Electrostatic-Mediated Intramolecular Cross-Linking Polymers in Concentrated Solutions

Since Kuhn in 1956 first proposed intramolecular cross-linking of isolated single-polymer chains in dilute solutions,the method has been extensively employed to achieve single-chain colloids and tadpole colloids(Janus ones)from homopolymers and copolymers,respectively.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Residual alkali-evoked cross-linked polymer layer for anti-air-sensitivity LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)cathode

High-energy density lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)with layered high-nickel oxide cathodes(LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2),x≥0.8)show great promise in consumer electronics and vehicular applications.However,LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)faces challenges related to capacity decay caused by residual alkalis owing to high sensitivity to air.To address this issue,we propose a hazardous substances upcycling method that fundamentally mitigates alkali content and concurrently induces the emergence of an anti-air-sensitive layer on the cathode surface.Through the neutralization of polyacrylic acid(PAA)with residual alkalis and then coupling it with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),a stable and ion-conductive cross-linked polymer layer is in situ integrated into the LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)(NCM)cathode.Our characterization and measurements demonstrate its effectiveness.The NCM material exhibits impressive cycling performance,retaining 88.4%of its capacity after 200 cycles at 5 C and achieving an extraordinary specific capacity of 170.0 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.Importantly,this layer on the NCM efficiently suppresses unfavorable phase transitions,severe electrolyte degradation,and CO_(2)gas evolution,while maintaining commendable resistance to air exposure.This surface modification strategy shows widespread potential for creating air-stable LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)cathodes,thereby advancing high-performance LIBs.

Regulating intramolecular hydrogen bonds of p-phenylenediimidazole-based small-molecule compounds towards the enhanced lithium storage capacity

The use of redox-active organic electrode materials in energy storage is restricted due to their inferior solvent resistance,abysmal conductivity,and the resultant low practical capacity.To address these issues,a class of bipolar p-phenylenediimidazole-based small-molecule compounds are designed and fabricated.Theπ-conjugated backbone of these small molecules allows for electron delocalization on a big conjugation plane,endowing them with good conductivity and reaction reversibility.Furthermore,when the para-positions of phenylene are occupied by hydroxyl groups,as-formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds(N-H...O)between phenolic hydroxyl groups and the–NH groups of imidazole rings further enhance the structural planarity,resulting in higherπ-conjugation degree and better conductivity,and thus higher utilization of active sites and electrode capacity,proved by both experimental results and theoretical calculations.The optimized composite electrode DBNQ@rGO-45 shows a high specific capacity(∼308 mA h g^(−1)at 100 mA g^(−1))and a long cycling stability(112.9 mA h g^(−1)after 6000 cycles at 2000 mA g^(−1)).The significantly better electrochemical properties for hydroxyl group-containing compounds than those without hydroxyl groups attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bond-induced conjugation enhancement will inspire the structure design of organic electrodes for better energy storage.

Tuning the cross-linked structure of basic poly(ionic liquid)to develop an efficient catalyst for the conversion of vinyl carbonate to dimethyl carbonate

Dimethyl carbonate(DMC)is a crucial chemical raw material widely used in organic synthesis,lithiumion battery electrolytes,and various other fields.The current primary industrial process employs a conventional sodium methoxide basic catalyst to produce DMC through the transesterification reaction between vinyl carbonate and methanol.However,the utilization of this catalyst presents several challenges during the process,including equipment corrosion,the generation of solid waste,susceptibility to deactivation,and complexities in separation and recovery.To address these limitations,a series of alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s,i.e.[DVBPIL][PHO],[DVCPIL][PHO],and[TBVPIL][PHO],with different crosslinking degrees and structures,were synthesized through the construction of cross-linked polymeric monomers and functionalization.These poly(ionic liquid)s exhibit cross-linked structures and controllable cationic and anionic characteristics.Research was conducted to investigate the effect of the cross-linking degree and structure on the catalytic performance of transesterification in synthesizing DMC.It was discovered that the appropriate cross-linking degree and structure of the[DVCPIL][PHO]catalyst resulted in a DMC yield of up to 80.6%.Furthermore,this catalyst material exhibited good stability,maintaining its catalytic activity after repeated use five times without significant changes.The results of this study demonstrate the potential for using alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s as a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional catalysts for the transesterification synthesis of DMC.

Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Improved Durability and Kinetics for Zinc‑Organic Batteries

Organic compounds have the advantages of green sustainability and high designability,but their high solubility leads to poor durability of zinc-organic batteries.Herein,a high-performance quinone-based polymer(H-PNADBQ)material is designed by introducing an intramolecular hydrogen bonding(HB)strategy.The intramolecular HB(C=O⋯N-H)is formed in the reaction of 1,4-benzoquinone and 1,5-naphthalene diamine,which efficiently reduces the H-PNADBQ solubility and enhances its charge transfer in theory.In situ ultraviolet-visible analysis further reveals the insolubility of H-PNADBQ during the electrochemical cycles,enabling high durability at different current densities.Specifically,the H-PNADBQ electrode with high loading(10 mg cm^(-2))performs a long cycling life at 125 mA g^(-1)(>290 cycles).The H-PNADBQ also shows high rate capability(137.1 mAh g^(−1)at 25 A g^(−1))due to significantly improved kinetics inducted by intramolecular HB.This work provides an efficient approach toward insoluble organic electrode materials.

