Poly Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Research Articles

Non‐Covalent Functionalization of Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes with Fmoc Amino Acid‐Modified Polyethylene Glycol

Once dispersion and cytotoxicity issues are resolved, it has been proven that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great advantages in biomedical applications due to their unique properties. In this study, the superiority of carbon nanotubes was combined with magnetic targeting strategies, and a solution to the distribution problem in the aqueous media of the resulting CNTs decorated with iron oxide (mCNTs) was sought. A non‐covalent functionalization approach has been utilized to overcome this fundamental drawback of mCNTs. Conjugates of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and 9‐fluorenyl methyl chloroformate (Fmoc) amino acids were used to coat the lateral surfaces of mCNTs, making them more water‐soluble. The selected Fmoc amino acids have different numbers of aromatic rings, which is known to affect the coating efficiency in non‐covalent functionalization and therefore, the dispersion behavior of the CNTs. Their coating yields, dispersion behaviors, magnetism, charge, and size properties have been determined. All coated mCNT samples displayed superparamagnetic behavior. Dispersion tests showed a promise to increase the stability of mCNTs with this approach. Moreover, we demonstrated that the functionalization of mCNTs affects cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. The main finding of this study is that mCNTs can be successfully functionalized with Fmoc amino acid‐modified polyethylene glycol.

Blended Membrane of Polyethylene‐Glycol‐Grafted‐PIM‐1 and Tröger's Base Polymer for the Separation of Pentose and Hexose

AbstractMonosaccharides are vital building blocks in bioengineering applications; however, their extraction from intricate mixtures is challenging and uses substantial amounts of energy. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) offer an innovative avenue for separating monosaccharides. We modified PIM‐1membranes to improve the glucose/xylose separation by incorporating polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG). The optimal mPEG (molecular weight: 1000 Da; mass fraction: 2.5 %; solvent: methanol) delivered a xylose separation coefficient of 2.62. With the hybrid membrane of PIM‐1‐mPEG (50 w.t.%) and hydrophilic Tröger's base polymerer (DMBP‐TB, 50 w.t.%), the separation factor for xylose/glucose in an aqueous solution was 2.51 for single‐stage running and 11.32 after five‐stage running. There are large fractions of micropores for PIM‐1‐mPEG, and there is difference on solute‐membrane interactions for pentose/hexose, which are regarded to be the main driving force for the high pentose/hexose selectivity in methanol. The blending of PIM‐1‐mPEG and DMBP‐TB, integrates the microporosity and hydrophilicity, finally endues the high pentose/hexose selectivity in aqueous solution. These microporous membranes are promising materials for efficiently separating monosaccharides and jnl> small organic molecules while minimizing energy consumption. We established a solid foundation for further exploring microporous membranes for various applications, notably in bioengineering.

Responsive Microgels through RAFT-HDA Dynamic Covalent Bonding Chemistry.

This paper developed a method for preparing ultrasound-responsive microgels based on reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer-hetero Diels-Alder (RAFT-HAD) dynamic covalent bonding. First, a styrene cross-linked network was successfully prepared by a Diels-Alder (DA) reaction between phosphoryl dithioester and furan using double-ended diethoxyphosphoryl dithiocarbonate (BDEPDF) for RAFT reagent-mediated styrene (St) polymerization, with a double-ended dienophile linker and copolymer of furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) and St as the dienophile. Subsequently, the microgel system was constructed by the HDA reaction between phosphoryl disulfide and furan groups using the copolymer of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate (OEGMA) and FMA as the dienophore building block and hydrophilic segment and the polystyrene pro-dienophile linker as the cross-linker and hydrophobic segment. The number of furans in the dienophile chain and the length of the dienophile linker were regulated by RAFT polymerization to investigate the effects of the single-molecule chain functional group degree, furan/dithioester ratio, and hydrophobic cross-linker length on the microgel system. The prepared microgels can achieve the reversible transformation of materials under force responsiveness, and their preparation steps are simple and adaptive to various potential applications in biomedical materials and adaptive electrical materials.

Molecular Structure and Conformation of Biodegradable Water-Soluble Polymers Control Adsorption and Transport in Model Soil Mineral Systems.

Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are used in diverse applications, including agricultural formulations, that can result in the release of WSPs to soils. WSP biodegradability in soils is desirable to prevent long-term accumulation and potential associated adverse effects. In this work, we assessed adsorption of five candidate biodegradable WSPs with varying chemistry, charge, and polarity characteristics (i.e., dextran, diethylaminoethyl dextran, carboxymethyl dextran, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and poly-l-lysine) and of one nonbiodegradable WSP (poly(acrylic acid)) to sand and iron oxide-coated sand particles that represent important soil minerals. Combined adsorption studies using solution-depletion measurements, direct surface adsorption techniques, and column transport experiments over varying solution pH and ionic strengths revealed electrostatics dominating interactions of charged WSPs with the sorbents as well as WSP conformations and packing densities in the adsorbed states. Hydrogen bonding controls adsorption of noncharged WSPs. Under transport in columns, WSP adsorption exhibited fast and slow kinetic adsorption regimes with time scales of minutes to hours. Slow adsorption kinetics in soil may lead to enhanced transport but also shorter lifetimes of biodegradable WSPs, assuming more rapid biodegradation when dissolved than adsorbed. This work establishes a basis for understanding the coupled adsorption and biodegradation dynamics of biodegradable WSPs in agricultural soils.

Engineering of Layered Nanocarriers of Quercetin for the Treatment of Diabetes Using Box‐Behnken Design

AbstractLayered nanocarriers are polymeric systems integrated with layers of glucose‐responsive polymers and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 2000 PEG2000 to enhance the targeting effect and release kinetics. The prime purpose of this research study is to demonstrate a controlled release of Quercetin from formulation of quercetin (Qu)‐based layered nanocarriers (LNCs) with higher stability and anti‐diabetic activity. The QuLNCs are synthesized using the nanoprecipitation method and optimized by Box‐Behnken design of the Design of Experiment (DoE) method. The Quercetin Nanoparticles (QuNPs) are prepared using Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Poly (D,L‐ lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers where the two layers of Phenylboronic acid (PBA) are conjugated using 3‐amino propyl‐triethoxysilane (APTES) as a functionalizing agent followed by PEGylation of the entire system using PEG2000. The optimized QuLNCs are characterized by various parameters like Particle size (PS), Zeta potential (ZP), % Entrapment efficiency (%EE), Attenuated total reflectance‐ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), Differential scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in vitro as well as in vivo studies. The QuLNCs showed a % entrapment efficiency of 82.846 ± 0.957% and release of 85.04 ± 3.21% of Qu for 24 h from the layered nanocarriers. The in vivo studies of QuLNCs exhibited a significant controlled release of quercetin for modulating blood glucose levels. Hence, these results proved QuLNCs system acts as a favorable approach for the treatment of type 1 diabetes to offer a longer duration of action.

Promising Gene Delivery Properties of Polycations Based on 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate and Polyethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Methacrylate Copolymers.

Cationic copolymers based on 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (pDMAEMA-co-PEO) with different molecular weights have been synthesized. Their physicochemical properties were studied by NMR spectroscopy, sedimentation, and potentiometric titration. According to the data of potentiometric titration for the synthesized pegylated cationic copolymers, the apparent dissociation constants were determined in the pH range from 4.5 to 8.5. The physicochemical properties of interpolyelectrolyte complexes of these polycations with circular DNA (IPEC DNA) were also studied by dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, and TEM methods. It has been established that the diameter and electrokinetic potential (ζ-potential) of interpolyelectrolyte complexes can be varied over a wide range (from 200 nm to 1.5 μm and from -25 mV to +30 mV) by changing the ratio of oppositely charged ionizable groups in pegylated cationic copolymers and DNA, as well as by regulating medium pH. The resistance of the IPEC DNA/polycation complex to the action of nucleases was studied by electrophoresis in agarose gel; the cytotoxic effect of the polymers in vitro, and the efficiency of penetration (transfection) of IPEC DNA with PDMAEMA-co-PEO-polycations into eukaryotic cells of a cell line derived from human embryonic kidneys HEK 293 in vitro.

RAFT Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Butyl-co-2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)Ethyl Acrylates)-block-Poly(Polyethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acrylate) as a Photosensitizer Carrier for Photodynamic Therapy.

