Glycol Derivatives Research Articles

Honokiol-Based Nanomedicine Decorated with Ethylene Glycols Derivatives Promotes Antitumor Efficacy.

Honokiol-loaded nanoparticles (HK-loaded NPs) exhibit potential antitumor activity; however, the factors affecting their antitumor efficacy are still unclear and need to be explored. This research was aimed to systematically estimate the influence of feed weight ratio (FWR) and nanocarrier structure on antitumor activity. Accordingly, three types of ethylene glycol derivatives, including linear poly(ethylene glycol) with molar mass of 2000 (PEG45), first and second generation oligo(ethylene glycol) dendrons (G1 and G2) were used as nanocarriers, and a series of HK-loaded NPs with different FWR were prepared successfully using the evaporation-ultrasonication method. These NPs showed similar stability but demonstrated differences with respect to particle size, morphology, cumulative profile, and antitumor efficacy. The influence of the FWR was studied using G1 dendrons as nanocarriers; the results indicated that the particle size and morphology of G1 NPs were significantly affected, and G1 NPs (8/1), with the FWR of 8/1 for HK versus G1 dendron, exhibited the highest antitumor activity among all G1 NPs. Furthermore, the influence of nanocarrier structure was investigated at the FWR of 4/1; the findings revealed reduction in the particle diameter from 280 nm to 109 nm and change in morphology from sphere to flower-like structure with an increase in the branch degree from linear to dendron. Moreover, G2 NPs (4/1), with the FWR of 4/1 for HK versus G2 dendron, carrying the highest branch degree exhibited the greatest antitumor efficacy among all. These results are suggestive of influence of particle size and morphology on antitumor efficacy of HK-loaded NPs. Conclusively, this study demonstrated nanocarrier structure and the FWR significantly affect the antitumor efficacy of NPs, which should be optimized for designing nanoscale delivery systems.

PEGylation of Guanidinium and Indole Bearing Poly(methacrylamide)s - Biocompatible Terpolymers for pDNA Delivery.

This study describes the first example for shielding of a high performing terpolymer that consists of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N-(3-guanidinopropyl)methacrylamide (GPMA), and N-(2-indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by block copolymerization of a polyethylene glycol derivative - poly(nona(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) (P(MEO9 MA)) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) is varied from 3 to 40 kg mol-1 while the comonomer content of HPMA, GPMA, and IEMA is kept comparable. The influence of P(MEO9 MA) block with various molecular weights is investigated over cytotoxicity, plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding, and transfection efficiency of the resulting polyplexes. Overall, the increase in molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) block demonstrates excellent biocompatibility with higher cell viability in L-929 cells and an efficient binding to pDNA at N/P ratio of 2. The significant transfection efficiency in CHO-K1 cells at N/P ratio 20 is obtained for block copolymers with molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) up to 10 kg mol-1 . Moreover, a fluorescently labeled analogue of P(MEO9 MA), bearing perylene monoimide methacrylamide (PMIM), is introduced as a comonomer in RAFT polymerization. Polyplexes consisting of labeled block copolymer with 20 kg mol-1 of P(MEO9 MA) and pDNA are incubated in Hela cells and investigated through structured illumination microscopy (SIM).

Morphologically Diverse Micro- and Macrostructures Created via Solvent Evaporation-Induced Assembly of Fluorescent Spherical Particles in the Presence of Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives.

The creation of fluorescent micro- and macrostructures with the desired morphologies and sizes is of considerable importance due to their intrinsic functions and performance. However, it is still challenging to modulate the morphology of fluorescent organic materials and to obtain insight into the factors governing the morphological evolution. We present a facile bottom-up approach to constructing diverse micro- and macrostructures by connecting fluorescent spherical particles (SPs), which are generated via the spherical assembly of photoisomerizable azobenzene-based propeller-shaped chromophores, only with the help of commercially available polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives. Without any extra additives, solvent evaporation created a slow morphological evolution of the SPs from short linear chains (with a length of a few micrometers) to larger, interconnected networks and sheet structures (ranging from tens to >100 µm) at the air–liquid interface. Their morphologies and sizes were significantly dependent on the fraction and length of the PEG. Our experimental results suggest that noncovalent interactions (such as hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding) between the amphiphilic PEG chains and the relatively hydrophobic SPs were weak in aqueous solutions, but play a crucial role in creating the morphologically diverse micro- and macrostructures. Moreover, short-term irradiation with visible light caused fast morphological crumpling and fluorescence switching of the obtained structures.

