamic mechanical properties of PLA/mPEG nanofibers are investigated. The results revealed that the incorporation of mPEG provided an effective approach to elevate the electron-donating ability and charge transfer efficiency in PLA. The PLA/mPEG-based TENGs achieved a high open-circuit voltage of 342.8V, a short-circuit current of 38.5µA, and a maximum power density of 116.21Wm-2 over a 2cm2 contact area at an external load of 106Ω, respectively. Strikingly, excellent stability and durability are demonstrated after continuous cycles up to104 cycles.Noteworthy, the TENGs are explored for self-powered sensing applications, with seven TENG units integrated to act as self-powered sensors playing music through buzzers when pressed by fingers. Eventually, this work provides new insights into tuning the structures and properties of electrospun polymers to reinforce the TENG output and self-powered systems.

Exploring the CO2 photocatalytic evolution onto the CuO (1 1 0) surface: A combined theoretical and experimental study

A combined theoretical and experimental study was performed to elucidate the photocatalytic potential of tenorite, CuO (1 1 0) and to assess the evolution pathway of carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution pathway. The calculations were performed with density functional theory (DFT) at a DFT + U + J0 and spin polarized level. The CuO was experimentally synthesized and characterized with structural and optical methodologies. The band structure and density of states revealed the rise of band gaps at 1.24 and 1.03 eV with direct and indirect band gap nature, respectively. These values are in accordance with the experimental evidence at 1.28 and 0.96 eV; respectively, which were obtained by UV-Vis DRS. Such a behavior could be related to enhanced photocatalytic activity among copper oxide materials. Experimental evidence such as SEM images and work function measurements were also performed to evaluate the oxide. The redox potential suggests a catalytic character of tenorite (1 1 0) for the CO2 transformation through aldehydes (methanal) intermediate formation. Furthermore, a route through methylene glycol CH2(OH)2 was also explored with the theoretical methodology. The reaction path exhibits an immediate reduction of ▪ into a •OH radical and an [OH]− anion, in the first step. This •OH radical attacks a double bond (C = O) of ▪ to form bicarbonate ([▪]−) and subsequently, carbonic acid (▪). The carbonic acid reacts with other •OH radical to finally form orthocarbonic acid (▪).

Facile synthesis of Sb2S3 micro-materials for highly sensitive visible light photodetectors and photocatalytic applications

The current study shows that by varying the amount of ethanolamine in precursor solutions, Sb2S3 structures with large sizes (up to 10 μm) and strong visible light photosensitivity and photocatalytic activity can be prepared. Chemicals such as ethanolamine, thiourea, 2-methoxy ethanol, and antimony (III) chloride were employed to prepare Sb2S3 micro-structures. XRD and Raman studies show that all samples crystallize in an orthorhombic crystal structure without a secondary phase. Measurements of photosensitivity in visible light reveal that the decay and rise times are around 0.4 and 0.2 s for the samples. According to the photoluminescence data, it is possible to decrease the structural defects in Sb2S3 and thereby enhance the photosensitivity up to 2600 by varying the amount of ethanolamine. On the other hand, in studies using 100-Watt visible light and 0.4 mg/ml photocatalytic Sb2S3 material, it was observed that the methylene blue solution was degraded by 95.88% within 60 min. The findings suggest that the amount of ethanolamine in the precursor is critical in the development of Sb2S3 semiconductor materials for photodetectors and photocatalytic applications.