Polymer micelles are promising drug delivery systems for highly hydrophobic photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. We previously developed pH-responsive polymer micelles consisting of poly(styrene-co-2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate)-block-poly(polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate) (P(St-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA) for zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) delivery. In this study, poly(butyl-co-2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl acrylates)-block-poly(polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate) (P(BA-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA) was synthesized via reversible addition and fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to explore the role of neutral hydrophobic units in photosensitizer delivery. The composition of DMAEA units in P(BA-co-DMAEA) was adjusted to 0.46, which is comparable to that of P(St-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA. The size distribution of the P(BA-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA micelles changed when the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.0, indicating their pH-responsive ability. The photosensitizers, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)chlorin (TFPC), 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (TFPP), protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), and ZnPc were examined as payloads for the P(BA-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA micelles. The encapsulation efficiency depended on the nature of the photosensitizer. TFPC-loaded P(BA-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA micelles exhibited higher photocytotoxicity than free TFPC in the MNNG-induced mutant of the rat murine RGM-1 gastric epithelial cell line (RGK-1), indicating their superiority for photosensitizer delivery. ZnPc-loaded P(BA-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA micelles also exhibited superior photocytotoxicity compared to free ZnPc. However, their photocytotoxicity was lower than that of P(St-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA. Therefore, neutral hydrophobic units, as well as pH-responsive units, must be designed for the encapsulation of photosensitizers.

Self-healing polyurethane elastomer with wider damping temperature range by synergistic interaction of suspended chains and dynamic disulfide bonds

In order to overcome the sharp damping peak that limits the application of polyurethane elastomers (PUE) and the cut that affects its service life as functional floor coating, a self-healing PUE with broader damping temperature range and high self-healing efficiency was prepared by incorporation of prepolymer synthesized from polycaprolactone diol and isophorone diisocyanate and chain extenders including 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl disulphide (DAPS) and double-hydroxyl suspended chains synthesized from IPDI, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. The effects of different functionalities were carefully investigated at the fixed dosage of 30%. DAPS with dynamic disulfide bonds were revealed of higher efficiency in improving the damping properties and self-healing rate. The synergistic effects of the two functionalities were studied by varying the usage of DAPS from 10% to 50% when the suspension chain amount fixed at 30%. The effective damping (tan δ > 0.3) domain presents a range of 131.57 °C with 100% increase of tan δ compared with the base sample, and the self-healing efficiency reaches 95% when the usage of DAPS and suspension chain were 30% and 50%, respectively. The modified material achieved prominent improvement in damping properties and cut self-healing ability, showing potential application in aerospace and acoustic coatings for vibration and noise reduction.

π -Extended BTD derivatives: synthesis, photophysical properties, and applications in biological systemsimagingfor discriminating living and dead cells.

Benzothiadiazole (BTD) is one of the popular compounds for organic electronic devices, organic synthesis, and fluorescent probes. Here, benzothiadiazole derivatives were successfully synthesized by heck coupling reaction, which exhibited the the advantages of simplicity and efficiency, wild substrate csope, easily available substrates and high yield. The fluorescent probe BTDAr-PEG targeting lipid droplets was successfully prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction between the heck coupling reaction product 3h and Amino polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (Mn=2000). BTDAr-PEG exhibited the advantages of high selectivity, good stability and pH resistance. The use of PEG as a substrate gave BTDAr-PEG good biocompatibility. It was worth mentioning that BTDAr-PEG could not only track LDs in cells under different physiological conditions, but also distinguish between living and dead cells in biological systems.

Synthesis and application of nonionic Gemini surfactants based on grape seed oil

AbstractA series of vegetable oil‐based nonionic Gemini surfactant (GPNGS) was prepared using grape seed oil and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (350, 550, 750) as the primary raw materials. The chemical structures of different types of GPNGS were characterised by Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of GPNGS with different polyoxyethylene chain lengths was measured using the Wilhelmy ring method (CMC: ca. 1.4 × 10−4 to 5 × 10−4 mol/L). The results of wettability testing showed that the contact angle of GPNGS on polyamide film was ca. 46‐49°. In addition, the interaction of surfactants with acid dyes was also investigated. The ultraviolet spectrum showed a balance between dyes, surfactants and the dye/surfactant complex. Next, the GPNGS was used as a nylon 66 acid dye levelling agent. After adding 0.2 mmol/L of surfactants, the standard deviations (S(λ)) of nylon 66 dyeing decreased from 0.084 to ca. 0.036‐0.044, exhibiting a good levelling effect.