Effective Na+-Binding Ability and Molecular Assembly of an Alkylamide-Substituted Penta(ethylene)glycol Derivative.

A new amphiphilic penta(ethylene glycol) derivative (1) bearing two hydrogen-bonding -CONHC14H29 chains was prepared. Compound 1 exhibited ion-recognition abilities for Na+ and K+, and its properties were compared with those of the macrocyclic [18]crown-6. Although both compound 1 and [18]crown-6 have six ether oxygen atoms (-OC2H2-), the Na+-binding ability of the former was much higher than that of the latter. K+-binding ability of cyclic [18]crown-6 was much higher than its Na+-binding ability, while the reverse was true for acyclic compound 1. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of Na+·1·B(Ph)4-·(hexane)2 at 100 K revealed the existence of a wrapped Na+-coordination by six ether and one carbonyl oxygen atoms of 1, which was further stabilized by intramolecular N-H···O═ hydrogen-bonding interactions. The complex phase transition during glass (G) formation and recrystallization was confirmed in the thermal cycle of Na+·1·B(Ph)4-, whose molten state showed two kinds of liquid phases, Na+-complexed (Na+·1) + B(Ph)4- and completely dissociated Na+ + 1 + B(Ph)4-. The Na+ conductivity of the molten state was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the G phase.

Poland’s PKN Orlen plans big expansion

PKN Orlen is investing in what it calls Europe’s largest petrochemical project in 20 years. The $3.7 billion project, in Płock, Poland, will include an ethylene cracker with 740,000 metric tons of capacity, as well as new units for ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivatives. As part of the effort, PKN will mothball a 40-year-old ethylene cracker on the site. The company aims to complete the project early in 2024.

RATIONAL DISPOSAL OF PET CONTAINING WASTE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF NEW POLYMERS

As a result of the research on the utilization of polyethylene terephthalate-containing household waste, a promising direction was identified in the production of a new type of secondary polyethylene terephthalate (SPET) - unsaturated polyesters. It was revealed that the final product, which formed when the alcoholization process is complete in any proportion of of glycol and secondary polyethylene terephthalate, is the bisalkylent terephthalate of terephthalic acid; the content of the alcoholysis product consists of bisalkylent terephthalate, different molecule mass, functionally hydroxyl-containing complex polyester polyol and free diols. The laws of alcoholization of secondary polyethylene terephthalate have been studied and the mechanism has been established. Studies have shown that, in contrast to existing theories, such as the formation of ethylene glycol in the polycondensation of phthalic anhydride bisalkylene glycol derivatives, the increase in ethylene glycol in the process was found to be due to the exchange of diethylene glycol in the macrochain. The formation of unsaturated polyesters goes stage by stage, first ethylene-, diethylene glycol acid esters are formed, then they are exposed to hydroxyl-containing oligomers - secondary polyethylene terephthalate alcohol products. A mathematical model of the process of alcoholization of SPET and diethylene glycol was created, studies showed that the difference between the values obtained as a result of the mathematical model and experiments are less than 5%. The unsaturated polyesters were synthesized on the basis of SPET alcoholization products. Many of them have shown their superiority over unsaturated polyesters PN-1, PN-3, PN-15, which are used in industry for general purposes. By developing unsaturated polyesters on the basis of secondary polyethylene terephthalate alcohol products, it was found that the structure of these polyesters is close to that of imported resins "Body", 196, 196A, used in industry.

Determination of Organic Compounds, Fulvic Acid, Humic Acid, and Humin in Peat and Sapropel Alkaline Extracts.