Influence of heat-treatment temperature on structural and electrical properties for BaSrTiO3 compounds

The sol-gel process was utilized in the production of the ferroelectric material Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3. Barium and strontium acetate were employed as sources for Ba and Sr, respectively, and Ti(IV) isopropoxide was used as a source for Ti. The acetic acid was utilized as a solvent for Ba and Sr acetate, whereas 2-methoxy ethanol was used as a stabilizer for Ti (IV) isopropoxide. The effect of high temperatures on electrical and structural were studied. The FESEM revealed the particle size of all samples with different temperatures. The XRD shows the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 samples have a tetragonal phase for all temperatures (1000, 1100, 1200˚C). The high temperatures impacted tetragonality and the lattice constant (a, c); the lattice constant decreased at higher temperatures. The ferroelectric sample sintered at 1000 degrees Celsius had dielectric characteristics that were inferior to those of the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3sample sintered at 1100 and 1200ºC degrees Celsius. When the dielectric constant was graphed as a function of temperature, the Curie temperature appeared to be between (28-32) degrees Celsius.

Block Copolymer Solid Electrolytes Based on Comb‐Like Poly(ethylene glycol) Plasticized Poly(ionic liquid)s for Lithium‐Ion Batteries†

Comprehensive SummaryElectrolytes based on poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) have attracted great attention in the fields of next‐generation solid lithium‐ion batteries. However, the low ionic conductivity prevents their practical applications. Herein, we report novel solid electrolytes based on block copolymers composed of PILs and comb‐like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which were synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of 3‐(2‐(bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐en‐2‐yl)ethyl)‐1‐butyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl) amide and poly(ethylene glycol monomethyl ether) bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2‐carboxylate. Comb‐like PEG acts as plasticizers in block copolymers dominated by PILs to promote the mobility of PILs segments. Effects of the copolymer composition and length of the comb‐like PEG chain on ionic conductivity were investigated. The optimized electrolyte delivers the highest ionic conductivity of 1.5 × 10–5 S·cm–1 at 30 °C, and robust electrochemical stability up to 4.6 V. A solid‐state Li/LiFePO4 cell using the optimized electrolyte demonstrates good cycle performance at 0.2 C with high capacity retention of 92% after 70 cycles at 50 °C.

Self‐Immolative Amphiphilic Poly(ferrocenes) for Synergistic Amplification of Oxidative Stress in Tumor Therapy

AbstractAmphiphilic self‐immolative polymers (SIPs) can achieve complete degradation solely through one triggerable event, which potentially optimize the blood clearance and uncontrollable/inert degradability for therapeutic nanoparticles. Herein, we report self‐immolative amphiphilic poly(ferrocenes), BPnbs‐Fc, composed by self‐immolative backbone and aminoferrocene (AFc) side chains as well as end‐capping poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. Upon triggering by tumor acidic milieu, the BPnbs‐Fc nanoparticles readily degrade to release azaquinone methide (AQM) moieties, which can rapidly deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) to cascade release AFc. Furthermore, both AFc and its product Fe2+ can catalyze intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH), thus amplifying the oxidative stress of tumor cells. Rational synergy of GSH depletion and ⋅OH burst can efficiently inhibit tumor growth by the SIPs in vitro and in vivo. This work provides an elegant design to adopt innate tumor milieu‐triggerable SIPs degradation to boost cellular oxidative stress, which is a promising candidate for precision medicine.

Self-Immolative Amphiphilic Poly(ferrocenes) for Synergistic Amplification of Oxidative Stress in Tumor Therapy.

Amphiphilic self-immolative polymers (SIPs) can achieve complete degradation solely through one triggerable event, which potentially optimize the blood clearance and uncontrollable/inert degradability for therapeutic nanoparticles. Herein, we report self-immolative amphiphilic poly(ferrocenes), BPnbs-Fc, composed by self-immolative backbone and aminoferrocene (AFc) side chains as well as end-capping poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. Upon triggering by tumor acidic milieu, the BPnbs-Fc nanoparticles readily degrade to release azaquinone methide (AQM) moieties, which can rapidly deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) to cascade release AFc. Furthermore, both AFc and its product Fe2+ can catalyze intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thus amplifying the oxidative stress of tumor cells. Rational synergy of GSH depletion and ·OH burst can efficiently inhibit tumor growth by the SIPs in vitro and in vivo. This work provides an elegant design to adopt innate tumor milieu-triggerable SIPs degradation to boost cellular oxidative stress, which is a promising candidate for precision medicine.