Preparation of isocyanate virtual ‘core-shell’ and its application in wood adhesive

Isocyanates have gradually attracted attention due to their extremely high chemical activity, but they are too active and have poor water dispersibility, which limits the use of isocyanates. In this study, salicylic acid (SA) was reacted with polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MPEG) by acyl chloride to prepare MPEG-SA, and the prepared MPEG-SA was introduced into isocyanate (PAPI) as a virtual ‘shell’ through phenolic hydroxyl groups to build a virtual ‘core (PAPI)-shell (MPEG-SA)’ structure to improve the stability of isocyanate and water dispersibility. Then the prepared MPEG-SA-PAPI was applied to wood adhesive to prepare plywood. The chemical structure, activity content stability and water dispersibility of the prepared MPEG-SA and MPEG-SA-PAPI were analyzed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance, chemical titration analysis, and Laser particle size analyzer. The results show that the prepared MPEG-SA-PAPI was the preset molecular structure. The particle size of the prepared MPEG-SA-PAPI emulsion is about 5 μm, and the content of active groups after storage for 8 h was about 15%, indicating that the ‘core-shell’ structure improved the stability and water dispersibility of isocyanate. When the prepared MPEG-SA-PAPI was applied to the plywood, the MPEG-SA-PAPI could significantly improve the water resistance of the plywood, making its working life reach nearly 5 h.

Synthesis of CaCO3-Based Hyperdispersants and Their Application in Aqueous Coatings

As an essential pigment particle in white water-based coatings, light calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is difficult to disperse in water-based systems. The hard-to-disperse particles agglomerate, causing the viscosity of the coating to rise, which in turn affects the quality of the coating. Therefore, in order to obtain efficient dispersion, the hyperdispersant SSS–MPEGA–DMAEA (SMD) has been prepared in this study using sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS), polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate (MPEGA), and dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DMAEA) as monomers through aqueous solution polymerization. Firstly, we utilized the central composite design method to conduct mathematical modeling of the monomer ratios so as to optimize the dispersion performance of the hyperdispersants. Secondly, the structural characteristics and molecular weight distribution of SMD were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC. Then, the effect of SMD on the dispersion of the CaCO3 slurry was investigated through particle size distribution and TEM measurements. Finally, we applied the SMD in aqueous white coatings and tested the surface properties of the paint film by SEM as well as the stability of the paint film. The results showed that SMD can significantly reduce the viscosity and particle size of the CaCO3 slurry. The waterborne coatings prepared by SMD had good storage stability and corrosion resistance, so the materials owned broad application prospects.

Acid-catalyzed solvolysis of softwood using polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether to produce functional lignin derivatives

Glycol lignins (GLs) produced through acid-catalyzed solvolysis of softwood meal using glycols, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), have been used for the development of functional materials. In this study, GLs with various physical and chemical properties were synthesized via solvolysis with monomethyl ethers of polyethylene glycol (MPEG), such as MPEG-n4 and MPEG-n8. The effects of the reaction time and temperature on the yield, molecular weight, and thermal properties of MPEG-lignin were studied. The yield of MPEG-lignin increased with the solvolysis time. Acid-catalyzed solvolysis using MPEG-n4 occurred faster than that using MPEG-n8. Higher reaction temperature resulted in a higher yield of MPEG-lignin with a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and viscous thermal flow temperature (Tf). The Tg and Tf of MPEG-lignins increased with the solvolysis time. The MPEG-lignins synthesized at higher reaction temperatures showed a relatively strong carbonyl absorbance band in the infrared spectra, which was ascribed to decomposed sugar derivatives.