Black, brown, and light peat and sapropel were analyzed as natural sources of organic and humic substances. These specific substances are applicable in industry, agriculture, the environment, and biomedicine with well-known and novel approaches. Analysis of the organic compounds fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin in different peat and sapropel extracts from Lithuania was performed in this study. The dominant organic compound was bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) carbonate, which varied from 6.90% to 25.68% in peat extracts. The highest mass fraction of malonic acid amide was in the sapropel extract; it varied from 12.44% to 26.84%. Significant amounts of acetohydroxamic, lactic, and glycolic acid derivatives were identified in peat and sapropel extracts. Comparing the two extraction methods, it was concluded that active maceration was more efficient than ultrasound extraction in yielding higher amounts of organic compounds. The highest amounts of fulvic acid (1%) and humic acid and humin (15.3%) were determined in pure brown peat samples. This research on humic substances is useful to characterize the peat of different origins, to develop possible aspects of standardization, and to describe potential of the chemical constituents.

Designing amphiphilic branched polymers for supramolecular self-assembly

Recently, researchers are exploring the potential of polymer chemistry a lot in therapeutics. In conventional non-targeted polymeric drug delivery, an array of unwanted side effects was identified due to the release and distribution of therapeutic molecules into healthy cells. Consistent efforts are made to diminish such effects by encapsulating drug molecules into a well-developed stimuli-responsive nanocarrier that directly affects cells. Herein, we have designed to synthesize a nanocarrier, which was developed to carry any hydrophobic drug moiety through the bloodstream and finally target the infected area. For the greater assembly of molecules in the aqueous medium, we have incorporated self-assembly criteria into our design in the simplest way. Caprolactone (hydrophobic) and polyethylene glycol derivative (hydrophilic) were carefully chosen as the components to integrate amphiphilicity to the system to guarantee well organized self-assembled structures. Click chemistry (being stereospecific, simple to perform, broad in scope and most importantly high yielding) is a very productive method that is used in the synthetic procedure of connecting the new initiator molecule with the hydrophilic and hydrophobic part of the system. It is done just after the successful process of ring-opening polymerization. The critical micelle concentration of the self-assembled nanocarrier was found to be 235 μg/mL and the hydrodynamic radius measured using dynamic light scattering was noted as 24 nm. The micelles formed in aqueous solution were observed as spherical in shape under scanning electron microscope as well as transmission electron microscope.

Maltotriose-Chlorin e6 Conjugate Linked via Tetraethyleneglycol as an Advanced Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy. Synthesis and Antitumor Activities against Canine and Mouse Mammary Carcinoma Cells.

Glycoconjugated chlorins represent a promising class of compounds that meet the requirements for the third-generation photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). We have focused on the use of glucose (Glc) to improve the performance of the PS based on the Warburg effect—a phenomenon where tumors consume higher Glc levels than normal cells. However, as a matter of fact, Glc-conjugation has a poor efficacy in hydrophilic modification; thus, the resultant PS is not suitable for intravenous injection. In this study, a Glc-based oligosaccharide, such as maltotriose (Mal3), is conjugated to chlorin e6 (Ce6). The conjugation is assisted by two additional molecular tools, such as propargyl amine and a tetraethylene glycol (TEG) derivative. This route produced the target Mal3–Ce6 conjugate linked via the TEG spacer (Mal3–TEG–Ce6), which shows the required photoabsorption properties in the physiological media. The PDT test using canine mammary carcinoma (SNP) cells suggested that the antitumor activity of Mal3–TEG–Ce6 is extremely high. Furthermore, in vitro tests against mouse mammary carcinoma (EMT6) cells have been demonstrated, providing insights into the photocytotoxicity, subcellular localization, and analysis of cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for the PDT system with Mal3–TEG–Ce6. Both apoptosis and necrosis of the EMT6 cells occur by ROS that is generated via the photochemical reaction between Mal3–TEG–Ce6 and molecular oxygen. Consequently, Mal3–TEG–Ce6 is shown to be a PS showing the currently desired properties.

Macroporous chitosan/methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) based cryosponges with unique morphology for tissue engineering applications

