Results Of Quartz Crystal Microbalance Research Articles

Phosphatidylcholine Surface Hydration-Dependent Adsorption to Mucin Enhances Intestinal Mucus Barrier Function.

The crucial role of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholines (PC) within mucus gel is essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, while the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Herein, we compared the dynamic interfacial adsorption behavior of saturated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and unsaturated dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) to intestinal mucin and their impact on the intestinal mucus barrier function. Results of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation showed that the highly surface-hydrated DPPC vesicles exhibited significantly faster and more extensive adsorption to purified intestinal mucin than the slightly surface-hydrated DOPC vesicles. Utilizing an intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX coculture model, we observed that DPPC vesicles adsorbed much more to the mucus gel compared to DOPC vesicles. Additionally, DPPC vesicle adsorption displayed increased wetting, and converse for DOPC vesicles. Interestingly, both of them exhibited nearly the same protective effects against cell injury induced by peptic-tryptic digests of gliadin (PTG). The partial mechanism involved the binding of PTG to DPPC and DOPC within the mucus gel, thereby restricting PTG contact with the underlying epithelial cells. These findings shed light on the intricate interfacial dynamics of PC adsorption to mucin and their implications for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier.

Investigating the effect of anchoring groups modified comb-like polycarboxylate hyperdispersants on dispersion and stability in dispersed dyes

Comb-like hyperdispersants are widely used for the dispersion of liquid dispersed dyes (LDDs), because of the molecular structure of comb, in which the effective steric hindrance effects provided by polymer side chains and the adsorption force provided by anchoring groups, resulting in the dispersant to be firmly adsorbed on the surface of the dye. However, the mechanism by which the anchoring groups in this dispersant affect the dispersion and stability of LDDs is still unclear. Herein, three types of anchoring group modified comb-like polycarboxylate hyperdispersants were synthesized to explore the effect of anchoring groups on stability and dispersibility, in which the anchoring groups from the monomers of 2-vinylnaphthalene (2-VNP), styrene (St), and 4-vinylbiphenyl (4-VBP). The optimal sand grinding conditions and dispersion stability of the modified hyperdispersants were comprehensively investigated. 2-VNP modified hyperdispersant (DPN) possessed higher grinding efficiency and better dispersion stability than those of St (DPS) and 4-VBP modified hyperdispersants (DPB). The results of atomic force microscope (AFM) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) indicated that DPN exhibited higher adsorption force (2.16 mN/m) than that the DPS (0.648 mN/m) and DPB (1.56 mN/m), thereby improving the adsorption strength of dispersants and DDs, stabling the dispersion effect of LDDs. In addition, the dyeing performance of the prepared LDDs on polyester fabric was further investigated. It was found that these LDDs acquired a faster dyeing rate, higher K/S values and rubbing color fastness, and lower chemical oxygen demand (COD) of residual liquid than commercial powder DDs, due to the higher adsorption force on the DDs surface provided good colloidal stability in the high temperatures dye bath. We expect that this study will provide important mechanistic insights into the development of hyperdispersants for LDDs controlled by high adsorption force anchoring groups.

Photoswitchable adsorption of a Gemini surfactant containing Azobenzene group on the silica surface

Developing a method to control the adsorption/desorption of molecules at interfaces is of major importance in various interfacial processes. Herein, we report an Azobenzene-based Gemini surfactant (GAS), which can selectively adsorb onto the silica surface while about one-half of the adsorbed surfactants tend to be detached from the surface upon UV irradiation. The adsorption/desorption of the surfactant on the surface can be reversibly adjusted by using Vis or UV light alternately. The absorbed mass of the surfactant on the surface remains stable after two cycles of irradiation with Vis/UV light. The effect of light irradiation on the performances of the surfactant, such as surface activity, wetting, foaming and flotation power was investigated. A two-step adsorption mechanism of the surfactant on the surface was proposed based on the results of quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Our study can provide insights into the unique properties of the photosensitive surfactant and its reversible adsorption/desorption process on the solid surfaces.

Quantitative analysis and interfacial properties of mixed pea protein isolate-phospholipid adsorption layer

Proteins and low-molecular-weight (LMW) surfactants are widely used for the physical stabilization of many emulsion-based food products. This study investigated the oil-water interfacial behavior between pea protein isolate (PPI) and phospholipid (PL). The emulsions prepared with different concentrations of PPI and PL were stabilized by their synergetic or competitive adsorption at the oil-water interface. In addition, the quantitative proteomics results could illustrate the displacements of proteins by PL. The result showed that the vicilin (7S) could be preferentially displaced by PL. Meanwhile, the results of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) indicated the high affinity of legumin (11S) with PL, suggesting that the legumin possessed higher interfacial affinity to prevent interfacial displacement. This research could help us to understand the interaction and competitive adsorption between plant proteins and LMW surfactants profoundly, which could promote the development of plant protein-based emulsion beverage with improved stability.