Synthesis of a temperature sensitive graft carbon dioxide‐based copolymer and its evaluation as a nano drug carrier

AbstractIn this study, a temperature sensitive graft carbon dioxide‐based copolymer, poly (propylene oxide‐co‐carbon dioxide‐co‐allyl glycidyl ether)‐poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG) was synthesized by “Click Chemistry”. The hydrophobic main chain, PPAG, was prepared by the copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE). The branch chains include hydrophilic mPEG and temperature sensitive poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide). The structure of the polymer was characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Avermectin (AVE) was loaded into the nanoparticles to form PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE nanoparticles. PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG could self‐assemble into nano‐sized micelles in aqueous solution. And the size, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC) of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG nanoparticles can be altered by changing the lengths of the PNIPAm segments. The loading rate and encapsulation rate of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE were 36.98% and 89.98% respectively. The temperature sensitiveness of the nanomaterials was confirmed by DLS. The results show that temperature has a certain effect on the AVE release rate of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE in vitro. With the decrease of PNIPAm chain length, the AVE release rate decreases, and the contact angle of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE decreases compared with that of water.

A cellulose reinforced polymer composite electrolyte for the wide-temperature-range solid lithium batteries

The lightweight solid electrolyte design in replacement of the flammable liquid electrolyte and polyolefin separator is the key of the energy-dense all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) construction. However, the technological barriers of scalable manufacturing, retarded ionic conductivity at room temperature as well as the mechanical fragility upon the high-temperature operation restrict the ASSB deployment of practical relevance. In this study, an ultra-lightweight (1.67 mg cm−2), thin (25 μm), high strength and thermally robust (stability up to 180 °C) composite solid electrolyte (CSE) has been designed to address the dilemma by the rational integration of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers coated Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 nanofillers (MPEG@LLZTO) with lightweight nanocellulose scaffold. The MPEG coating layer enhances the interfacial compatibility and homogeneous dispersibility of LLZTO nanofiller within the poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix, while the mechanically flexible and thermally stable nanocellulose scaffold guarantees the formation of the high-temperature endurance and structural robustness for the as-formed CSE layer. Upon the solvent-free, layer stacked-up assembly of the PEO/MPEG@LLZTO-Nanocellulose (PLCN) CSE film with the high-mass-loading LiFePO4 cathode and thin-layer lithium anode, the ASSB prototype could simultaneously realize the high gravimetric energy density (323 Wh kg−1), cycling stability as well as operation reliability within a wider temperature range (25 °C ∼ 130 °C).

Microstructure construction design and damping properties of polyurethane microporous elastomer modified by suspension chain extender via end-controlling oriented synthesis

Broadening the damping temperature range of viscoelastic microporous polyurethane elastomers (MPUE) is a challenge to break the limits of practical applications in damping field. Based on the molecular reaction kinetics and the molecular structure design of MPUE, different molecular weight suspension chain extenders were synthesized from polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MPEG), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol via end-controlling oriented synthesis. The effect of molecular weight and dosages of suspension chain extenders on the damping property of MPUE was studied. It was demonstrated that strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds can be formed between MPUE molecules due to the carbamate groups and urea groups of the suspension chain extenders. The transformations of various motion modes of the suspended chain were driven by the existence of a large number of ether bonds, which can reduce the micro-phase separation degree in the material matrix, resulting in higher kinetic friction between molecular chains. The damping properties of the material were significantly improved, presenting a maximum increase of 62.3% in the effective damping temperature domain, and a maximum increase of 34.0% in the peak loss factor (tan δ), which was attributed to the synergistic compound effect of multiple motion modes. This high damping MPUE has great application prospects in the fields of acoustic noise reduction and household appliances damping.

Synthesis of phase change microcapsules based dispersants for waterborne coatings and their effects on paint film properties

The hyperdispersant SSS-MPEGA-MA (SMM) is prepared through aqueous polymerization using sodium p-styrenesulfonate (SSS), polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate (MPEGA) and maleic anhydride (MA) as monomers for dispersing phase change microcapsules (PCM). It is also concluded that the best dispersion effect is achieved when the starting concentration of SMM dispersant in aqueous solution with a solid content of phase change microcapsules of 20% occupies 2% of PCM content. The phase change microcapsules are added to a waterborne varnish with a solid content of 20%, and after adding a certain mass of SMM dispersant dropwise, phase change performance is still found on the film, which is the best with a dispersant concentration of 2%. At the same time, the hyperdispersant SMM can make the phase change microcapsules evenly distributed on the water-based varnish, and the dispersion effect is good without affecting the properties of the paint film itself.