Three-dimensional porous scaffolds are widely employed in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for their ability to carry bioactives and cells; and for their platform properties to allow for bridging-the-gap within an injured tissue. This study describes the effect of various methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) derivatives (mPEG (-OCH3 functionality), mPEG-aldehyde (mPEG-CHO) and mPEG-acetic acid (mPEG-COOH)) on the morphology and physical properties of chemically crosslinked, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), chitosan (CHT)/mPEG blend cryosponges. Physicochemical and molecular characterization revealed that the –CHO and –COOH functional groups in mPEG derivatives interacted with the –NH2 functionality of the chitosan chain. The distinguishing feature of the cryosponges was their unique morphological features such as fringe thread-, pebble-, curved quartz crystal-, crystal flower-; and canyon-like structures. The morphological data was well corroborated by the image processing data and physisorption curves corresponding to Type II isotherm with open hysteresis loops. Functionalization of mPEG had no evident influence on the macro-mechanical properties of the cryosponges but increased the matrix strength as determined by the rheomechanical analyses. The cryosponges were able to deliver bioactives (dexamethasone and curcumin) over 10 days, showed varied matrix degradation profiles, and supported neuronal cells on the matrix surface. In addition, in silico simulations confirmed the compatibility and molecular stability of the CHT/mPEG blend compositions. In conclusion, the study confirmed that significant morphological variations may be induced by minimal functionalization and crosslinking of biomaterials.

Synthesis and Characterization of Dendritic and Linear Glycol Methacrylates and Their Performance as Marine Antifouling Coatings.

Dendritic polyglycerol (PG) was covalently coupled to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by an anionically catalyzed ring-opening polymerization generating a dendritic PG-HEMA with four PG repetition units (PG4MA). Coatings of the methacrylate monomer were prepared by grafting-through and compared against commercially available hydrophilic monomers of HEMA, poly(ethylene) glycol methacrylate (PEGMA), and poly(propylene) glycol methacrylate (PPGMA). The obtained coatings were characterized by modern surface analytical techniques, including water contact angle goniometry (sessile and captive bubble), attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The antifouling (AF) and fouling-release (FR) properties of the coatings were tested against the model organisms Cobetia marina and Navicula perminuta in laboratory-scale dynamic accumulation assays as well as in a dynamic short-term field exposure (DSFE) in the marine environment. In addition, the hydration of the coatings and their susceptibility toward silt uptake were evaluated, revealing a strong correlation between water uptake, silt incorporation, and field assay performance. While all glycol derivatives showed good resistance in laboratory settlement experiments, PPGMA turned out to be less susceptible to silt incorporation and outperformed PEGMA and PG4MA in the DSFE assay.

Effect of ozone treatment on softwood soda lignin-based water reducer performance for concrete

A lignin-based water reducer for concrete was prepared from softwood soda lignin. The soda lignin and the lignin-polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative were modified with ozone to improve their performance as water reducers. The performance of ozone-treated soda lignin was superior than untreated soda lignin and commercial lignosulfonate-type water reducers in the mortar flow test. The soda lignin treated with a high ozone charge showed better performance than lignin treated with a low ozone charge. The ozone treatment improved the performance of the lignin-PEG derivative water reducer as well. The lignin-PEG derivative water reducer with a longer PEG chain length showed better performance than that of the shorter PEG chain. The zeta potential of cement suspension with the ozone-treated soda lignin showed a higher negative value than the untreated soda lignin. The data of zeta potential analysis suggested that the electrostatic repulsion force of cement particles with the ozone-treated lignin would be larger than the untreated lignin.

Hybridizing rational designed hydrophobic PEG-based derivatives into nanoporous F–SiO2 as form-stable phase change materials for melt-spun PA6 phase change fibers with a superior washing durability

Melt-spinning of novel phase change fibers (PCFs) capable of management of thermal energy is an ideal solution to smartly regulate the human body's microenvironment temperature. The development of these fibers as well as fabrics is however limited by the number of available phase change materials (PCMs) given their currently facing low heat resistance and poor washing durability. We present here a hybridized form-stable phase change material (FSPCM) with rationally designed polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives as functional material and nano-porous fumed silica (F–SiO2) as a supporter; featuring a high heat resistance of 303.5 °C and enhanced hydrophobicity. Such FSPCMs can be successfully incorporated into melt-spun polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers for the fabrication of PCF with smart thermal management performance, delivering not only a high enthalpy of 11.1 J/g but also superior washing durability (e.g. 90 °C for 1 h). The excellent energy storage thermostat and service performances of these fibers demonstrate their promising application in intelligent thermal management clothing.

Molecular configuration-mediated thermo-responsiveness in oligo(ethylene glycol) derivatives attached on gold nanoparticles.