Investigation of the Interaction Mechanism between Lignin Structural Units and Enzyme

The effect of lignin structural units on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass was investigated, especially the inhibitory role of lignin in non-productive adsorption with enzymes. Milled wood lignin (MWL) was isolated from different hardwoods of poplar, eucalyptus and acacia. The isolated lignin samples were characterized by elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography, nitrobenzene oxidation and fourier infrared spectroscopy. The mechanism of lignin structural units on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was studied by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The results showed that different structural units of lignin had different adsorption capacity for enzymes. The results of nitrobenzene oxidation indicated that the S/G ratio (S: syringyl-like lignin structures; G: guaiacyl-like lignin structures) of lignin of poplar was 0.99, that of eucalyptus was 1.92 and that of acacia was 1.34. According to the results of QCM, the adsorption capacity of the three lignin films was as follows: Poplar MWL (S/G ratio 0.99) < Acacia MWL (S/G ratio 1.34) < Eucalyptus MWL (S/G ratio 1.92). Eucalyptus MWL with higher degree of condensation and S/G ratio showed stronger affinity to enzymes and more non-productive adsorption with enzymes, resulting in less adsorption between enzymes and cellulose, and lower enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency.

Effect of Cucurbit[7]uril on Adsorption of Aniline Derivatives at Quartz

The adsorption behavior of small molecules at solid–liquid interfaces have become an important research topic in recent years. For example, small molecules of aniline pollutants will adsorb on solid surfaces with a massive discharge of industrial wastewater and are difficult to separate. Therefore, their adsorption and desorption on solid surfaces have become an important scientific problem. In this study, the interactions of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) and benzidine (AN) are studied using 1H NMR, UV-Vis spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that Q[7] forms an inclusion complex with MDA and AN. According to the results of Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D), MDA adsorbs onto a quartz surface and forms a viscous adsorption layer on it. The AN adsorbs on the quartz surface and forms a rigid adsorption film on it. Q[7] can reduce the adsorption of MDA on the quartz surface and increases the adsorption of AN on it. Through the dynamic adsorption experiments, we find that Q[7] has a desorption effect on MDA molecules adsorbed on the quartz surface. An Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is used to measure the morphological changes in the adsorption film before and after Q[7] makes contact with the quartz surface, and it proves that Q[7] has a desorption effect on MDA molecules adsorbed on the surface.

Lignin as a multi-functional agent for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and its application in antibacterial coatings

Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, their intended use may adversely affect the ecosystem. In this study, alkali lignin (AL) was modified via quaternization to synthesize amphoteric lignin (AML), which was further used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of amphoteric lignin@nanosilver (AML@AgNPs) composites under microwave irradiation. The AML@AgNPs were characterized via X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The results showed that the average particle size of AgNPs was 24.7 nm. The positively charged AML@AgNPs had excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 30 ppm. The results of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and optical microscopy tests showed that the positively charged AML could effectively capture bacteria, which promoted the adhesion of the AML@AgNPs to bacteria. Furthermore, the AML@AgNPs had good compatibility with polyurethane, and when the AML@AgNPs content in the WPU–AML@AgNPs blend was 0.5 wt.% of the waterborne polyurethane (WPU), the prepared polyurethane film could completely inhibit bacteria growth.

Friction reduction mechanism of glycerol monooleate-containing lubricants at elevated temperature - transition from physisorption to chemisorption.

The friction reduction mechanism of glycerol monooleate (GMO) was investigated under boundary lubrication with elevated temperature. Tribological performances were tested using reciprocating test rig by adding 5 wt.% GMO into Poly-alpha Olefin (PAO) base oil. Friction coefficient and wear were recorded during experiments. The used oil was evaluated by infrared detection after experiments. Results show that GMO could reduce friction coefficient at both low and high temperature. At elevated temperature, the friction coefficient of PAO-GMO blend climb up gradually, followed by a decrease tendency, and the wear increase gradually with temperature. The results of Quartz Crystal Microbalance show that the physical adsorption film plays the main role in friction reduction at low temperature. While at high temperature, the Infrared Spectrum and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrum show that the GMO involves into the chemisorption with friction surface, producing Fe(OH)O and Fe3O4. The friction reduction mechanism of GMO transferred from physisorption to chemisorption, which reduced friction coefficient at both low and high temperature.