Supramolecular nanoassemblies of rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene-rod-coil macromolecules via host-guest interactions for the sensing of cis-trans isomers of 1,4-diol-2-butene

Over the past few years, pillar[n]arene molecules have gained attention as novel functional materials due to their unique properties, including their pore size structure and exceptional host-guest capabilities. Among them, rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene is particularly favored for its unique asymmetric structure. In this study, we present a self-assembled macrocyclic host molecule (H1) based on a rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene unit and five rod-coil side chains containing a hepta (ethylene glycol) mono-methyl ether modified biphenyl and phenyl groups, which was self-assemble into 2D columnar nanostructures in the bulk state. It self-organizes into a double-layer vesicular aggregate when in a CHCl3 solution. The host-guest interactions between the nanoobjects and the guest molecule (G) composed of tetraphenylethene and hexanenitrile groups resulted in the construction of ordered nanostructures with good luminescent properties, such as lamellar nanostructure in the bulk state and a single-layer nanosheet in CHCl3 solution. This demonstrated that the morphology of the H1 can be manipulated by forming host-guest complexes, and by adjusting the intermolecular interactions between the molecules. Moreover, in the presence of cis-trans isomers of 1,4-diol 2-butene, we successfully separated and visually detected the trans isomers through competitive host guest interactions. This result not only provides a general approach for separating the cis-trans isomers of 1,4-diol 2-butene through supramolecular chemistry, but also sets a precedent for future research in this field.

Tailoring Amphiphilic Copolymers for Improved Aqueous Foam Stability.

Amphiphilic copolymers of various-molecular-weight (MW) poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The first PEG series, poly(ethylene glycol)monomethacrylate (PEGMA, average Mn 200 and 400 MW), contained an -OH terminal group, and the second series, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate (PEGMMA, average Mn 200, 400, and 1000 MW), possessed an -OCH3 terminal group. A total of five PEG-functionalized copolymers contained the same hydrophobic monomer, butyl acrylate (BA), and were successfully reproduced via a one-pot synthesis. The resulting PEG-functionalized copolymers provide a systematic trend of properties including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), cloud point (CP), and foam lifetime based on the average MW of the PEG monomer and final polymer properties. In general, the PEGMA series produced more stable foams with PEGMA200 demonstrating the least change in foam height with time over a 10 min period. The important exception is that at elevated temperatures, the PEGMMA1000 copolymer had longer foam lifetimes. The self-assembling copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FTIR-ATR), CMC, surface tension, dynamic light scattering (DLS), as a foam using a dynamic foam analyzer (DFA), and foam lifetime at ambient and elevated temperatures. The copolymers described highlight the importance of the PEG monomer MW and terminal end group for surface interaction and final polymer properties for foam stabilization.

Characteristics of phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices with interfacial nanolayers of acid molecule-doped tris(4-aminophenyl)amine

Here we report that 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA)-doped tris(4-aminophenyl)amine (TAPA) can act as an interfacial layer for hole injection in phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and deliver improved device stability upon electric fields. The acid-base reaction between TAPA and AMPSA was carried out using 2-methoxy ethanol solvent with various molar ratios (0–300 mol. %). The resulting TAPA:AMPSA layers (1–10 nm thick) were spin-coated on indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-glasses and selectively annealed before the thermal deposition of organic small molecular multilayers in a vacuum. The doping reaction between TAPA and AMPSA gave rise to a new absorption peak at a wavelength of ca. 880 nm. The work function of TAPA:AMPSA layer-coated ITO-glasses increased with the molar ratio, but the highest luminance and efficiency of OLEDs were achieved at 100 mol. % (AMPSA to TAPA). The thickness control and thermal treatment process of TAPA:AMPSA layers (100 mol. %) could further enhance the luminance (from ca. 5000 cd/m2 (t = 10 nm) to 15,500 cd/m2 (t = 2 nm)) with relatively high device stability upon electric field compared to the pristine TAPA layers.