Biomolecular systems actively control their local environment on a sub-nm scale via changes in molecular configuration from their flexible structures and derive emergent functions. Although this functional emergence based on local environmental control is attracting a great deal of attention in chemistry, it remains challenging to realize this artificially. Herein, we report the tuning of the thermo-responsive properties of oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) derivatives attached on gold nanoparticles via local environmental control not only by the hydrophobic moiety at their terminus but also by their molecular configuration. OEG-attached alkane thiol-modified AuNPs showed thermo-responsive assembly/disassembly in water through the hydration/dehydration of the OEG portions in a manner dependent both on the hydrophobicity at their terminus and the surface curvature of the core nanoparticles. Further, the assembly temperature (TA) was also tuned by ligand mixing with a non-thermo-responsive ligand with a shorter OEG length. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the distribution of the hydrophobic terminus in the normal direction along the gold surface varied in accordance with the surface curvature, indicating variations in molecular configuration. It is expected that a bent configuration could accelerate the thermo-responsiveness of OEG by allowing them greater accessibility to the hydrophobic terminus. Experimental and simulation results support the notion that local OEG density tuning by surface curvature or ligand mixing with a different OEG length leads to different degrees of accessibility to the hydrophobic terminus via changes in molecular configuration, promoting local environmental control-directed assembly temperature tuning.

Integrating molecular design and crystal engineering approaches in non-humidified intermediate-temperature proton conductors based on a Dawson-type polyoxometalate and poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.

Anionic metal-oxygen clusters known as polyoxometalates (POMs) have been widely researched as components of proton conductors. While proton conduction under non-humidified intermediate-temperature (100-250 °C) conditions is advantageous from the viewpoint of kinetics, few solid-state materials, not to mention POM-based crystals, show truly effective proton conduction without the aid of water vapor. In this context, non-volatile proton-conductive polymers have been confined into POM-based frameworks, while fast proton conduction was infeasible. Herein, we demonstrate a new strategy to synthesize POM-polymer composites exhibiting fast proton conduction under non-humidified intermediate-temperature conditions. Specifically, a molecular design approach utilizing poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) of different terminal groups or chain lengths controls the proton carrier density, and a crystal engineering approach using a large Dawson-type POM ([α-P2W18O62]6-) with an anisotropic molecular shape and alkali metal ions as counter cations fine-tunes the mobility of the confined PEGs as proton carriers. By integrating these approaches, proton conductivity over 10-4 S cm-1 at 150 °C, comparable to the well-known highly proton-conductive solid-state materials, is achieved. The proton conduction mechanism is discussed with alternative current impedance spectroscopy jointly with specific heat capacity measurements and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Supramolecular nanomedicine for selective cancer therapy via sequential responsiveness to reactive oxygen species and glutathione.

Cancer cells are generally immersed in an oxidative stress environment with a high intracellular reduction level. Thus, nanocarriers with sequential responsiveness to oxidative and reductive species, matching the traits of high oxidation in the tumor tissue microenvironment and high reduction potential inside cancer cells, are highly desired for specific cancer therapy. Herein, we report a supramolecular nanomedicine comprised of a reduction-responsive nanoparticle (NP) core whose surface was modified by an oxidation-responsive polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative via strong host-guest interactions. In this delicate design, the PEGylation of NPs not only reduced their immunogenicity and extended systemic circulation, but also enabled oxidation-responsive de-PEGylation in the tumor tissues and subsequent intracellular payload release in response to glutathione (GSH) inside tumor cells. As a proof of concept, this supramolecular nanomedicine exhibited specific chemotherapeutic effects against cancer in vitro and in vivo with a decent safety profile.

Impact of gamma-irradiated silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on growth, lipid, and carbohydrates of Chlorella vulgaris and Dictyochloropsis splendida.

ABSTRACT In this study, the biosynthesis of extracellular silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was obtained using Pseudomonas aeruginosasupernatant integrated with gamma radiation. The biosynthesis was confirmed by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) recorded the spherical nanoparticle sizes of 10 nm, while the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) recorded the size range of 6.7 to 12.1 nm (84.2%) and the particles were monodispersed. The Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopic analysis of the bacterial filtrate suggested the presence of ethylene glycol derivatives, which may act as a reducing agent. In addition, the impact of synthesized AgNPs on the cell growth and metabolite contents of Chlorella vulgaris and Dictyochloropsis splendida was evaluated. The low AgNPs concentrations (1, 3, and 5 mg L-1) enhanced the lipid production but at the expense of cell growth. All AgNPs concentrations however displayed negative effects on the carbohydrates content. The fatty acid profile of the microalgal species studied was significantly affected by the addition of AgNPs. The saturated fatty acids represented the highest composition (61–67%) of the total fatty acids, and palmitic acids (16:0) were dominant (43.06–46.57%). Lipids of this composition could withstand autoxidation during storage and are perfect feedstock for biodiesel and other lipid-based applications.Not StartedCompletedRejected

Glutathione sensitive vesicles prepared from supramolecular amphiphiles.