The role of C-terminal amidation in the mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide aurein 1.2

Abstract C-terminal amidation is a common feature of wild type membrane disrupting antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Empirical evidence suggests that this modification increases antimicrobial efficacy. However, the actual role of C-terminal amidation in the molecular mechanism of action of AMPs is not fully understood. Amidation alters two key properties simultaneously: the net charge and helicity of the peptide, both of which are implicated in the mechanism of action. However, the differences between the physicochemical properties of the carboxyl and amide moieties have been disregarded in former studies. In this study we assessed whether the difference in activity is only caused by changes in the helicity and overall charge of a peptide, i.e. whether the chemistry of the terminus is otherwise irrelevant. To do so, the membrane disrupting activity of a modified aurein 1.2 peptide was studied in which a secondary amide was formed with a terminal methyl group, instead of the primary amide as in the wild type peptide. Results of quartz crystal microbalance, dye leakage and circular dichroism experiments show that the activity of the modified peptide is substantially reduced compared to the wild type peptide, in particular that the modified peptide exhibited a much-reduced ability to bind to the membrane. Thus, the primary amide at the C-terminus is required to bind to the membrane, and a secondary amide cannot serve the same purpose. We hypothesize that this difference is related to the hydration state of the terminus. The lack of membrane binding ability of the modified peptide identifies the primary amide moiety at the C terminus as a specific membrane binding motif.

Significant effect of cations on polypyrrole cycle stability

The specific capacitance of PPy films decreased by 8% in 1 M HCl solution after the 5000 cycles. However, the specific capacitance of PPy films decreased by 75% in 1 M NaCl solution. The cations in working electrolyte had an important effect on the capacitance decay of PPy films. The O/C ratio of PPy films in 1 M HCl showed a small difference with that in 1 M NaCl. The results of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) showed that the mass change of PPy films in 1 M HCl solution was about twice as that 1 M NaCl solution, which was attributed to the extensive participation of the cations in PPy doping/dedoping process. The participation of the cations can induce the formation of salts in PPy matrix. The results of scanning electron microscope showed the thickness of PPy films increased by 15% and 60% in 1 M NaCl solution after 2000 cycles and 5000 cycles, respectively. The excessive accumulation of salts in PPy matrix had to decrease of PPy free volume and result in the capacitance decrease of PPy films in 1 M NaCl solution. Therefore, the cation in working electrolyte should have a small ion radius considering the long cycle life of PPy electrode.

Preparation, evaluation and functionalization of biomimetic block copolymer coatings for potential applications in cardiovascular implants

Effective prevention of the formation of blood coagulation is crucial in blood contact devices. Moreover, the specific service environment also requires specialized function. In this study, triblock copolymers containing zwitterionic units of phosphorylcholine (PC) and nonionic units of trimethoxysilyl (TMS) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In addition, random copolymers containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) were synthesized via conventional free radical polymerization. Further, the polymers were immobilized on biomedical metal sheets to construct biomimetic antifouling coatings via covalent fixation. Experiments, including contact angle (WCA) measurements, platelet adhesion, and fibrinogen denaturation, show that one of the triblock copolymers, MePBMTM III sample, exhibited the best hemocompatibility and labeled as MePBMTM in the follow-up evaluations. Finally, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was introduced on the MePBMTM coating via covalent fixation. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) confirmed the successful fabrication of VEGF/triblock phospholipid polymers coating. In vitro smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultures revealed that the VEGF/triblock phospholipid polymers coating significantly inhibited the attachment and proliferation of SMCs. In vitro endothelial cells (ECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cultures further confirmed that the VEGF/triblock phospholipid polymers coating effectively promoted their adhesion and proliferation.

Effect of humidity on the CO gas sensing of ZnSn(OH)6 film via quartz crystal microbalance technique

In this study, cubic ZnSn(OH)6 (ZHS) was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method at 120 °C for 12 h. The prepared material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and SEM. The average size of the cubic ZHS was about 90–140 nm and thickness of ZHS film was 2 μm approximatively. CO with the volumetric fraction ranging from 4% to 10% in different relative humidity (10% RH, 44% RH, 73% RH and 95% RH) was used as active gas, high-purity N2 in same humility gas was used as cleaning process. The adsorption and desorption data were obtained by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The results of QCM show opposite adsorption and desorption process in the lower and higher humidity. The sensor coated with ZHS film exhibits promising CO gas and humidity sensing properties at the same time at room temperature.