Composite Electrolytes Prepared by Improving the Interfacial Compatibility of Organic-Inorganic Electrolytes for Dendrite-Free, Long-Life All-Solid Lithium Metal Batteries.

Compared with simplex ceramic or polymer solid electrolytes, composite solid electrolyte (CSE) is more promising for its better interfacial compatibility to electrode and high ionic conductivity simultaneously. Further, the interfacial compatibility within ceramic and polymer is considered to be more and more critical to the overall performance of solid-state batteries. Avoiding the agglomeration of ceramic particles at high loadings can improve the whole intrinsic characteristic and electrochemical performance of CSEs. Herein, we designed a CSE (EO@LLZTO-PEO), which consists of composite particles (EO@LLZTO) as a filler and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as polymer matrix. EO@LLZTO was prepared by chemically grafting polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether methacrylate (MPEG-MAA) on the micro-sized Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) particles. By introducing of polymer containing EO segments onto LLZTO, the interfacial compatibility between LLZTO and PEO matrix is highly enhanced, and the intrinsic Li+ complexation capability of MPEG-MAA is improved, even at the high loading of garnet. EO@LLZTO-PEO shows a high ionic conductivity (1.91 mS cm-1), a broad electrochemical window (∼5.2 V vs Li/Li+), and a high lithium ion transference number (0.72). The Li/EO@LLZTO-PEO/Li battery also exhibits a long cycle stability (over 1200 h of cycling). Moreover, all-solid-state batteries with LiFePO4 and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes exhibit excellent cycling stability and rate performance. Consequently, enhancing the interfacial compatibility between organic and inorganic electrolytes is identified to be one of the crucial strategies for commercial solid-state lithium batteries.

Self‐Healing Ability of Poly(PEGMA‐5‐UPy) Evaluated by Thermomechanical Analysis

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) based copolymers incorporating three different percentages (2.5 wt%, 5.0 wt%, and 7.8 wt%) of urea‐N‐2‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐methylpyrimidine‐N’‐(hexametylen‐n‐carboxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA‐UPy) are reported. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) confirm the synthesis procedure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are employed to evaluate the thermal properties of the samples. DSC measurements evidence a slight increase in glass transition temperature (Tg), a consistent increase in crystallization and melting temperatures (Tc and Tm), and a reduction in the crystallization degree (Xc) with increasing the amount of HEMA‐UPy moiety. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is carried out at different values of temperature and oscillation frequency. It highlights the ability of the healed copolymer to recover the pristine values of storage modulus. The healing efficiency depends on the temperature history of the sample. For the sample healed at room temperature, the value of healing efficiency is 64%. DMA tests performed at higher temperatures, after some permanence at room temperature, evidence higher values in the healing efficiency. This demonstrates that the higher value of the temperature employed during DMA tests determines greater mobility of the chains causing an enhancement in the healing efficiency.

In-situ formation of fluorophore cross-linked micellar thick films and usage as drug delivery material for Propranolol HCl

Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether–block-poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-block-poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] triblock copolymer was synthesized to prepare self-assembled micron sized films via a novel approach named as “phase separated micellar self assembly method”. Liquid-air interface self assembly method via slow solvent evaporation was used to obtain micellar films. Cross-linking of polymer films was carried out by diffusion of fluorophore cross-linker into polymer solution from subphase. In-situ micellar formation was triggered via driven forces such as molecular interactions and slow evaporation of solvent. Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole based cross-linker fluorophores containing alkali subphases were used to prepare highly fluorescent cross-linked micellar films. Micellar morphologies of the films were characterized with SEM while the cross-sections of fluorophore cross-linked films were observed with TEM analysis to examine diffusion of the dye as nano-sized particles into the polymer film. Convenience and usability of the micellar films as drug delivery material were demonstrated with Propranolol HCl release via UV–Vis spectroscopic studies. Optical properties of the films before and after drug release were determined via photoluminescence spectroscopy to be able to sense the completion of the drug release process. Swelling and shrinkage properties of the films were also determined in different pH values. These highly fluorescent polymer films have great potential as drug delivery materials and biomedical sensing applications.