Glutathione (GSH) sensitive vesicles were prepared by the self-assembly of amphiphilic inclusion complexes. These novel chemically sensitive supramolecular amphiphiles are anticipated to have applications in drug delivery; the nanocarriers can protect the encapsulated cargo and release it via triggered degradation in high concentrations of GSH. Additionally, the sensitivity of the vesicles to GSH indicates that the dynamic covalent disulfide bond at the vesicle surface can be used for post-modification of the nanocarrier via a thiol-disulfide exchange, a strategy that can be exploited to introduce targeting moieties to increase treatment specificity. Supramolecular amphiphiles containing a dynamic covalent disulfide bond were prepared via the host-guest inclusion complexes between alkylated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) hosts and adamantane terminated polyethylene glycol derivatives. The significant difference between the critical micelle concentrations of the supramolecular amphiphiles and the individual host and guest components confirmed that a unique supramolecular amphiphile was formed. Fluorescence experiments and dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the supramolecular amphiphiles self-assembled into vesicles of 130 nm diameter which were stable for 8 months. Degradation of the vesicles after incubation with GSH was monitored using DLS and by the release of encapsulated 5,6-carboxyfluorescein (CF), observed by an increase in fluorescence intensity. Degradation of the nanocarrier was faster at intracellular GSH concentrations than at extracellular GSH concentrations.

Lithium‐Chelating Resins Functionalized with Oligoethylene Glycols toward Lithium‐Ion Battery Recycling

AbstractRecycling spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is an important consideration both to preserve metal resources and to reduce hazardous waste. One recycling method is to extract lithium and cobalt ions using organic solvents that contain battery components. However, it is hard to achieve the complete separation of metal ions and this also requires multiple steps. Herein, functionalized polymeric resins are reported, that can capture both lithium and cobalt ions from organic solutions and separate them chromatographically. Specifically, Merrifield resin is functionalized with oligoethylene glycol derivatives, which are structurally similar to crown‐ethers. To test the lithium‐ion depletion, these resins are incubated with bulk solutions of lithium cations at ≈50 ppm in acetonitrile. The results showed 30–45% depletion after filtration in optimal cases. To test this polymer support for chromatographic separation and check the potential for LIB recycling, a column is packed with the functionalized resin beads, and a mixture of lithium (≈200 ppm) and cobalt (≈200 ppm) ions is loaded. The column can achieve baseline separation of these ions and can be used multiple times without degradation. These results suggest that the current solvent extraction steps during recycling processes can be greatly simplified.

New Insights into the Structure of Glycols and Derivatives: A Comparative X-Ray Diffraction, Raman and Molecular Dynamics Study of Ethane-1,2-Diol, 2-Methoxyethan-1-ol and 1,2-Dimethoxy Ethane

In this study, we report a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of three glycol derivatives, namely ethane-1,2-diol, 2-methoxyethan-1-ol and 1,2-dimethoxy ethane. For the first time, the X-ray spectra of the latter two liquids was measured at room temperature, and they were compared with the newly measured spectrum of ethane-1,2-diol. The experimental diffraction patterns were interpreted very satisfactorily with molecular dynamics calculations, and suggest that in liquid ethane-1,2-diol most molecules are found in gauche conformation, with intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the two hydroxyl groups. Intramolecular H-bonds are established in the mono-alkylated diol, but the interaction is weaker. The EDXD study also evidences strong intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions, with short O···O correlations in both systems, while longer methyl-methyl interactions are found in 1,2-dimethoxy ethane. X-ray studies are complemented by micro Raman investigations at room temperature and at 80 °C, that confirm the conformational analysis predicted by X-ray experiments and simulations.