Ethylene Oxide Chains Research Articles

Polypiperazine-Based Micelles of Mixed Composition for Gene Delivery.

We introduce a novel concept in nucleic acid delivery based on the use of mixed polymeric micelles (MPMs) as platforms for the preparation of micelleplexes with DNA. MPMs were prepared by the co-assembly of a cationic copolymer, poly(1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-propenone)-b-poly(d,l-lactide), and nonionic poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers. We hypothesize that by introducing nonionic entities incorporated into the mixed co-assembled structures, the mode and strength of DNA binding and DNA accessibility and release could be modulated. The systems were characterized in terms of size, surface potential, buffering capacity, and binding ability to investigate the influence of composition, in particular, the poly(ethylene oxide) chain length on the properties and structure of the MPMs. Endo-lysosomal conditions were simulated to follow the changes in fundamental parameters and behavior of the micelleplexes. The results were interpreted as reflecting the specific structure and composition of the corona and localization of DNA in the corona, predetermined by the poly(ethylene oxide) chain length. A favorable effect of the introduction of the nonionic block copolymer component in the MPMs and micelleplexes thereof was the enhancement of biocompatibility. The slight reduction of the transfection efficiency of the MPM-based micelleplexes compared to that of the single-component polymer micelles was attributed to the premature release of DNA from the MPM-based micelleplexes in the endo-lysosomal compartments.

Impact of tetracyanoethylene plasticizer on PEO based solid polymer electrolytes for improved ionic conductivity and solid-state lithium-ion battery performance

Poly(ethylene oxide) is a promising material for solid-state lithium batteries due to its safety, ease of processing, and compatibility with lithium. However, conventional linear PEO falls short of practical requirements due to its limited ionic conductivity, a consequence of the high crystallinity of its ethylene oxide chains. This crystallinity hinders the movement of lithium ions, limiting its performance in solid-state battery applications. In this study, we successfully prepared the plasticized solid polymer electrolytes (PSPEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/tetracyanoethylene (TCE) complexed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt and studied the effect of TCE on structural, mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of PSPEs. The addition of tetracyanoethylene effectively disrupts the crystallinity of the PEO matrix, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The addition of TCE also enhanced the elongation-at-break of the PEO12-LiTFSI system, indicating improved flexibility. Consequently, the ionic conductivity of the SPEs increases with increasing tetracyanoethylene content, reaching a maximum of 1.14 × 10−4 S/cm at 25 °C for the electrolyte containing 30 wt% of tetracyanoethylene. Furthermore, the plasticized SPEs exhibit a wide electrochemical stability window, as determined by linear sweep voltammetry. Solid-state battery tests demonstrate a high initial discharge capacity of 143.5 mAhg−1 at 0.1C along with good cycling performance.

Molecular dynamic simulation study on effect of anionic–nonionic surfactants on decane desorption from SiO2 surface

During oil production, some amount of crude oil is adsorbed on the rock layer. Therefore, surfactants are needed to detach the residual crude oil from this layer, thereby improving the overall oil recovery rate. In this study, five kinds of anionic–nonionic surfactants were designed by changing the length of ethylene oxide (EO) chains based on the structure of saturated cardanol. 8PO8EOSO3 exhibited good oil-detachment effectiveness, and this was assessed by studying the energy of interface interaction between the solid phase (SiO2) and the liquid phase (oil phase molecules, surfactants, and water). The density distribution data further elucidated that the good interface properties of 8PO8EOSO3 affected the degree of aggregation of the oil phase molecules on the SiO2 surface. This was mainly because the appropriate length of EO chains could realize optimal diffusion coefficients at the oil–water interface. Thus, in the 8PO8EOSO3 system, the oil phase molecules exhibited greater intermolecular distance and weak interactions with SiO2 (radial distribution function). Further, the study of the solid–liquid interface properties and effect of different chain lengths of EO chains on desorption showed that the appropriate number of and EO chains was an important factor in designing the structure of the extended surfactant to ensure that the surfactant realizes a high degree of detachment of the oil phase from SiO2.

