Poly Ionic Liquid Research Articles

Synthesis of biomass-derived porous carbon functionalized with polyionic liquids and electrochemical sensing detection of bisphenol A

Sunflower shell-derived porous activated carbon precursors (S-PAC) were prepared by KOH activation method. Then, ionic liquids were added to the S-PAC precursors through hydrothermal method to synthesize porous activated carbon composites functionalized with polyionic liquids (PIL@S-PAC). The successful synthesis of PIL@S-PAC was demonstrated by analyzing the structure and elemental composition of the material via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic properties of bisphenol A (BPA) on the PIL@S-PAC glassy carbon electrode (PIL@S-PAC/GCE) was investigated by electrochemical method. The PIL@S-PAC/GCE had high electrocatalytic performance to the oxidation of BPA. The sensor displays a wide linear range (0.5–4.0, 6.0–30 μM) and a low detection limit (0.14 μM).

Polymeric Ionic Liquid-Enabled In Situ Protection of Li Anodes for High-Performance Li-O2 Batteries.

Redox mediators (RMs) have shown promise in enhancing Li-O2 battery cycling stability by reducing overpotential. However, their application is hindered by the shuttle effect, leading to RM loss and Li anode corrosion. Here, we introduce a polyionic liquid, poly (1-Butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimine)) ([PBVIm]- TFSI) as an additive, showcasing a novel Li anode protection strategy for LiI-mediated Li-O2 batteries. [PBVIm]+ cations migrate to the Li anode, forming a protective cationic shield that promotes uniform Li+ deposition. The addition of [PBVIm]-TFSI enhances the cycling stability, achieving 105 cycles at 200 mA·g-1, compared to the cell with LiI which exhibited 38 cycles under the same conditions. Synchrotron X-ray tomography reveals the evolution of this protective layer, providing insights into its formation mechanism, in conjunction with XPS analysis. Our findings offer a new approach to Li anode protection in Li-O2 batteries, emphasizing the critical role of interfacial engineering for battery performance.

Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers with Platinum Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sputtering onto Liquid Substrates.

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In recent decades, sputter deposition onto liquid substrates has emerged as a potential alternative for nanoparticle synthesis, offering a synthesis process free of contaminant oxygen, capping agents, and chemical precursors. Here, we present a method for the synthesis of supported nanoparticles based on magnetron sputtering onto liquid poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) combined with a heat-treatment step for attachment of nanoparticles to a carbon support. Transmission electron microscopy imaging reveals Pt nanoparticle growth during the heat-treatment process, facilitated by the carbon support and the reducing properties of PEG. Following the heat treatment, a bimodal size distribution of Pt nanoparticles is observed, with sizes of 2.5 ± 0.8 and 6.7 ± 1.8 nm, compared to 1.8 ± 0.4 nm after sputtering. Synthesized Pt nanoparticles display excellent specific and mass activities for the oxygen reduction reaction, with 1.75 mA/cm2 Pt and 0.27 A/mgPt respectively, measured at 0.9 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode. The specific activities reported herein outperform literature values of commercial Pt/C catalysts with similar loading and are on par with values of bulk Pt and mass-selected nanoparticles of comparable size. Also, the mass activities agree well with the literature values. The results provide new insights into the growth processes of SoL-synthesized carbon-supported Pt catalyst nanoparticles, and most crucially, the high performance of the synthesized catalyst layers, along with the possibility of nanoparticle growth through a straightforward heat-treatment step at relatively low temperatures, offer a scalable new approach for producing fuel cell catalysts with more efficient material utilization and new material combinations.

Stable hierarchical ionic liquid nanochannels for highly efficient CO2 adsorption, separation and conversion

Constructing stable nanochannels and nanoconfined environments for ionic liquids holds significant application value in gas separation, ion channels, and related fields. The functional polyionic liquid synthesized in this study exhibits a controllable assembly structure and demonstrates liquid crystal properties. Through heating and water treatment, the polyionic liquids crosslink to form multi-hierarchical nanopores, including sub-nanochannels with pore sizes similar to CO2, without the need for a catalyst. The specific surface area and pore size of the polyionic liquid network (PILC) were adjusted by regulating the self-assembly of polyionic liquids in water. The unique PILC, combining ionic liquid nanopores and liquid crystal structure properties, shows high CO2 adsorption performance and excellent CO2/N2 selectivities, surpassing commonly reported ionic liquid porous materials. Furthermore, PILC-2 exhibits good catalytic performance for CO2 cycloaddition, and its catalytic activity and selectivity did not significantly decrease after five cycles. This study successfully introduces hierarchical ionic liquid nanochannels into porous networks without involving any inorganic ordered nanomaterials. This provides a simple and effective approach for the highly selective adsorption and separation of CO2, as well as for the preparation of catalytic materials.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline / [BMIM][BF4] Polyionic Liquid by Interfacial Polymerization

Polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by polymerization via the chemical oxidation of aniline monomer with ammonium persulfate as the initiator. The interfacial polymerization method was used to prepare PANI/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF4] polyionic liquid (PIL). The obtained PANI/ [BMIM][BF4] PIL was investigated by the XRD, EDX, SEM, FTIR, and UV-Visible characterizations. X-ray diffractogram of PANI showed five prominent characteristic peaks at 27.1°, 24o, 21.8°, 19.8°, and 18.2°. This demonstrates the semi-crystalline character of the polyaniline produced through the interfacial polymerization process. Incorporation of [BMIM][BF4] into PANI reduced the crystalline phase and enhanced amorphicity. From the EDX pattern, several elements appeared in this test; oxygen had of the highest weight percentage of 54.2%. The SEM image showed a clear hierarchal porous structure with nano-sticks particles and forms a cross-linked framework between PANI and [BMIM][BF4]. From FTIR spectra of PIL, a prominent absorption peak at 3163.26 cm-1 was noted because of the N-H stretching vibrations present in the polymer. The UV-Vis spectra for PANI/[BMIM][BF4] polyionic liquid showed three peaks between 200 and 1060 nm. These bands result from π → π* and n → π* transitions, which are related to the excitement absorption of benzenoid and quinoid groups.

Polymeric carboxylic acid functionalized ionic liquid as a green corrosion inhibitor: Insights into the synergistic effect with KI

A poly ionic liquid, poly(3-(3-carboxypropyl)-1-vinyl-1H-imidazolium chloride) (P[CPVI]Cl), was synthesized and demonstrated to be effective as an inhibitor for carbon steel corrosion. The structure of P[CPVI]Cl contains a carboxylic acid group and N- heterocyclic ring, which serve as multiple adsorption sites and facilitate the formation of multi-anchored adsorption. The P[CPVI]Cl can be adsorbed onto the metal surface, resulting in a larger surface area coverage, leading to a higher inhibition efficiency of 88.27 %. The synergistic effect of P[CPVI]Cl and KI further enhanced inhibition efficiency up to 98.83 %. Various surface characterizations and molecular simulations have been performed, and a possible corrosion inhibitor mechanism has been proposed.

Co-Delivery of Arsenotungstate Polyoxometalate and Curcumin Using Bis-Imidazolium Poly Ionic Liquid Nanocomposites for Boosting Anticancer Effects against Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Co-Delivery of Arsenotungstate Polyoxometalate and Curcumin Using Bis-Imidazolium Poly Ionic Liquid Nanocomposites for Boosting Anticancer Effects against Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Enhancing efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells through synergistic suppression of multiple defects via poly(ionic liquid)-buried interface modification

The stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is adversely affected by nonradiative recombination resulting from buried interface defects. Herein, we synthesize a polyionic liquid, poly(p-vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium hexafluorophosphate) (PTA), and introduce it into the buried interface of PSCs. The quaternary ammonium cation (N(–CH3)3+) in PTA can fill the vacancies of organic cations within the perovskite structure and reduce shallow energy level defects. Additionally, the hexafluorophosphate (PF6−) in PTA forms a Lewis acid-base interaction with Pb2+ in the perovskite layer, effectively passivating deep energy level defects. Furthermore, hydrogen bonding can be established between organic cations and the PF6− anion, preventing the formation of shallow energy level defects. Through this synergistic mechanism, the deep and shallow energy level defects are effectively mitigated, resulting in improved device performance. As a result, the resulting treated inverted PSC exhibits an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.72 %. Notably, the PTA-treated PSCs exhibit remarkable stability, with 88.5 % of the original PCE retained after undergoing heat aging at 85 °C for 1078 h, and 89.1 % of the initial PCE maintained following continuous exposure to light for 1100 h at the maximum power point. Synergistically suppressing multiple defects at the buried interface through the use of polyionic liquids is a promising way to improve the commercial viability of PSCs.