Physical Characteristics, Blue-Green Band Emission and Photocatalytic Activity of Au-Decorated ZnO Quantum Dots-Based Thick Films Prepared Using the Doctor Blade Technique.

Nanoscale ZnO is a vital semiconductor material whose versatility can be enhanced by sensitizing it with metals, especially noble metals, such as gold (Au). ZnO quantum dots were prepared via a simple co-precipitation technique using 2-methoxy ethanol as the solvent and KOH as the pH regulator for hydrolysis. The synthesized ZnO quantum dots were deposited onto glass slides using a simple doctor blade technique. Subsequently, the films were decorated with gold nanoparticles of different sizes using a drop-casting method. The resultant films were characterized via various strategies to obtain structural, optical, morphological, and particle size information. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the formation of the hexagonal crystal structure of ZnO. Upon Au nanoparticles loading, peaks due to gold are also observed. The optical properties study shows a slight change in the band gap due to Au loading. Nanoscale sizes of particles have been confirmed through electron microscope studies. P.L. studies display blue and blue-green band emissions. The significant degradation efficiency of 90.2% methylene blue (M.B.) was attained in natural pH in 120 min using pure ZnO catalyst while one drop gold-loaded catalysts, ZnO: Au 5 nm, ZnO: Au 7 nm, ZnO: Au 10 nm and ZnO: Au 15 nm, delivered M.B. degradation efficiency of 74.5% (in 245 min), 63.8% (240 min), 49.6% (240 min) and 34.0% (170 min) in natural pH, respectively. Such films can be helpful in conventional catalysis, photocatalysis, gas sensing, biosensing, and photoactive applications.

A DMSO/MOE mixed solvent system for improving the morphology and efficiency of kesterite solar cell

A mixed dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2-methoxy ethanol (MOE) solvent system was developed to prepare high-quality kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) film. The precursor films made pure DMSO system show a tube-like microstructure morphology, which can be changed by adding MOE to the solution. The increase of MOE in the precursor solution is a key in the crystalline characteristic of the absorber and connecting performance with thin film solar cells. As VMOE = VDMSO, the CZTSSe layer can achieve good contact with the back electrode and obtain large grains across layers. The addition of MOE solvent effectively improves the fill factor (FF). Specifically, both the fill factor and efficiency are increased from 49.67% and 6.43% to 64.83% and 10.99%, respectively, with the addition of 2 mL of MOE into precursor solution prepared by DMSO.

Syringic acid demonstrates an anti-inflammatory effect via modulation of the NF-κB-iNOS-COX-2 and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in methyl cellosolve-induced hepato-testicular inflammation in rats

Syringic acid (SACI) is an emerging nutraceutical and antioxidant used in modern Chinese medicine. It has potential neuroprotective, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-angiogenic properties. Methyl cellosolve (MCEL) has been reported to induce tissue inflammation in the testis, kidney, liver, and lung. This study aimed to investigate the effect and probable mechanism of action of SACI on MCEL-induced hepatic and testicular inflammation in male rats. Compared to the control group, administration of MCEL to rats significantly increased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB in the liver and testis. Additionally, the total mRNA expressions of JAK1 (in the liver only), STAT1, and SOCS1 were significantly increased in both the liver and testis, while testicular JAK1 total mRNA levels were significantly decreased.The expression of PIAS1 protein was significantly higher in the liver and testis. Treatments with SACI at 25 (except liver iNOS), 50, and 75 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB compared to the control group. Furthermore, the total mRNA expressions of JAK1 and SOCS1 in the liver were significantly reduced by all doses of SACI investigated, while the total mRNA levels of liver and testis STAT1 were significantly reduced by 25 and 50 mg/kg of SACI only. In the testis, the mRNA level of SOCS1 was significantly reduced by all doses of SACI compared to MCEL only. Additionally, SACI (at 75 mg/kg) significantly reduced PIAS1 protein expression in the liver, while in the testis, SACI at all investigated doses significantly reduced the expression of PIAS1. In conclusion, SACI demonstrated a hepatic and testicular anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the MCEL-induced activation of the NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in rats.