Real-Time Monitoring of Electrochemical Reactions in All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries by Simultaneous Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle/Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based composite electrolytes (PCEs) are considered as the promising candidates for next generation lithium metal batteries due to its high safety, easy fabrication and good electrochemical stability. However, the material suffers from low conductivity and high crystallinity of the ethylene oxide (EO) chain, which inhibits its commercialization. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the electrochemcial process as well as Li+ transfer pathway within PEO-based batteries. Using operando grazing-incidence small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS) in Li||Cu cell framework, we find that the electrochemical reaction within the PCE is highly correlated with the evolution of the buried morphology and crystalline structure evolution of the PCE. This two irreversible reactions, PEO-Li+ reduction and TFSI- decomposition, cause changes in both the crystalline structure and morphology of the PCE. In addition, the reversible Li plating/stripping process alters the inner morphology, especially the PEO-LiTFSI domain radius, rather than causing crystalline structure changes. This work provides a new path to monitor a working battery in real time, thereby enabling detailed understanding of electrochemically-induced changes of the microscopic morphology and crystalline structure of PCE, which is essential for developing high transferable and interface stable PCE-based lithium metal batteries. Figure 1

Harnessing Cold Sintering to Fabricate Composite Polymer Electrolytes - A Paradigm Shift in Organic-Inorganic Material Assembly

The development of composite electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries is an emerging field, but the creation of predominantly inorganic electrolytes remains challenging. In this study, Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (Al-LLZO), a ceramic material selected for its high ionic conductivity (1 × 10−4 S.cm−1 at ambient temperature) was shaped by the cold-sintering process (CSP). The organic phase was synthesized by free-radical polymerization of two poly(ethylene oxide) methacrylate derivatives in the presence of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salts (LiTFSI). The polymethacrylate network with dangling poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains was thus obtained. This in situ polymerization allows the one-pot synthesis of the composite electrolyte during CSP. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity of the CSP pellet varied with the nature of the organic phase, ranging from 1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−5 S.cm−1 for non-grafted and grafted TFSI anion on the PEO-based network, respectively. Additionally, the transport of Li+ remained unaffected by the inorganic material’s nature as long as it contained Li species. Furthermore, a significant enhancement of the ionic conductivity was observed in the composite pellet compared to the TFSI grafted network (10−5 to 10−7 S.cm−1, respectively). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed changes in the Al-LLZO||PEO-based polymer interface during CSP with the formation of an interphase, confirmed by a low activation energy value (0.1 eV).

Selective adsorption mechanism of polyoxyethylene alkyl amine in reverse flotation separation of fayalite and magnetite without depressant

Effective flotation separation of magnetite from iron-bearing silicate minerals is difficult with conventional collectors because of their similar surface properties. In this work, polyoxyethylene alkyl amine (PAE), which is easy to prepare and has high surface activity, was used for the reverse flotation separation of fayalite and magnetite for the first time, and its selective adsorption mechanism was revealed. The micro-flotation tests results show that compared with dodecylamine (DDA), the separation effect of PAE on fayalite and magnetite was significantly improved. When pH was 6.5 and PAE dosage was 20 mg/L, the selective separation of fayalite and magnetite can be achieved by reverse flotation without depressant. The results of zeta potential and contact angle measurement shown that PAE was significantly adsorbed on fayalite compared with magnetite, so the hydrophobicity of fayalite treated by PAE was effectively enhanced. In addition, the differential adsorption of PAE on fayalite and magnetite was further verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, where PAE was adsorbed on the surface of fayalite by electrostatic adsorption and hydrogen bonding, while electrostatic repulsion caused PAE to be removed from the surface of magnetite. The angle between the ethylene oxide chains of PAE at adsorption equilibrium reflects the stress state of NH+ and –OH. Therefore, the selective flotation separation of magnetite and fayalite was realized based on the electrical difference of mineral surface and PAE structural characteristics.

Temperature-Insensitive Nonpolar Suspensions of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether-Grafted Silica Nanoparticles.