Choline-amino acid-based polyionic liquids and ionogels for antimicrobial infections

Microbial infections pose a serious threat to human health. Although antibiotics from various sources continue to be discovered, antibiotics often induce resistance in microorganisms. Therefore, the development of novel antimicrobial agents or materials based on new mechanisms remains an urgent need. Herein, a series of choline-amino acid polyionic liquids ([Cho][AA] PILs) and the corresponding composite ionogels (BC/PILs) made from [Cho][AA] PILs and bacterial cellulose (BC) were prepared by ex situ method. The antimicrobial properties of PILs and BC/PIL ionogels, as well as the mechanical, conductive and biocompatible properties of BC/PIL ionogels were investigated. The resultant PILs and BC/PIL ionogels exhibited efficient antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Moreover, the concentration, chirality, hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of [Cho][AA] PILs have a significant impact on the antimicrobial performance of these materials. Among them, D-type phenylalanine-based PILs (D-P[Cho][Phe]) and BC/PIL ionogels based on the highest concentration of D-type PILs (D-BC/PIL-1.6 ionogels) showed the strongest antimicrobial properties against microorganisms. The MIC and MBC of D-P[Cho][Phe] could be as low as 32±1.6 mmol L-1 and 64±3.2 mmol L-1. Morover, D-P[Cho][Phe] displayed the fastest bactericidal rate and killed bacteria within 2 h. In addition, BC/PIL ionogels with excellent mechanical and conductive properties could be achieved by controlling the concentration and type of [Cho][AA] PILs. Serine-based ionogels (BC/P[Cho][Ser]) possessed the highest mechanical strength. BC/PIL-1.6 ionogels showed the highest conductivity. More significantly, [Cho][AA] PILs and BC/PIL ionogels exhibited good biocompatibility. These results provided novel ideas and a practical basis for the development of new antimicrobial materials and suggested the promising application potential of [Cho][AA] PILs and their corresponding BC/PIL ionogels in the biomedical field.

Synchronous Regulation of Hydrophobic Molecular Architecture and Interface Engineering for Robust WORM‐Type Memristor

AbstractIn the context of human active response to exponentially increasing data volumes, memristors have emerged as a focal point in systematic problem‐solving approaches. Particularly, organic memristors, characterized by excellent scalability, flexibility, and 3D stacking capabilities, have shown its tremendous potential in innovative electronic applications. However, the modulation of molecular assembly and interface interaction at the electrode surface poses a challenging task, despite their crucial role in determining the memristive performance. Herein, a collaborative method involving hydrophobic molecular design and interface engineering is proposed to generate high‐quality nanofilms with optimal photoelectric and electrochemical properties. By subjecting the bottom electrode to O2 plasma treatment and chemical modification using a hydrophobic ionic liquid poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PTFSI), the hydrophobic compound DN demonstrates exceptional affinity and stronger intermolecular interactions with the electrode surface. Consequently, the two‐terminal device array comprising Al/DN@PTFSI/ITO exhibits robust non‐volatile write‐once‐read‐many times (WORM) memory behavior, resulting in a tripling production yield from 30% to 92% along with a lower threshold voltage of 1.5 V, higher ON/OFF current ratio of 103 and excellent stability. This study presents a versatile approach to optimize the film assembly and material/electrode interface, thereby accelerating the development of organic memristors toward future applications.

Efficiency of novel polyionic liquid toward the chemical separation of petroleum crude oil emulsions

AbstractIn the present study, a new polyionic liquid, PEST‐BU, were synthesized and characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pendant drop technique, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The efficiency of PEST‐BU and its parent (PE‐ST) for separating petroleum crude oil emulsion was explored using several affecting parameters, including water ratio, separation time, pH, temperature, and demulsifier concentration. The results indicated that PEST‐BU exhibited higher separation efficiency (SE) than PE‐ST. In addition, the results revealed that the increased water ratio, separation time, temperature, and demulsifier concentration promoted the SE of PE‐ST and PEST‐BU. The data also showed that the optimal pH value to achieve maximum SE is 7; however, the SE of PE‐ST and PEST‐BU in acidic and basic mediums declined, possibly due to the increasing polarity of water droplets in these mediums, which increased electrostatic repulsion between them, increasing oil emulsion stability.