A novel form stable phase change material with comb-like cross-linked polyurethane as supporting skeleton

To improve the homogeneity of phase-change materials (PCMs) composites for thermal energy storage, the poly(ethylene glycol monomethyl ether)-based trimethylolpropane (Ymer-N120) with long side ethyoxyl chains is employed to form comb-like polyurethane which functioned as supporting materials for PCMs. And the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, accelerated thermal cycling testing, thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) suggested a crosslinked polyurethane embedded with micron grade myristic acid (MA) crystals was prepared during the thermal curing process. The obtained comb-like polyurethane (YP) can provide 3D structure supporting materials for melting MA. And the long side ethyoxyl chain of Ymer-N120 promote the melting MA form micron-sized crystals. The results of thermal reliability testing confirmed the advantages of same methylene groups in side chains and suggested the maximal hold capability of YP crosslinks is about 50 wt% of composites. With the 50 wt% addition of MA, YPM50 can supply high latent heat (over 90 J/g of YPM50) with fine thermal stability (due to its initial decomposing temperature reaches 190 °C) without leakage (after 500 times of accelerated thermal cycling testing). All results indicated this structure supplies an effective solution for the leakage of PCMs, which show a promising application in TES.

Methyl cellosolve-induced hepatic oxidative stress: The modulatory effect of syringic acid on Nrf2-Keap1-Hmox1-NQO1 signaling pathway in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSyringic acid (SAC) is a phenolic compound and an antioxidant that has been identified in honey, grapes, red wine, marigold and sugar apple. Due to its potent antioxidant prowess, SAC possesses hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Aim of the studyJudging by these credentials, this study investigated the effect of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg body weight of SAC on hepatotoxicity induced by 100 mg/kg body weight of methyl cellosolve (MECE) in male Wistar rats. ResultsCompared with control, MECE decreased the liver relative weight, nitric oxide (NO) concentration, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, while liver malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) levels were significantly increased. Treatments with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg of SAC significantly decreased the concentration of MDA, Nrf2, Keap1 (by 50 and 75 mg/kg only), mRNA expressions of Hmox1, NQO1 and increased the concentration of NO, activities of GPx, GST, SOD and CAT compared with MECE only administered rats. ConclusionIn conclusion, SAC demonstrated a strong hepatoprotective role against MECE-induced hepatic depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and inhibition of MECE-induced cytosolic Nrf2 activation and antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent genes in rats.

Studying the Effect of Annealing Temperature and Thickness on Electrical Properties of PZT Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Technique

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) film was synthesized by sol-gel technique on a silicon substrate. The raw materials used to synthesize the solution of PZT consist of lead acetate, zirconate nitrate and titanate (IV) isopropoxide and 2methoxy ethanol is used as a stabilizer for Ti structure. Acetic acid is the solvent used to solve lat acetate and zirconate nitrate. The XRD pattern of the sample shows that the film has a tetragonal phase with a perovskite structure. FESEM revealed the surface morphologies and the cross-section of the film. The different thicknesses of film and annealing temperatures are investigated in this work. The dielectric constant was measured at 1 kHz, PZT films have a dielectric constant value ( 312-552 ) and a dielectric loss (0.02-0.08) at ambient temperature. Keywords: PZT film; Lead zirconated titanate; ferroelectric properties; dielectric constant.