Nonpolar suspensions of organically modified particles exhibit a strong temperature sensitivity owing to the high-temperature-induced desorption/decomposition and the low-temperature-induced disorder/order conformational transition of the modifiers. This strong temperature sensitivity limits their applications, such as lubricants and oil-based drilling fluids, which require the suspensions to operate over a wide temperature range (e.g., 0-200 °C). We hypothesize that the introduction of a flexible ethylene oxide (EO) chain into the modifiers can disrupt the low-temperature-induced ordered conformation to improve the stability of the nonpolar suspensions. In this article, nonpolar suspensions with temperature insensitivity in the range of 5-160 °C were obtained via the covalent modification of silica NPs and the introduction of EO chains into the modifier molecules. Here, octadecyl-grafted silica NPs (C18-SiO2) and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether-grafted silica NPs (AEOn-SiO2) were synthesized and subsequently dispersed in mineral oil. The rheological properties of each suspension at different temperatures were evaluated, and the thermal stability of AEOn-SiO2 in mineral oil was investigated along with the conformational changes of the grafted chains. In the temperature range of 5-160 °C, the apparent viscosity and gel strength of the C18-SiO2 suspension changed dramatically, whereas the AEOn-SiO2 suspensions exhibited constant rheological properties over this temperature range. This temperature insensitivity of AEOn-SiO2 suspensions is attributed to the excellent thermal stability of AEOn-SiO2 in mineral oil and the disordered conformation of the EO chains upon cooling. This study provides a novel approach to preparing temperature-insensitive nonpolar suspensions, which have potential applications in the petroleum and lubricant industries.

Carboxymethyl chitosan composited poly(ethylene oxide) electrolyte with high ion conductivity and interfacial stability for lithium metal batteries

Low ionic conductivity and poor interface stability of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) restrict the practical application as polymeric electrolyte films to prepare solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries. In this work, biomass-based carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is designed and developed as organic fillers into PEO matrix to form composite electrolytes (PEO@CMCS). Carboxymethyl groups of CMCS fillers can promote the decomposition of Lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonimide) (LiTFSI) to generate more lithium fluoride (LiF) at CMCS/PEO interface, which not only forms ionic conductive network to promote the rapid transfer of Li+ but also effectively enhances the interface stability between polymeric electrolyte and Li metal. The enrichment of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amidogen functional groups within CMCS fillers can form hydrogen bonds with ethylene oxide (EO) chains to improve the tensile properties of PEO-based electrolyte. In addition, the high hardness of CMCS additives can also strengthen mechanical properties of PEO-based electrolyte to resist penetration of Li dendrites. LiLi symmetric batteries can achieve stable cycle for 2500 h and lithium iron phosphate full batteries can maintain 135.5 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles. This work provides a strategy for the enhancement of ion conductivity and interface stability of PEO-based electrolyte, as well as realizes the resource utilization of biomass-based CMCS.

Interaction, Surface Activity, and Application of Mixed Systems of Alcohol Ether Sulfate Anionic Surfactants with Multiple Ethylene Oxide Groups and Gemini Quaternary Ammonium Surfactant.

The surface activities and application properties for the mixtures of cationic surfactants tetramethylene-1,4-bis[N,N-bis(hydroxypropyl)-hexa/decyloxypropylammonium] bromide (GC10-P) and tetramethylene-1,4-bis[N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-hexa/decyloxypropylammonium] bromide (GC10-E) and anionic surfactant isomeric sodium fatty alcohol ether sulfates (iso-AE9S) were investigated using both the tensiometry and the conductometry. The interaction parameters and thermodynamic micellization parameters of GC10-P/iso-AE9S and GC10-E/iso-AE9S mixtures were evaluated by Clint-Rubingh and Motomura theoretical models. When the mole fraction of α1 for GC10-P/iso-AE9S mixed system was 0.2, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) reached a minimum of 1.61 × 10-4 mol/L, and the minimum critical micelle concentration of the GC10-E/iso-AE9S mixed system is 2.67 × 10-5 mol/L at α1 = 0.6. The CMC value of the mixed system is 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than that of any single component. The results indicate that the synergistic effects of the investigated mixed systems (evaluated by βm) are in order of GC10-P/iso-AE9S < GC10-E/iso-AE9S, with maximum βm values of -17.98 and -9.78, respectively. The change in zeta potential indicates that the poly(ethylene oxide) chain has weakened the charge density of the hydrophilic headgroup of the anionic surfactant. The interfacial tension at the oil-water interface in the mixed system of anionic/cationic surfactants is lower than that of any single component, exhibiting a higher interfacial activity. The mixed system exhibits a decreased contact angle and superior wetting ability over any single component, and it also enhances foam performance, emulsification performance, and degreasing performance.

