Multifunctional Poly Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of PNM@IAM core-shell microgels through inverse emulsion polymerization and its application for heavy metal ions capture

In this study, thermo and pH-sensitive multifunctional poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co- N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide, Poly(NIPAAm-co-MBA) - (N-4-amino-2-methylene-4-oxobutanoic acid, IAM) named as (PNM@IAM) core-shell microgels are synthesized by inverse microemulsion polymerization technique using two monomers, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and N-4-amino-2-methylene-4-oxobutanoic acid (IAM). The formation of the microgels are confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra. The light transmittance study shows that the microgels prepared at different concentrations and pHs exhibit different physical properties. The phase transition temperature is increased with the addition of IAM. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis reveals that the swelling of the microgels at basic environment is due to the deprotonation of the weak acid groups in IAM. The metal ion chelating test shows that the core-shell PNM@IAM could effectively absorb metal ions in highly basic environment. The absorption and release of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution could be controlled by adjusting the pH of the reaction environment.

Abstract 5811: Epigenetic regulation of chromosomal instability in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women with breast cancer. Chromosomal instability (CIN) has emerged as a hallmark of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as it has recently been shown to promote metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which CIN drives metastasis are not completely understood. We have identified a discrete population of highly metastatic SOX2/OCT4+ cells expressing elevated levels of epigenetic regulator EZH2 associated with increased CIN in both human and mouse TNBC. EZH2 histone methyl transferase (HMT) is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), represses target genes through trimethylation of Histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Importantly, genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of EZH2 lead to reduction of CIN and impaired metastasis. These findings led to the hypothesis that EZH2-mediated CIN constitutes a novel mechanism of metastasis regulation. To directly demonstrate epigenetic regulation of CIN, we used genome wide-Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) in parallel with RNA-seq. Gene set enrichment of EZH2-repressed target genes directly implicated the spindle formation pathway network. The central core of this network comprised of tankyrase (TNKS), a multifunctional poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) previously implicated in DNA repair, telomere function and centrosome maturation. ChIP-PCR confirmed that EZH2 directly binds to the TNKS promoter, and CRISPR knockout of TNKS abrogated the ability of EZH2 inhibition in suppressing CIN, consistent with pharmacological inhibition of TNKS. More specifically, dysregulation of TNKS by EZH2 in OCT4/SOX2+ cells lead to increased numbers of centrosomes and multipolar mitosis. To directly demonstrate the role of aberrant H3K27me3 in regulating chromosomal segregation during mitosis, we used dCas9-EZH2 or dCas9-EZH2 catalytically dead mutant together with chromosome-specific CRISPR guides to ectopically enhance H3K27 trimethylation at the pericentromeric region of specific chromosomes. Ectopic deposition of EZH2 at pericentromeric regions lead to increased CIN. Conceptually, our work provides an unappreciated link between epigenetic regulation and CIN which have been hitherto studied in isolation. From a clinical perspective, demonstrating epigenetic regulation of CIN has opened the possibility for the development of first CIN suppressive therapeutic strategies targeting TNBC metastasis. Citation Format: Yang Bai, Albert Agustinus, Cem Meydan, Dylan R. McNally, Shira Yomtoubian, Liron Yoffe, Ari M. Melnick, Samuel Bakhoum, Vivek Mittal. Epigenetic regulation of chromosomal instability in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5811.

Lead(II) sulfide micro‐crystals doped graphene nanosheets dispersed thermoplastic and multifunctional poly(benzoxazines) cured epoxy resin nanocomposites for medium temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