Efficient self healable blended cationic and anionic poly(ionic liquids) under ambient conditions

AbstractPoly(ionic liquid)‐based self‐healable electrolytes are getting tremendous attention owing to their quick self‐healing ability at ambient conditions without external stimulus, prominent safety, high mechanical strength, appreciably good conductivity, and no electrolyte leakage. Ionic interactions are much stronger and more dynamic, capable of imparting faster healing ability to the electrolyte. To exploit ionic interactions and non‐covalent hydrogen bonding simultaneously for faster self‐healing at ambient conditions. In the present work, free radical promoted copolymerization of 3‐methyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium iodide and sodium 4‐vinyl benzenesulfonate (VMeImI/SS) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and ureidopyrimidinone methacrylate to obtain cationic poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and anionic poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) poly ionic liquid (PIL), respectively, as polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been achieved. The complete structural analysis of the copolymers by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DOSY‐NMR, and GPC was done. The ionic conductivity and self‐healing properties of the synthesized PEs, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were investigated, which gave encouraging results. For further enhancement of hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were blended in the ratio of 1:1, referred to as poly (Im‐SS), a binary blend, as a self‐healable oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. Poly(Im‐SS) exhibited self‐healing behavior in 15 min and 5 min at 25 and 60°C, respectively, without any external stimulus. Poly(Im‐SS) also exhibited exceptionally high ionic conductivity of 2.04 × 10−5 and 11.48 × 10−5 Scm−1 at 30 and 80°C, respectively. This unique approach of blending two oppositely charged PEs to create a binary blend has improved ionic conductivity and self‐healing capabilities. Because a poly‐ionic network forms in poly(Im‐SS) as a binary blend, the physical and chemical properties in terms of mechanical and thermal stability as well as water contact angle point to a synergistic effect of ion–ion, ion–dipole, and quadruple Hbonding. Thus, the designed copolymer electrolytes and their blend, present a new perspective to develop innovative and rapid self‐healable polyelectrolytes with significant ionic conductivity for advanced electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.

Scrutinizing the antibacterial activity of poly (1‐vinyl‐3‐alkyl imidazolium) ionic liquids: experimental and computational approach

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial resistance has become a serious concern and threat to global health. This has triggered the need for the design of new antimicrobials. In this study, poly‐ionic liquid (PIL) homopolymers have been designed by varying the alkyl chain lengths to evaluate their pathogeneses against Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli).ResultsThe results demonstrated that the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities depend on the alkyl chain length of PILs (C10 > C8 > C6). To support the experimental findings, in silico analyses were performed to explore the structural and functional information of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) enzymes. A switch region was identified between RNAP β subunit (RpoB) and RNAP β' subunit (RpoC) with 1119 amino acids (aa) and 1504 (2–1505) aa, respectively. The docking analysis reflected the docking energies −5.313 kcal mol−1 for RNAP‐poly‐1‐vinyl‐3‐hexyl imidazolium complex, −4.634 kcal mol−1 for RNAP‐poly‐1‐vinyl‐3‐octyl imidazolium complex, and −3.456 kcal mol−1 for RNAP‐poly‐1‐vinyl‐3‐decyl imidazolium complex.ConclusionThe synthesized PIL samples exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against E. coli and S. aureus. However, the effect on E. coli was more prominent in comparison to S. aureus. The results indicated that both electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic effect played a vital role in enhancing the antibacterial as well as antibiofilm activities. In addition, in silico analysis identified the ‘switch region’ between RNAP β subunit (RpoB) and RNAP β subunit (RpoC). The novel target appeared to be a binding region for PILs and restricted the synthesis of bacterial RNA. It can be concluded that imidazolium‐based PILs can be used as safe antibacterial materials in the healthcare sector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Spaced Double Hydrogen Bonding in an Imidazole Poly Ionic Liquid Composite for Highly Efficient and Selective Photocatalytic Air Reductive H2O2 Synthesis