Dissociation Constant Studies of 2-Substituted 4-Formylbenzoic Acid based on Conductometric Parameters using Fuoss-Hsia Theories

The dissociation constant is a quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution. This study examines dissociation constant for the series substituted acids like Ortho-alkoxy-4-formylbenzoic acid. The use of (2-methoxy ethanol) as a solvent contributed to the study expected to form free ions or solvent separated ion pair which has been studied with the use conductometric method at different temperatures ranged from 293.15 to 318.15K. The study aims at figuring out dissociation constant, equivalent conductance at infinity dilution, and Walden product by minimization technique using Fuoss-Hsia for both (Modified and Complete) equations. It has been found in the results that the calculated values based on statistical sum square (different between practical and theoretical values) is equivalent conductance at infinity dilution and dissociation constant. It has also been observed that increase the temperature leads to the increase of the molar conductance at infinity dilution, and the increase in association. Moreover, the substituted alkoxy group also affected dissociation of compounds. In this study, the thermodynamic parameters (Ho, Go and So) have also been evaluated and discussed. Finally, the effect of substituent groups on rate of dissociation was studied and explained with agreement to the principles of mesomeric(M) and Inductive effect(I) of substituent groups on dissociation constant.

Tailoring on p-type conductivity of nickel oxide nanostructures by palladium for the detection of 2-methoxy ethanol

Tailoring on p-type conductivity of nickel oxide nanostructures by palladium for the detection of 2-methoxy ethanol

Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene-based shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites containing nano metal-oxide fillers for microfluidic valve actuator applications

We report here a novel and unique thermo-responsive Shape Memory Polyurethane Nanocomposites (SMPUNCs) derived from Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) and Poly Tetra Methylene Glycol (PTMG) blend encapsulated with nano metal oxides fillers such as CuO, NiO, Fe2O3, CuFe2O4, and Fe2NiO4 for possible use in polymer-based microvalve actuator systems. The synthesis methods adopted and the various characterization techniques employed are presented. The corresponding SMPUs are named PU−CuO, PU−Fe2O3, PU-NiO, PU−CuFe2O4, and PU-Fe2NiO4 respectively. HTPB and PTMG are used as the base polyols for reacting with isocyanates to form the polyurethane base matrix, named as PU-Neat for comparison. Different fillers were used to study the effect of these fillers on the enhancement of the shape memory properties of polyurethane. Morphological, thermal, mechanical, and shape-memory properties of the prepared SMPUs are fully characterized. Morphological studies confirm that all the nano-metal oxide fillers are uniformly dispersed within the SMPU matrix. The shape memory transition temperature (Ttrans), which plays an important role in the shape memory effect (SME), is obtained from DSC analysis. The results show that Ttrans is enhanced with the reinforcement of the nano-metal oxide fillers (resulting in about 10% enhancement in the shape recovery time). The metal oxide filler integrated samples show higher thermal stability as well as shape fixing and recovery performances than PU-Neat. The tensile test confirmed that the PU−Fe2O3 matrix possesses a high tensile modulus and is rigid when compared to other SMPUs. We also demonstrated a microvalve actuator system using PU−Fe2O3, as it possesses the optimum shape recovery and better shape fixing properties, compared to other prepared Shape Memory Polyurethane Nanocomposites. An improvement of 10% efficiency in the closing and opening of the valve for PU composite film was observed in the demonstrated actuator setup.

Nanoscale Ultrafine Zinc Metal Anodes for High Stability Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs) are a promising energy storage technology, due to their high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and safety. However, dendrite growth and parasitic reactions occurring at the surface of metallic Zn result in severe instability. Here we report a new method to achieve ultrafine Zn nanograin anodes by using ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) molecules to manipulate zinc nucleation and growth processes. It is demonstrated that EGME complexes with Zn2+ to moderately increase the driving force for nucleation, as well as adsorbs on the Zn surface to prevent H-corrosion and dendritic protuberances by refining the grains. As a result, the nanoscale anode delivers high Coulombic efficiency (ca. 99.5%), long-term cycle life (over 366 days and 8800 cycles), and outstanding compatibility with state-of-the-art cathodes (ZnVO and AC) in full cells. This work offers a new route for interfacial engineering in aqueous metal-ion batteries, with significant implications for the commercial future of AZBs.