AbstractThe amphiphilic polybenzoxazines‐co‐epoxy membrane (POPBOs/PTGP) was created by thermally cross‐linking the multi‐functional octylamine‐based benzoxazine monomer (OPBOs) with synthesized 1,3,5‐tris(oxiran‐2‐yl methoxy)benzene epoxy monomer (TGP). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the functionality, crystallinity, and morphology of microcrystal lead(II) sulfide (PbS)/graphene nanosheets (mPbS/GNs). The bare POPBOs/PTGP and different amounts of mPbS/GNs dispersed polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) were obtained from the thermal curing process. Following that, these PNCs were used in medium‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), swelling ratio, oxidative stability, and proton conductivity (PC) of bare and loaded mPbS/GNs hybrid nanostructures on POPBOs/PTGP composite membranes were determined. 3 wt% mPbS/GNs distributed with POPBOs/PTGP PNCs exhibit the highest IEC value of 3.61 mmol/g−1 at room temperature, and a PC value of around 6.33 × 10−2 S/cm−1 at 120°C was obtained for the POPBOs/PTGP PNCs. In addition, the single‐cell electrode analysis of the 3 wt% mPbS/GNs‐filled POPBOs/PTGP amphiphilic PNCs showed excellent peak power density and open circuit voltage values of 0.897 W cm−2 and 0.97 V at 120°C.

Multifunctional poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) composites with MoS2 for food packaging applications

Bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was reinforced with MoS2 nanosheets for developing multifunctional polymer composites toward active and smart packaging applications. The tensile elastic modulus was drastically increased at low concentrations of filler, even by a factor of 2.0 at only 0.5 wt% of MoS2, barely affecting the elongation at break. The nanoparticles further modified the surface characteristics of the PHB, increasing the wettability at low concentrations and reducing its roughness and topography. Regarding the barrier properties, 0.5 wt% of MoS2 reduced around 65 % of both the oxygen and water vapor permeability, although at higher concentrations these values increase even to higher values than the pure matrix. The MoS2 nanoparticles also increased the biodegradation of PHB, with the fastest degradation observed at 3.0 wt%. The high near-infrared absorption of MoS2 particles further allowed a simple and low-powered route to produce sub-millimetric perforated and breathable PHB films further controlling the UV–vis radiation absorption. Noteworthy, the composites can be used for capacitive humidity sensors through an interdigitated electrode structure with a 100 % increase in the sensitivity arising from their higher dielectric constant. Regarding the antibacterial behavior, while the presence of MoS2 did not affect the viability of gram-negative Salmonella Typhi, the composite with 3.0 wt% of MoS2 reduced the survival of gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes without any external stimulus. These results show that the addition of MoS2 nanosheets into PHB is a proper route to extend the applications of this biodegradable and compositable polymer, specially toward active and smart packaging applications.

Application of poly (dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride)−reinforced multifunctional poly (vinyl alcohol)/ polyaniline hydrogels as flexible sensor materials

The design of multifunctional hydrogel sensor materials with comprehensive properties such as frost resistance, good reusability, adhesion, and flexibility needs to be developed to meet the demands of complex environments. Herein, a conductive, semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel was constructed from poly (vinyl alcohol), polyaniline (PANI), and poly (dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA), and the process assisted by the Hofmeister effect. A double conductive pathway hydrogel with types of PDDA and PANI polymers was formed simultaneously to provide excellent conductivity (1.217 S/m−1) for the hydrogel. With the increase in the concentration of PDDA from 0 to 16 wt%, the mechanical strength increased from 0.066 MPa to 0.34 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity and toughness increased by 684.9% and 748.8%, respectively. The hydrogel can be efficiently generated as a strain sensor material with excellent sensitivities of GF= 2.337 and S= 3.229%/KPa under tension and compression, respectively. The hydrogel could be used as an electronic skin and be used for the monitoring of even small strains in the skin caused by pulse beats. In addition, the hydrogel has excellent temperature sensitivity (1.575%/℃), frost resistance (−53.45 ℃), self-healing capability, and reusability. Data AvailabilityData will be made available on request.