Self-assembly mechanism and application performance in aqueous solutions mediated by ethylene oxide chains in alcohol ether carboxylates and cocamidopropyl betaine

Zwitterionic Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (CAB) and anionic alcohol ether carboxylates have garnered significant attention within the realms of green and colloid chemistry owing to their inherent biocompatibility, multi-responsiveness, and diverse applications. Systematic inquiry into the physicochemical properties, self-assembly mechanisms, and application efficacy of complex systems comprising alcohol ether carboxylate salts with varying ethylene oxide (EO) units (AECnH, n = 5, 7, 9) and CAB-35 in aqueous solutions was undertaken. It was discerned that the optimum physicochemical attributes of the complex system are attained at a molar ratio of AEC of 0.5 (αAEC = 0.5). Incremental augmentation in the number of EO units facilitated the formation of rod-like micelles, exhibiting relatively unstable characteristics, while a reduction in the number of EO units led to the generation of comparatively stable spherical micelles. The self-assembly of micelles in these hybrid systems predominantly hinges upon hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic forces. Furthermore, kinetic analysis validated that the genesis of micelles in all three hybrid systems is propelled by enthalpy, with the adsorption process entailing a mechanism characterized by mixed diffusion-kinetic adsorption. The optimal wetting performance of the complex system was observed at αAEC = 0.5, while the foam performance demonstrated a diminishing trend with escalating αAEC. This comprehensive discourse delineates the synergistic mechanisms and application efficacy of two distinct classes of green surfactants with disparate charges in aqueous solutions, while contemplating the influence of varying numbers of ethylene oxide chains. Not only does it furnish fundamental insights into their properties, but it also proffers a novel standpoint for the exploration of green surfactants.

Exciplex Formation by Complexation of an Electron-Accepting Guest in an Electron-Donating Pillar[5]arene Host Liquid.

We present a novel system, a liquid-state pillar[5]arene decorated with tri(ethylene oxide) chains, that brings electron-donor and electron-acceptor molecules into proximity for efficient exciplex formation. The electron-accepting guests exhibit a blue-purple emission from a localized excited state upon excitation in common solvents. However, directly dissolving the guests in the electron-donating pillar[5]arene liquid (a bulk system) results in visible green emission from the formed exciplexes. In the bulk system, the guest molecules are always surrounded by excess pillar[5]arene molecules, resulting in the formation of mainly inclusion-type exciplexes. In the bulk system, energy migration occurs between the pillar[5]arene molecules. Excitation of the pillar[5]arenes results in a more intense green exciplex emission than that observed upon direct excitation of the guests. In summary, the pillar[5]arene liquid is a novel system for achieving efficient exciplex formation and energy migration that is different from typical solvent and solid systems.

Preparation of Low-Temperature Solution-Processed High-κ Gate Dielectrics Using Organic-Inorganic TiO2 Hybrid Nanoparticles.

Organic-inorganic hybrid dielectric nanomaterials are vital for OTFT applications due to their unique combination of organic dielectric and inorganic properties. Despite the challenges in preparing stable titania (TiO2) nanoparticles, we successfully synthesized colloidally stable organic-inorganic (O-I) TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles using an amphiphilic polymer as a stabilizer through a low-temperature sol-gel process. The resulting O-I TiO2 hybrid sols exhibited long-term stability and formed a high-quality dielectric layer with a high dielectric constant (κ) and minimal leakage current density. We also addressed the effect of the ethylene oxide chain within the hydrophilic segment of the amphiphilic polymer on the dielectric properties of the coating film derived from O-I TiO2 hybrid sols. Using the O-I TiO2 hybrid dielectric layer with excellent insulating properties enhanced the electrical performance of the gate dielectrics, including superior field-effect mobility and stable operation in OTFT devices. We believe that this study provides a reliable method for the preparation of O-I hybrid TiO2 dielectric materials designed to enhance the operational stability and electrical performance of OTFTs.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide) cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes. Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity. In this study, focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE, i.e., the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide) cross-linked network (PVCN), we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions, as well as the lithium-ion motion. By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation, CP (cross-polarization) kinetics, and spin–lattice relaxation experiments, etc., we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities. It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide) chains from crystallization, which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion conduction. As such, the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate) or poly(ethylene oxide) based SPE analogues.