Synthesis and properties of antifouling poly(CL-co-zDMAEMA) zwitterionic copolymer by one-step hybrid copolymerization.

A novel biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer was synthesized by one-step hybrid copolymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) and 2-(N,N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) employing (1-tert-butyl-4,4,4-tris(dimethylamino)-2,2-bis[tris(dimethylamino)phophoranylidenamino]-2Λ5,Λ5-catenadi(phosphazene) (t-BuP4) as a catalyst. The as-synthesized copolymer was betainizated resulting in a zwitterionic copolymer poly(CL-co-zDMAEMA) and the structure of the zwitterionic copolymer was confirmed by the FT-IR, NMR, and XPS measurements. The results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) show that this zwitterionic copolymer can self-assemble into stable micelles. The results of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) analysis and MTT measurement suggest that this zwitterionic copolymer possess better protein resistance and lower cell cytotoxicity in vitro in comparison with the cationic copolymer. The pyrene solubilization measurement of copolymers poly(CL-co-zDMAEMA) indicates an excellent pyrene solubilization capacity. These zwitterionic polymer micelles can release drugs in response to specific signals, such as temperature, pH, and enzymes and have a potential application in drug delivery and gene therapy due to their good antifouling, low cytotoxicity and high pyrene solubilization.

Reflectometric measurement of n-hexane adsorption on ZnO2 nanohybrid film modified by hydrophobic gold nanoparticles

Zinc-peroxide/poly(styrenesulfonate) nanohybrid thin films (containing 20 bilayers: [ZnO2/PSS]20, d∼500nm) were prepared using layer-by-layer (LbL) method. The thin film surface was functionalized by different surface modifying agents (silanes, alkylthiols and hydrophobized nanoparticles). Based on the experimental results of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and contact angle measurements (as prequalifications) the octanethiol covered gold nanoparticles (OT-AuNPs) were selected for further vapour adsorption studies. Reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS) was used to measure n-hexane vapour adsorption on the original and modified nanohybrid films in a gas flow platform. The thin film provides only the principle of the measurement (by interference phenomenon), the selectivity and hydrophobicity is controlled and enhanced by surface functionalization (by dispersion interaction between the alkyl chains). The interference pattern shift (Δλ) caused by the increase of the optical thickness of the thin film due to vapour adsorption was investigated. It was found that due to the surface functionalization by hydrophobic nanoparticles the effect of water vapour adsorption decreased significantly, while for n-hexane opposite tendency was observed (the effective refractive index and thus the interference pattern shift increased drastically). The correlation between QCM technique and optical method (RIfS) was specified: linear specific adsorbed amount vs. wavelength shift calibration curves were determined in the pr=0–0.4 relative vapour pressure range. The thin film is suitable for sensorial application (e.g. volatile organic compound/VOC sensor).

Electrically controllable perchlorate removal based on poly(aniline‐co‐o‐aminophenol) doped with p‐toluene sulfonate

ABSTRACTPoly(aniline‐co‐o‐aminophenol) (PANOA) was synthesized via electrochemical copolymerization of o‐aminophenol and aniline using p‐toluene sulfonate (TSA−) as the counterion. The redox transformation of PANOA is accompanied by the exchange of anions into and out of the copolymer, and the feasibility of perchlorate (ClO4−) removal via an electrically switched ion exchange process was evaluated in this study. The results of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated the successful release of TSA− upon reduction and uptake of ClO4− upon reoxidation of the copolymer. Also, in this work, the possible ion‐exchange mechanism of PANOA was proposed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41895.

The reversibility of ionic transport in PEDOT with application to a complementary electrochromic device

Abstract The electrochemistry and ion transport properties of PEDOT in different solvents have been investigated. Conductivity enhancement has been observed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG). This is attributed to the transformation of polymer chains from compact to linear structure induced by such high dipole moment solvent treatment (DMSO or EG). The results of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) indicate that the solvent plays an important role in redox process. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) reveals a better reversibility of ionic transfer in DMSO compared with that measured in acetonitrile (ACN). A solution and thin film system electrochromic device (ECD) based on 4-phenothiazin-10-yl-anisole (APS) solution and a PEDOT thin film was assembled and studied. The device demonstrates the color change from colorless (0 V) to deep blue violet (1.6 V). A maximum transmittance window 65% was obtained at 520 nm with the operating potentials between 0 and 1.6 V in DMSO electrolytes. Coloration efficiency of the ECD has been found to be 410 cm 2 /C. No pre-darkening or pre-bleaching of the electrodes is required for assembly of such ECD.