High Efficiency Antibacterial, Moisture Permeable, and Low Temperature Comfortable Janus Nanofiber Membranes for High Performance Air Filters and Respiration Monitoring Sensors

AbstractIn this work, high efficiency and multifunctional poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) nanofiber, Ag particle, and polypropylene (PP) meltblown nonwoven substrate composite (NF@Ag) air filters by a simple spray coating method and subsequent UV irradiation treatment are demonstrated. The water vapor transmission rate of the NF@Ag‐4 air filter is 4753.36 ± 316.75 g/(m2 d), which is higher than that of commercial PP nonwoven (4240.71 ± 354.36 g/(m2 d)). It is can be explained that the NF@Ag‐4 air filter is a Janus structure with asymmetric wettability, which enhances moisture permeability, thereby improving comfort while wearing. The NF@Ag‐2 air filter exhibits high filtration efficiency (95.80 ± 0.89%) and relatively low pressure drop (122.00 ± 1.73 Pa) without relying on the electrostatic adsorption effect. The resulting NF@Ag air filters display excellent antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, photothermal disinfection, and thermal insulation performance. Furthermore, the as‐prepared NF@Ag air filters can be simply patterned and designed as respiration monitoring sensors to precisely detect the respiratory activity and health of the human being. Therefore, it is believed that these multifunctional air filters will have good potential for applications in the removal of particular matters and breathable wearable electronic devices.

Multifunctional PVDF Membrane Coated with ZnO-Ag Nanocomposites for Wastewater Treatment and Fouling Mitigation: Factorial and Mechanism Analyses

In this study, a multifunctional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane was developed through chemical binding with ZnO-Ag nanocomposites to increase wastewater treatment efficiency. The unique characteristics of ZnO-Ag nanocomposites endowed the membrane with high surface hydrophilicity, organic/bio fouling resistance, and photocatalytic antibacterial activity. The significantly decreased water contact angle and increased under-water oil contact angle suggested improved surface hydrophilicity and organic fouling resistance. Through factorial analysis, it was found that the antibacterial activity of the multifunctional membrane could be significantly improved under visible light condition and with ZnO-Ag nanocomposites which obtained under higher Ag concentration and sintering temperature. The increase of Ag composition of ZnO-Ag nanocomposites on modified membrane surface significantly improved the membrane antibacterial activity but had little effect on membrane hydrophilicity. In addition, the photocatalytic antibacterial activity of ZnO-Ag nanocomposites could further improve the membrane biofouling resistance through simple exposure to visible light. The effects of different Ag chemical states on the performances of ZnO-Ag nanocomposites and the corresponding modified membranes were studied, and the relevant mechanism of antibacterial activity under both dark and light conditions was discussed. Filtration experiments with secondary wastewater effluent as feed solution indicated that the developed membrane exhibited one order of magnitude larger permeate flux compared to the pristine PVDF membrane, while maintaining comparable bacteria rejection rates during the filtration process.

Click-based injectable bioactive PEG-hydrogels guide rapid craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration by the spatiotemporal delivery of rhBMP-2.

Craniomaxillofacial bone defects result in physical and psychological dual injuries making the promotion or acceleration of bone regeneration imperative. In this work, a fully biodegradable hydrogel is facilely prepared via thiol-ene "click" reactions under human physiological conditions using multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives as precursors. This hydrogel shows excellent biological compatibility, enough mechanical strength, a low swelling rate and an appropriate degradation rate. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) can survive and proliferate on/in the PEG hydrogel and differentiate into osteogenic cells. The PEG hydrogel can also effectively load rhBMP-2 through the above "click" reaction. Under the physical barrier of the chemically crosslinked hydrogel network, the spatiotemporal release of rhBMP-2 effectively promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs at a loading concentration of 1 μg ml-1. Finally, based on a rat calvarial critical-size defect model, the rhBMP-2 immobilized hydrogel loaded with rBMSCs basically accomplishes the repair and regeneration within 4 weeks featured by remarkably enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The click-based injectable bioactive PEG hydrogel developed in the present study is a new type of bone substitute with great expectations in future clinical applications.

Multifunctional poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyurethane/titanium dioxide nanofibrous membranes with enhanced ultraviolet-proof, resistant to blood penetration, and waterproof performance

PVDF/PU/TiO2 composite nanofibrous membranes were demonstrated for multiple protective functions, as well as maintaining comparable moisture permeability.

Acid-base responsive multifunctional poly(formyl sulfide)s through a facile catalyst-free click polymerization of aldehyde-activated internal diynes and dithiols.