Detailed dynamical features of the slow hydration water in the vicinity of poly(ethylene oxide) chains

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a well-known biocompatible polymer and has widely been used for medical applications. Recently, we have investigated the dynamic behavior of hydration water in the vicinity of PEO chains at physiological temperature and shown the presence of slow water with diffusion coefficient one order of magnitude less than that of bulk water. This could be evidence for the intermediate water that is critical for biocompatibility; however, its detailed dynamical features were not established. In this article, we analyze the quasi-elastic neutron scattering from hydration water through mode distribution analysis and present a microscopic picture of hydration water as well as its relation to cold crystallization.

Effect of Zwitterionic Additives on Solvation and Transport of Sodium and Potassium Cations in (Ethylene Oxide)10: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

Sodium- (Na+) and potassium- (K+) ion batteries are cost-effective alternatives to lithium-ion (Li+) batteries due to the abundant sodium and potassium resources. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are essential for safer and more efficient Na+ and K+ batteries because they often exhibit low ionic conductivity at room temperature. While zwitterionic (ZW) materials enhance Li+ battery conductivity, their potential for Na+ and K+ transport in batteries remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of three ZW molecules (ChoPO4, i.e., 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, ImSO3, i.e., sulfobetaine ethylimidazole, and ImCO2, i.e., carboxybetaine ethylimidazole) on the dissociation of Na+ and K+ coordination with ethylene oxide (EO) chains in EO-based electrolytes through molecular dynamics simulations. Our results showed that ChoPO4 possessed the highest cation-EO10 dissociation ability, while ImSO3 exhibited the lowest. Such dissociation ability correlated with the cation-ZW molecule coordination strength: ChoPO4 and ImSO3 showed the strongest and the weakest coordination with cations. However, the cation-ZW molecule coordination could slow the cationic diffusion. The competition of these effects resulted in accelerating or decelerating cationic diffusion. Our simulated results showed that ImCO2 enhanced Na+ diffusion by 20%, while ChoPO4 and ImSO3 led to a 10% reduction. For K+, ChoPO4 reduced its diffusion by 40%, while ImCO2 and ImSO3 caused a similar decrease of 15%. These findings suggest that the ZW structure and the cationic size play an important role in the ionic dissociation effect of ZW materials.

Structure of polyethylene glycol/water mixtures as a separation medium of aqueous two-phase extraction systems studied by equilibrium analysis of thiocyanato complexation of Cobalt(II)

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been successfully used for the separation of various organic and inorganic compounds as an environmentally benign extraction method. However, a fundamental understanding of the role of the hydration structures around PEG chains in solute partitioning in ATPS remains elusive although it has been considered that PEG molecules are involved in separation. In the present work, the equilibria of Co(II) thiocyanate complexation reaction in aqueous PEG solutions were studied by spectrophotometry with varying ethylene oxide chain length and concentration of PEG. From the formation constants of the tetrahedral and octahedral Co(II) thiocyanate complexes obtained, a microheterogeneous structure consisting of pseudo phases formed by hydration of ethylene oxide (EO) chain and terminal hydroxyl (OH) groups in the PEG molecule in addition to the bulk water phase was estimated. It was revealed that the formation of tetrahedral Co(NCS)42− complex proceeds in the EO pseudo phase by the involvement of hydrophobic ethylene groups, while the OH phase and the bulk phase inhibit the progress of the reaction. This indicates that Co(NCS)42− is stable in hydrophobic hydration structure of water around the EO moiety. The EO phase imparts hydrophobicity to aqueous PEG solutions and plays a predominant role in partition of solute molecules in PEG-based ATPS.

An integrated "rigid-flexible" strategy by side chain engineering towards high ion-conduction cationic covalent organic framework electrolytes.

In recent years, solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) have become a new development trend, and it has become a top priority to design solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) that can rapidly and stably transport lithium ions in a variety of climatic environments. In this work, an integrated "rigid-flexible" dual-functional strategy is proposed to develop a cationic covalent organic framework (EO-BIm-iCOF) with well-defined flexible oligo(ethylene oxide) (EO) chains as an SSE for SSLMBs. As expected, the synergistic effects of the rigid cationic framework and flexible EO chains not only promote the dissociation of LiTFSI salts, but also greatly improve the transport of lithium ions, which endows LITFSI@EO-BIm-iCOF SSEs with a high Li+ conductivity of 1.08 × 10-4 S cm-1 and ionic transference number of 0.69 at room temperature. Besides, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have also elucidated the diffusion and transport mechanism of lithium ions in LITFSI@EO-BIm-iCOF SSEs. Interestingly, the assembled SSLMBs wherein LiFePO4 is paired with LITFSI@EO-BIm-iCOF SSEs display decent electrochemical properties at higher and lower temperatures. This work provides a great development prospect for the application of cationic COFs in solid-state batteries.