Layer-by-layer assembly of type I collagen and chondroitin sulfate on aminolyzed PU for potential cartilage tissue engineering application

In this paper, a two-step method was used to synthesize a biodegradable polyurethane (PU) composed of l-lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (LDI), poly(ɛ-caprolactone) diols (PCL-diol) and 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-sorbitol (isosorbide). Amino groups were introduced onto the surface of the PU membrane by an amination reacting with 1,3-propanediamine to produce polycationic substratum. And then, type I collagen (Col) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were deposited alternately on the polycationic substratum through layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly technology. The FTIR and 1H NMR results showed that the polyurethane was successfully synthesized. Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) fluorescence spectrum indicated that amino groups were successfully introduced onto the PU surface. The results of quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) and RBITC-Col fluorescence spectroscopy monitoring the LBL assemble process presented that the Col/CS deposited alternately on the PU surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results displayed that the CS deposited on the PU surface as well. The surface of the assembled PU became even smoother observed from the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. The hydrophilicity of the PU membrane was greatly enhanced though the modification of LBL assembly. The PU modified with the adsorption of Col/CS may be a potential application for cartilage tissue engineering due to its created mimicking chondrogenic environment.

Inspired Chemistry for a Simple but Highly Effective Immobilization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Gallic Acid‐functionalized Plasma Polymerized Film

AbstractBiomolecules with thiol or amine groups can be easily covalently immobilized onto a material substrate equipped with quinone groups in a simple mild alkali buffer solution based on Schiff base and Michael addition reaction. In this study we report a novel two‐step approach to creating a functional coating with abundant quinone groups for a facile immobilization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in chemical mild phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH = 7.4). This approach firstly involves the deposition of plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAam) thin coating onto a substrate to introduce the amine groups. Then gallic acid (3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is chosen to functionalize PPAam for introducing phenol groups through a water‐soluble carbodiimide (WSC) coupling procedure. The results of infrared spectroscopy (IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angles reveal the effective conjugation of GA to PPAam and further immobilization of VEGF to GA functionalized PPAam. The results of quartz crystal microbalance equipped with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) show that 120 ng · cm−2 of VEGF is successfully immobilized onto GA functionalized surface. The VEGF functionalized surface shows a significant enhancement of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, revealing a good bioactivity of VEGF. This functional coating not only provides a novel facile strategy for the covalent immobilization of biomolecules in a chemical mild reaction condition, but also can be adapted for a wide range of materials without surface pretreatment. magnified image

Solvent Oligomerization during SEI Formation on Model Systems for Li-Ion Battery Anodes

We report the results of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) measurements along with detailed calculations examining the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on battery anode electrodes. EQCM analysis of Au and Sn surfaces in propylene carbonate (PC) and a 1:1 mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC:DMC) showed major irreversible mass uptake by the electrode surface especially during the first five cycles between +2 and 0.1 V vs. Li/Li+. MALDI-MS on emersed electrodes showed that long chain (m/z = 3000 on PC) oligomerized species were present on Au surfaces in PC and EC:DMC solvents, where oligomerized species formed in PC solutions showed higher mass ratios. The repeating units of the oligomer, visible as oscillations in the MALDI-MS, vary with the type of the solvent and electrode material. Sn surfaces initially showed formation of long chain polymers, but this material was not in evidence on electrode emersed after five cycles, which likely arises as a consequence of the catalytic involvement of Sn in decomposition of initially formed species. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of cyclic solvent molecules suggested a radical initiated polymerization mechanism and predict oligomer subunits consistent with the experimental results.

Nitroxide polymer brushes grafted onto silica nanoparticles as cathodes for organic radical batteries

Nitroxide polymer brushes grafted on silica nanoparticles as binder-free cathodes for organic radical batteries have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and electron spin resonance confirm that the nitroxide polymer brushes are successfully grafted onto silica nanoparticles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The thermogravimetric analysis results indicate that the onset decomposition temperature of these nitroxide polymer brushes is found to be ca. 201°C. The grafting density of the nitroxide polymer brushes grafted on silica nanoparticles is 0.74–1.01chainsnm−2. The results of the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance indicate that the non-crosslinking nitroxide polymer brushes prevent the polymer from dissolving into organic electrolytes. Furthermore, the electrochemical results show that the discharge capacity of the polymer brushes is 84.9–111.1mAhg−1 at 10C and the cells with the nitroxide polymer brush electrodes have a very good cycle-life performance of 96.3% retention after 300 cycles.