Acid-base equilibria play a critical role in biological processes and environmental systems. The development of innovative fluorescent polymeric materials to monitor acid-base equilibria is highly desirable. Herein, a novel catalyst-free click polymerization of aldehyde-activated internal diynes and dithiols was established, and exclusively Markovnikov poly(formyl sulfide)s (PFSs) with high molecular weights and moderate stereoregularity were produced in high yields. Because of the aromatic units and sulfur atoms in their main chains, these polymers possessed high refractive index values. By introducing the fluorene and aldehyde moieties, the resulting PFSs could act as a fluorescent sensor for sensitive hydrazine detection. Taking advantage of the reaction of the aldehyde group and hydrazine, imino-PFSs with remarkable and reversible fluorescence change through alternating fumigation with HCl and NH3 were easily acquired and further applied in multicolor patterning, a rewritable material and quadruple-mode information encryption. Additionally, a test strip of protonated imino-polymer for the tracking of bioamines in situ generated from marine product spoilage was also demonstrated. Collectively, this work not only provides a powerful click polymerization to enrich the multiplicity of sulfur-containing materials, but also opens up enormous opportunities for these functional polysulfides in diverse applications.

Facile synthesis of multifunctional poly(ionic liquid)s as an advanced three-way catalyst for the efficient production of lignite-derived arenes

The precise synthesis of multifunctional poly(ionic liquid)s (MFPILs) featuring basic sites, mesoporous channels, and hydrophobicity continues to be a substantial challenge. Moreover, the directional conversion of lignite to monocyclic arenes (MCAs) is highly attractive but particularly challenging on account of its geometrical complexity and chemical inertness. The efficiency of lignite directional conversion to MCAs over solid bases is substantially decreased by the presence of water molecules leading to the deactivation and leaching of basic sites. Herein, the novel solid bases, i.e., MFPILs with dibasic sites, unique hydrophobicity, and abundant mesoporous channels, were successfully fabricated by a radical multicomponent cross-linked copolymerization for the first time. Even more excitedly, the resulting MFPILs were demonstrated to be very efficient for directional catalytic hydroconversion of extraction residue from Dahuangshan lignite (DLER) into MCAs with 32.3 wt% yield, which is by far the highest value reported for lignite-derived MCAs by solid bases under similar conditions. The synergistic catalysis, i.e., hydrophobic microenvironment, mesoporous confinement, and synergistic effect of dibasic sites, for active hydrogen transfer of DLER conversion into MCAs over MFPILs is confirmed by characterization methods. The work not merely sheds substantial light on developing the novel solid bases, but also exhibits a potentially powerful catalyzing strategy to synthesize MCAs.

Thermoresponsive Cationic Polymers: PFAS Binding Performance under Variable pH, Temperature and Comonomer Composition.

The versatility and unique qualities of thermoresponsive polymeric systems have led to the application of these materials in a multitude of fields. One such field that can significantly benefit from the use of innovative, smart materials is environmental remediation. Of particular significance, multifunctional poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) systems based on PNIPAAm copolymerized with various cationic comonomers have the opportunity to target and attract negatively charged pollutants such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The thermoresponsive cationic PNIPAAm systems developed in this work were functionalized with cationic monomers N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide (DMAPA) and (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (DMAPAQ). The polymers were examined for swelling capacity behavior and PFOA binding potential when exposed to aqueous environments with varying pH and temperature. Comonomer loading percentages had the most significant effect on polymer swelling behavior and temperature responsiveness as compared to aqueous pH. PFOA removal efficiency was greatly improved with the addition of DMAPA and DMAPAQ monomers. Aqueous pH and buffer selection were important factors when examining binding potential of the polymers, as buffered aqueous environments altered polymer PFOA removal quite drastically. The role of temperature on binding potential was not as expected and had no discernible effect on the ability of DMAPAQ polymers to remove PFOA. Overall, the cationic systems show interesting swelling behavior and significant PFOA removal results that can be explored further for potential environmental remediation applications.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of ε-poly(L-lysine) immobilized poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber membrane by polydopamine-assisted decoration as a potential wound dressing material