Ordered nanoassemblies from self‐assembly of amphiphilic molecule containing pillar[5]arene and azobenzene groups

AbstractThe derivatization of pillar[n]arenes is a prerequisite for endowing them with functions, as well as enriching the application of pillar[n]arene materials in advanced material science. Herein, we report the self‐assembly of amphiphilic rim‐differentiated pillar[5]arene (H1). One side of the pillar[5]arene is composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) chains, benzene and azobenzene groups connected with ether bonds, and the other side is composed of ethoxy groups. In CHCl3 solvent, the amphiphile H1 self‐assembled into spherical micelles, while in H2O/THF mixed solvent H1 self‐assembled into nanorod‐like assemblies. Interestingly, addition of a guest molecule composed of tetraphenylethene and hexanenitrile groups (G1) to the CHCl3 solution of H1 produces large sheet aggregates via the strong π–π stacking of rod segments. The reversible transformation between the nanosheet assemblies of host–guest complexes and nanoparticles is achieved by addition of the guest molecule 1,4‐butylamine (G2) and pillar[5]arene with ethoxy groups as competitive molecules. Notably, worm‐like and nanorod micelles of H1 were constructed in H2O/THF solution triggered by light irradiation, which assemblies can be used as photosensitive erasable writing materials. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Anion-Immobilized Gel Polymer Electrolyte with a High Ion Transference Number for High-Performance Lithium/Sodium Metal Batteries.

Due to their high energy density, lithium/sodium metal batteries (LMBs/SMBs) are expected to be the next generation of energy storage systems. However, the further application of alkali metal batteries based on liquid electrolytes is limited due to increasing safety concerns. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), which combine the advantages of the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes and excellent mechanical properties of solid polymer electrolytes, are considered to play an irreplaceable role in the realization of high-performance alkali metal batteries. In this work, a flexible boron-containing GPE (B-GPE) with a cross-linked polymer network structure is prepared by a UV-induced process. The as-prepared B-GPE exhibits good ionic conductivity and has an extremely high ion transference number due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the boron moiety and the facile electrolyte uptake ability of the ethylene oxide chain. Furthermore, a "gentle" electrode/electrolyte contact is designed by a one-step in situ polymerization method, which can enhance ion transport within the electrode and at the electrode/electrolyte interface due to the presence of a continuous polymer phase for ion conduction. Therefore, LMBs and SMBs containing B-GPE are able to effectively inhibit the growth of dendrites while exhibiting excellent cycling stability. These comprehensive results indicate that this novel B-GPE possesses potential applications for high-performance alkali metal batteries.

Emerging Treatment Options of Pluronic in Designing Colloidal Nano and Microcarriers Carriers for Various Therapies.

Poloxamers, commonly known as Pluronics, are a special family of synthetic tri-block copolymers with a core structure made of hydrophobic poly (propylene oxide) chains sandwiched by two hydrophilic poly (ethylene oxide) chains. It is possible to modify the mechanical, bioactive, and microstructural characteristics of Pluronics to simulate the behavior of different types of tissues. Additionally, they are auspicious drug carriers with the capacity to increase therapeutic agent availability and to design nano-drug formulations for various ailments. The nanoformulation composed of Pluronics is more susceptible to cancer cells due to their amphiphilic nature and feature of selfassembling into micelles. Today's expanding poloxamer research is creating new hopes that increase the possibility of new remedies for a brand-new nanomedicine age treatment. This article provides a concise overview of the classification, grading, and attributes of drug delivery systems (DDSs) as well as the potential for Pluronics to create micro and nanocarriers. We subsequently discuss its utility in drug delivery for cancer, gene therapy, anti-infective therapy, antioxidants, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-HIV, Alzheimer's disease, and antimicrobial drugs. This review also highlighted several patented formulations that contain various grades of Pluronics in one or more different ways. The recent findings in fundamental research in the field properly demonstrate the strong interest in these novel pharmaceutical strategies.