AbstractPhotocatalytic oxygen reductive H2O2 production is a promising approach to alternative industrial anthraquinone processes while suffering from the requirement of pure O2 feedstock for practical application. Herein, we report a spaced double hydrogen bond (IC−H‐bond) through multi‐component Radziszewski reaction in an imidazole poly‐ionic‐liquid composite (SI‐PIL‐TiO2) and levofloxacin hydrochloride (LEV) electron donor for highly efficient and selective photocatalytic air reductive H2O2 production. It is found that the IC−H‐bond formed by spaced imino (−NH−) group of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 and carbonyl (−C=O) group of LEV can switch the imidazole active sites characteristic from a covered state to a fully exposed one to shield the strong adsorption of electron donor and N2 in the air, and propel an intenser positive potential and more efficient orbitals binding patterns of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 surface to establish competitive active sites for selectivity O2 chemisorption. Moreover, the high electron enrichment of imidazole as an active site for the 2e− oxygen reduction ensures the rapid reduction of O2. Therefore, the IC−H‐bond enables a total O2 utilization and conversion efficiency of 94.8 % from direct photocatalytic air reduction, achieving a H2O2 production rate of 1518 μmol/g/h that is 16 and 23 times compared to poly‐ionic‐liquid composite without spaced imino groups (PIL‐TiO2) and TiO2, respectively.

Spaced Double Hydrogen Bonding in an Imidazole Poly Ionic Liquid Composite for Highly Efficient and Selective Photocatalytic Air Reductive H2O2 Synthesis.

Photocatalytic oxygen reductive H2O2 production is a promising approach to alternative industrial anthraquinone processes while suffering from the requirement of pure O2 feedstock for practical application. Herein, we report a spaced double hydrogen bond (IC-H-bond) through multi-component Radziszewski reaction in an imidazole poly-ionic-liquid composite (SI-PIL-TiO2) and levofloxacin hydrochloride (LEV) electron donor for highly efficient and selective photocatalytic air reductive H2O2 production. It is found that the IC-H-bond formed by spaced imino (-NH-) group of SI-PIL-TiO2 and carbonyl (-C=O) group of LEV can switch the imidazole active sites characteristic from a covered state to a fully exposed one to shield the strong adsorption of electron donor and N2 in the air, and propel an intenser positive potential and more efficient orbitals binding patterns of SI-PIL-TiO2 surface to establish competitive active sites for selectivity O2 chemisorption. Moreover, the high electron enrichment of imidazole as an active site for the 2e- oxygen reduction ensures the rapid reduction of O2. Therefore, the IC-H-bond enables a total O2 utilization and conversion efficiency of 94.8 % from direct photocatalytic air reduction, achieving a H2O2 production rate of 1518 μmol/g/h that is 16 and 23 times compared to poly-ionic-liquid composite without spaced imino groups (PIL-TiO2) and TiO2, respectively.

Constructing multiple hydrogen bonds in adsorbent for selective adsorption of acteoside

The efficient adsorption of acteoside (ACT) was essential for the development and utilization of the active ingredients of Cistanche tubulosa. In this study, the adsorbent of hydrophilic imidazole polyionic liquids P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) was synthesized based on a double emulsion interfacial polymerization method to adsorb hydrophilic ACT. The as-prepared P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) showed an excellent adsorption performance, and the adsorption capacity and selectivity were 114.31 mg/g and 4.31, respectively. This was mainly attributed to as follows: firstly, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) possessed multiple hydrogen bond receptors due to the introduction of functional monomer [C4vim][BF4]. The multiple hydrogen bond receptors provided the F atoms and N atoms to form multiple hydrogen bonds with the ACT, realizing the efficient adsorption of ACT. Secondly, the hierarchical porous structure had plenty of micro-mesopores and macropores. The micropores prefer screened small molecules, enhancing the selective adsorption of ACT, the mesoporous pores greatly improved the diffusion ability of ACT in the pores of P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]), and the macropores reduced transportation restrictions and facilitated the entry of ACT. Finally, the P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) contained hydrophilic imidazole group, enhancing the affinity between P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) and ACT. Thus, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) can effectively adsorb ACT. The multiple hydrogen bonds were suggested as the major driving forces for adsorbing P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) and ACT. In addition, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) was conveniently regenerated up to 6 times. Therefore, the P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) had potential application for adsorbing active ingredients of natural products.