Prevention of infection and elimination of excess reactive oxygen species are the key factors to achieve wound healing. In this study, we have developed a multifunctional poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber membrane modified by ε-poly (L-lysine) (ε-PL) with the assistance of mussel-inspired polydopamine. The morphology of the nanofibrous membrane were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical structure characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated the successful modification of polydopamine and the immobilization of ε-PL. Photothermal effect assay proved that the temperature of the nanofiber membrane after near infrared photothermal treatment could reach the temperature required for antibacterial effect. The release of ε-PL exhibited an initial burst which was beneficial to achieve rapid bacteria inhibition. By combining ε-PL with near infrared photothermal therapy, a synergistic antibacterial effect was achieved against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of antioxidant activity assessment indicated that polydopamine on the nanofiber membranes served as an antioxidant agent to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the nanofiber membranes showed good cytocompatibility and suitable mechanical properties close to the skin. In summary, the prepared membrane possessed intrinsically multifunctional properties showing great potential to be used as promising wound dressing materials.

Bottlebrush Polymer-Functionalized Graphene Oxide-Based Multifunctional Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposite Films with Exceptional Performance

Bottlebrush Polymer-Functionalized Graphene Oxide-Based Multifunctional Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposite Films with Exceptional Performance

Biguanide- and Oligo(Ethylene Glycol)-Functionalized Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene): Electroactive, Antimicrobial, and Antifouling Surface Coatings.

The challenge of infectious diseases remains a critical concern to the global public health. Recently, it is common to encounter touch-screen electronic devices everywhere to access services. The surface of such devices may easily get contaminated by an infected person, which leads to transmission of infectious diseases between individuals. Moreover, the challenge is complicated by surgical infections from implantable biomedical devices. Such problems can be minimized by the use of long-term active antimicrobial surface coatings. We present herein the preparation of novel electroactive antimicrobial surface coatings through the covalent attachment of the biguanide moiety onto 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). The biguanide-functionalized EDOT (EDOT-BG) was thus electropolymerized on different substrates to give the corresponding poly(EDOT-BG) polymer. The poly(EDOT-BG) polymer showed an excellent bactericidal efficiency (∼92% bacterial death) and excellent biocompatibility with mammalian cells. Furthermore, the antimicrobial EDOT-BG was electro-copolymerized with antifouling tetra ethylene glycol functionalized-EDOT (EDOT-EG4) to give a multifunctional poly(EDOT-EG4-co-EDOT-BG) copolymer. The poly(EDOT-EG4-co-EDOT-BG) copolymer showed excellent resistance to protein adsorption and mammalian/bacterial cell binding without losing its bactericidal efficiency. These novel materials can be applied to domestic and bioelectronic devices to minimize infectious diseases.

Graphene nanosheets dispersed hydrophobic and flexible aliphatic chain containing multifunctional poly(benzoxazines) nanocomposites for medium temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

Graphene nanosheets dispersed hydrophobic and flexible aliphatic chain containing multifunctional poly(benzoxazines) nanocomposites for medium temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

CuMOF-decorated biodegradable nanofibrous membrane: facile fabrication, high-efficiency filtration/separation and effective antibacterial property

Here, a multifunctional poly (lactic acid)/copper-based metal–organic framework (PLA/CuMOF) degradable composite membrane featuring superior antibacterial and self-cleaning properties was fabricated via a simple electrospinning process for high- efficiency filtration/separation. Benefiting from the decrease of fiber diameter, the improved surface roughness and the surface charge of CuMOF, PLA/CuMOF fibrous membrane achieved excellent capture ability for ultra-fine particles and superb purification capability for real PM2.5 smoke. The differences of filtration capacity between PLA membrane and PLA/CuMOF membrane was furtherexplored using analoguesimulation with dynamic particle capture and airflow field distribution. Impressively, PLA/CuMOF fibrous membrane combines robust self-cleaning ability, effective antibacterial effect, and thermal management capability. Moreover, owing to the special selective wettability and chemical stability, PLA/CuMOF membrane possessed the stable oil–water separation performance under harsh environment (e.g., high acid, alkali, and salt). This degradable multifunctional filtration/separation fibrous membrane emerges a broad application prospect ranging from environmental governance, industrial security to personal protection.

