Sulfur-based Polymers Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfur-Based Polymers from Elemental Sulfur and Algae Oil

Sulfur-based polymeric materials were obtained from surplus feedstock; elemental sulfur; and sustainable algae oil, Botryococcene, via inverse vulcanization. Reactions of elemental sulfur and Botry...

Plastics for infrared optics

A sulfur-based polymer that can transmit light at long infrared wavelengths could enable a new class of lightweight plastic optics—as long as scientists can figure out how to make it reliably (ACS ...

The in situ synthesis of PbS nanocrystals from lead(II) n-octylxanthate within a 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene-bisphenol A dimethacrylate sulfur copolymer.

The synthesis of lead sulfide nanocrystals within a solution processable sulfur ‘inverse vulcanization’ polymer thin film matrix was achieved from the in situ thermal decomposition of lead(II) n-octylxanthate, [Pb(S2COOct)2]. The growth of nanocrystals within polymer thin films from single-source precursors offers a faster route to networks of nanocrystals within polymers when compared with ex situ routes. The ‘inverse vulcanization’ sulfur polymer described herein contains a hybrid linker system which demonstrates high solubility in organic solvents, allowing solution processing of the sulfur-based polymer, ideal for the formation of thin films. The process of nanocrystal synthesis within sulfur films was optimized by observing nanocrystal formation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Examination of the film morphology by scanning electron microscopy showed that beyond a certain precursor concentration the nanocrystals formed were not only within the film but also on the surface suggesting a loading limit within the polymer. We envisage this material could be used as the basis of a new generation of materials where solution processed sulfur polymers act as an alternative to traditional polymers.

Progress of research on new hole transporting materials used in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells with a solid-state thin film structure have attracted great attention in recent years due to their simple structure, low production cost and superb photovoltaic performance. Because of the boost in power conversion efficiency (PCE) in short intervals from 3.8% to 19.3% at present, this hybrid cells have been considered as the next generation photovoltaic devices. It is expected that the efficiencies of individual devices could ultimately achieve 25%, which is comparable to the single-crystal silicon solar cell.In this article, the perovskite absorber, its basic device structure, and operating principles are briefly introduced. Since most of the high efficiency perovskite solar cells employ hole transporting materials (HTM), they could benefit the hole transport and improve the metal-semiconductor interface in the cells. This perspective gives analyses of some effective hole transporting materials for perovskite solar cell application. The hole transporting materials used in perovskite solar cell are classified into six categories according to their structures, including triphenylamine-based small molecule HTM, small molecule HTM containing N atom, sulfur-based small molecule HTM, sulfur-based polymer HTM, polymer HTM containing N atom and inorganic HTM. Emphasis is placed on the interplay of molecular structures, energy levels, and charge carrier mobility as well as device parameters. A critial look at various approaches applied to achieve desired materials and device performance is provided to assist in the identification of new directions and further advances.

Coatings Fight Furniture Fires

A 30-nm-thick polymer coating can prevent the spread of flames on foam used in home furnishings (ACS Macro Lett., DOI: 10.1021/mz400105e). The coating, which consists of a sulfur-based polymer and a carbohydrate polymer found in crustacean shells, could be an environmentally friendly alternative to the flame retardants used today in furniture foam, its developers say. Furniture cushions are typically made of highly flammable polyurethane foam. To meet fire safety guidelines, manufacturers treat the foam with flame-retardant chemicals. Toxicologists and environmental scientists worry about these brominated chemicals because studies have shown that some can act as endocrine disrupters or lead to neurological problems. The European Union has banned several of the compounds, and regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Canada have started to scrutinize the chemicals’ use. Jaime C. Grunlan, a mechanical engineer at Texas A&M University, wanted to find flame-retardant formulations that do not affect the foam’s stiff...

Polysulfoximine: A Novel Sulfur-Based Polymer for High Performance Engineering Plastics

First polysulfoximine was synthesized and characterized. 4-Phenoxybenzenesulfonimidoyl chloride was prepared by the reaction of 4-phenoxybenzenesulfinyl chloride with anhydrous chloramine T. Acid-catalyzed polycondensation of the sulfonimidoyl chloride with 10% of anhydrous ferric chloride in nitrobenzene at 120°C for 48 h afforded 80% yield of polysulfoximine having tosyl group at the nitrogen atom (NTs derivative). The spectral characteristics of the NTs derivative suggested occurrence of the regioselective polycondenstion. The NTs derivative was treated with conc. sulfuric acid followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide to give corresponding “free” polysulfoximine having hydrogen atom at the nitrogen atom (NH derivative) in 80% conversion. Benzylated derivative (NBz derivative) was obtained by benzylation of the NH derivative with benzyl chloride. Thermal properties of these polysulfoximines were examined.

Polysulfoximine: A Novel Sulfur-Based Polymer for High Performance Engineering Plastics

First polysulfoximine was synthesized and characterized. 4-Phenoxybenzenesulfonimidoyl chloride was prepared by the reaction of 4-phenoxybenzenesulfinyl chloride with anhydrous chloramine T. Acid-catalyzed polycondensation of the sulfonimidoyl chloride with 10% of anhydrous ferric chloride in nitrobenzene at 120°C for 48 h afforded 80% yield of polysulfoximine having tosyl group at the nitrogen atom (NTs derivative). The spectral characteristics of the NTs derivative suggested occurrence of the regioselective polycondenstion. The NTs derivative was treated with conc. sulfuric acid followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide to give corresponding “free” polysulfoximine having hydrogen atom at the nitrogen atom (NH derivative) in 80% conversion. Benzylated derivative (NBz derivative) was obtained by benzylation of the NH derivative with benzyl chloride. Thermal properties of these polysulfoximines were examined.