Bio-inspired polyionic membrane for long-lasting and repeatable electricity harvesting from moisture

Evaporation power generation (EPG), hailed as a promising clean power generation technology, has garnered significant attention. Nonetheless, achieving consistent and replicable performance of EPG remains a major challenge, hampering its practical application potential. Herein, we present the design of a tri-layered poly-ionic membrane (TL-PIM) inspired by transpiration processes in plants, that can not only continuously output electricity with an average voltage of ∼0.6 V for over 8 consecutive days with a maximum power density of 1.6 µW cm−2, but can also be reused for at least 70 cycles (> 350 h) with a stable voltage, demonstrating superior repeatability over most previous works. The excellent long-lasting and repeatable performance of EPG in the TL-PIM can be attributed to the stable nanochannels constructed by a hydrophilic polymer, 2D nanosheets, and poly-ionic liquids (PILs), where the bromide ions (Br-) in the PILs can shuttle back and forth selectively and efficiently during the power generation and discharge processes. More importantly, the TL-PIM can be integrated linearly to generate electricity within a wide range of temperatures and humidity, even outdoors, showcasing remarkable environmental adaptability. These findings on EPG indicate that the bio-inspired TL-PIM offers a promising venue for continuous and reproducible electricity generation by harnessing thermal energy from moisture, which holds significance for the sustainable utilization of EPG as a renewable energy source in the future.

Effect of Amino Acid Types on the Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of Amino Acid-Based Polyionic Liquid Hydrogels.

Polyionic liquid hydrogels attract increasing attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. However, research on amino acid-based polyionic liquid hydrogels is still in its infancy stage. Moreover, the effect of amino acid types on the properties of hydrogels is rarely studied to date. In this work, amino acid-based polyionic liquid hydrogels (D/L-PCAA hydrogels) are synthesized by copolymerizing vinyl choline-amino acid ionic liquids and acrylic acids using Al3+ as a crosslinking agent and bacterial cellulose (BC) as a reinforcing agent. The effects of amino acid types on mechanical and antimicrobial properties are systematically investigated. D-arginine-based hydrogel (D-PCArg) shows the highest tensile strength (220.7 KPa), D-phenylalanine-based hydrogel (D-PCPhe) exhibits the highest elongation at break (1346%), and L-aspartic acid-based hydrogel (L-PCAsp) has the highest elastic modulus (206.9 KPa) and toughness (1.74MJ m-3). D/L-PCAsp hydrogels demonstrate stronger antibacterial capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and D/L-PCPhe hydrogels possess higher antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. Moreover, the resultant hydrogels exhibit prominent hemocompatibility and low toxicity, as well as excellent self-healing capabilities (86%) and conductivity (2.8 S m-1). These results indicate that D/L-PCAA hydrogel provides a promise for applications in wound dressings.

Understanding Polymerized Ionic Liquids as Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Sodium Batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have emerged as promising candidates for sodium-based batteries due to their cost-effectiveness and excellent flexibility. However, achieving high ionic conductivity and desirable mechanical properties in SPEs remains a challenge. In this study, we investigated an AB diblock copolymer, PS-PEA(BuImTFSI), as a potential SPE for sodium batteries. We explored binary and ternary electrolyte systems by combining the polymer with salt and [C3mpyr][FSI] ionic liquid (IL) and analyzed their thermal and electrochemical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed phase separation in the polymer systems. The addition of salt exhibited a plasticizing effect localized to the polyionic liquid (PIL) phase, resulting in an increased ionic conductivity in the binary electrolytes. Introducing the IL further enhanced the plasticizing effect, elevating the ionic conductivity in the ternary system. Spectroscopic analysis, for the first time, revealed that the incorporation of NaFSI and IL influences the conformation of TFSI- and weakens the interaction between TFSI- and the polymer. This establishes correlations between anions and Na+, ultimately enhancing the diffusivity of Na ions. The electrochemical properties of an optimized SPE in Na/Na symmetrical cells were investigated, showcasing stable Na plating/stripping at high current densities up to 0.7 mA cm-2, maintaining its integrity at 70 °C. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of a Na|NaFePO4 cell cycled at different rates (C/10 and C/5) and temperatures (50 and 70 °C), revealing remarkable high-capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. This study highlights the potential of solvent-free diblock copolymer electrolytes for high-performance sodium-based energy storage systems, contributing to advanced electrolyte materials.

Detailed discussion on the structure of alloy nanoparticles synthesized via magnetron sputter deposition onto liquid poly(ethylene glycol).

This paper is devoted to reviewing a decade of the development of vacuum sputter deposition onto liquid poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to prepare metal and alloy nanoparticles (NPs) with a controlled particle growth, size, structure, and composition. Especially, we have discussed the fine structures of alloy NPs obtained in PEG and compared them with those sputtered onto other non-volatile liquids. Finally, we have shared our prospect of applications for the resulting alloy NPs.