Piezoelectric activity assessment of size-dependent naturally acquired mud volcano clay nanoparticles assisted highly pressure sensitive nanogenerator for green mechanical energy harvesting and body motion sensing

Over the last few years, there are several methodical and productive ongoing research based on the development of high performing, sustainable, non-hazardous energy harvesting nanogenerators. It is a substantial challenge to construct an energy harvester that has a superior output performance as well as an eco-friendly character. In this work, the utilization of naturally available, biodegradable mud volcano clay from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India was done to design two simple, portable, cost-effective, biocompatible, eco-friendly piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs). In the first place, we developed two types of multifunctional poly-(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) thin film incorporated with mortar pestle ground clay nanoparticles (average size of 600–700 nm) for 3 mass% (MP1, MP5, MP10) and ball mill ground nanoparticles (average size of 200–300 nm) for 3 mass% (BM0.5, BM1.0, BM1.5), with large electroactive β crystallinity. The incorporation of clay NPs into the PVDF matrix led to notable nucleation of piezoelectric β crystallite {F(β)} of 80.7% and 84.8% for mortar pestle ground (5% doping) and ball mill ground (1% doping) clay NPs respectively. Using these two multifaceted composite thin films we designed two devices using MP5 (MPENG) and using BM1 (BPENG), which possess good energy harvesting potency, commendable power density values and very fast charging capability. Our MPENG and BPENG generate output voltage of ~ 85 V with a short circuit current of ~ 1.6 μA and output voltage of ~ 125 V with a short circuit current of ~ 1.9 μA, respectively and power densities of 4115 μW/cm3 and 7187 μW/cm3 respectively, on the application of periodic force by hand. The calculated piezoelectric coefficient d33 of MP5 and BM1.0 were 39.75 pC/N and 50.10 pC/N at 50 Hz, respectively. To check the real-life applications, MPENG and BPENG were used to lighten up 25 and 40 no. of blue LEDs when connected a series connection and we charged a 2.2 μF capacitor within few seconds. These nanogenerators could also generate a notable voltage from various body movements like heel pressing, jogging or from vibrations or air flow from various instruments. On further advancement, our proposed devices can be used to power up various self-chargeable portable gadgets in our daily lives and in biomedical fields.

Synergistic catalysis: A powerful new strategy for the production of lignin-derived aromatic monomers

Efficient and selective conversion of lignin into aromatic monomers (AMs) is extremely essential for the economic feasibility of biorefinery. Nevertheless, the high catalytic efficiency of solid acid catalysts (SACs) for lignin conversion into AMs is remarkably weakened by the present of water produced during the above reaction leading to the deactivation and leaching of acidic sites. More importantly, the directional preparation of SACs with well-defined mesopores, hydrophobicity, and Brønsted-Lewis acidic sites still remains a grand challenge for heterogeneous catalyst development. To overcome these limitations, a desired multifunctional poly(ionic liquid)s (MFPILs) with above-mentioned structural and chemical properties were successfully constructed by an innovative synergistic regulation-induced co-polymerization. Then, MFPILs exhibit more excellent catalytic performance than poly(ionic liquid)s containing Lewis acidic site, Brønsted acidic site, or hydrophilicity alone with 47.9% conversion of lignin and 24.6 wt% yield of AMs, which is the excellent yield reported for the catalytic hydroconversion of lignin using non-precious-metal catalysts. The high catalytic performance of MFPILs for the production of lignin-derived AMs are attributed to the synergistic co-catalysis of the hydrophobic micro-environment, Brønsted-Lewis acidic sites, and mesoporous confinement, which was further confirmed by water contact angle, H2 temperature programmed desorption, and adsorption experiment. Further, MFPILs featuring magnetic recovery properties can be recycled for at least 10 run times without a significant lower catalytic activity. The work not only sheds some light on fabricating the novel SACs, but also develops a powerful new strategy to produce lignin-derived AMs.

Metal Organic Frameworks Enabled Multifunctional Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes with High Lithium-Ion Conductivity and Excellent Stability

Metal Organic Frameworks Enabled Multifunctional Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes with High Lithium-Ion Conductivity and Excellent Stability