Solid-state NMR of vulcanized natural rubber/butadiene rubber blends:Local organization and cross-linking heterogeneities This article is part of the virtual special issue“Solid-state NMR studies on polymers and biological solids”

Elastomer blends,among which natural rubber(NR)and butadiene rubber(BR),are involved in many components of the automotive/tire industry.A comprehensive understanding of their mechanical behavior requires,among other features,a detailed description of the crosslink density in these mixtures.In the case of vulcanized immiscible blends,the distribution of the cross-link density within each of the NR-and BR-rich domains is key information,but difficult to determine using the conventional approaches used for one-component crosslinked elastomers.In this study,the vulcanization within NR/BR blends is investigated using a robust^(1)H double-quantum(DQ)MAS recoupling experiment,BaBa-xy16.Two kinds of cross-linked NR/BR blends were considered with two different microstructures for the BR component.The bulk organization of the resulting blends was first probed by analyzing the^(1)H spin-lattice relaxation behavior.In a second step,BaBa-xy16 was used to investigate,in a selective way,the cross-link heterogeneities within NR/BR blends.In particular,for immiscible NR/BR mixtures,the distribution of the cross-link density between both phases was compared and the observed differences were discussed.

Early changes in corneal densitometry after FS-LASIK combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for correction of high myopia

AIM:To observe the effects of femtosecond laserassisted excimer laser in situ keratomileusis combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking(FS-LASIK Xtra)on corneal densitometry after correcting for high myopia.METHODS:In this prospectively study,130 patients underwent FS-LASIK or FS-LASIK Xtra for high myopia.Their right eyes were selected for inclusion in the study,of which 65 cases of 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK group,65 patients with 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK Xtra group.Patients were evaluated for corneal densitometry at 1,3,and 6mo postoperatively using Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.RESULTS:Preoperative differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups in different ranges were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Layer-by-layer analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the anterior(120μm),central,and total layer corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(all P<0.05),the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group.Analysis of different diameter ranges showed statistically significant differences between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group at 1mo postoperatively in the ranges of 0–2,2–6,and 6–10 mm(both P<0.05);At 3mo postoperatively,the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group in the ranges of 0–2 and 2–6 mm(P<0.05).At 6mo postoperatively,there were no statistically significant differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group in different diameter ranges(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:There is an increase in internal corneal densitometry during the early postoperative period after FS-LASIK Xtra for correction of high myopia.However,the densitometry values decreased to the level of conventional FS-LASIK at 6mo after surgery,with the most significant changes observed in the superficial central zone.

Molecule‑Level Multiscale Design of Nonflammable Gel Polymer Electrolyte to Build Stable SEI/CEI for Lithium Metal Battery

The risk of flammability is an unavoidable issue for gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs).Usually,flameretardant solvents are necessary to be used,but most of them would react with anode/cathode easily and cause serious interfacial instability,which is a big challenge for design and application of nonflammable GPEs.Here,a nonflammable GPE(SGPE)is developed by in situ polymerizing trifluoroethyl methacrylate(TFMA)monomers with flame-retardant triethyl phosphate(TEP)solvents and LiTFSI–LiDFOB dual lithium salts.TEP is strongly anchored to PTFMA matrix via polarity interaction between-P=O and-CH_(2)CF_(3).It reduces free TEP molecules,which obviously mitigates interfacial reactions,and enhances flame-retardant performance of TEP surprisingly.Anchored TEP molecules are also inhibited in solvation of Li^(+),leading to anion-dominated solvation sheath,which creates inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface/cathode electrolyte interface layers.Such coordination structure changes Li^(+)transport from sluggish vehicular to fast structural transport,raising ionic conductivity to 1.03 mS cm^(-1) and transfer number to 0.41 at 30℃.The Li|SGPE|Li cell presents highly reversible Li stripping/plating performance for over 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(−2),and 4.2 V LiCoO_(2)|SGPE|Li battery delivers high average specific capacity>120 mAh g^(−1) over 200 cycles.This study paves a new way to make nonflammable GPE that is compatible with Li metal anode.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Coupled Charge Transfer Reaction of Baicalein

The excited state intramolecular proton transfer （ESIPT） coupled charge transfer of baicalein has been investigated using steady-state spectroscopic experiment and quantum chemistry calculations. The absence of the absorption peak from S1 excited state both in the experi-mental and calculated absorption spectra indicates that S1 is a dark state. The dark excited state S1 results in the very weak fluorescence of solid baicalein in the experiment. The fron- tier molecular orbital and the charge difference densities of baicalein show clearly that the S1 state is a charge-transfer state whereas the S2 state is a locally excited state. The only one stationary point on the potential energy profile of excited state suggests that the ESIPT reaction of baicalein is a barrierless process.

Study on the Soy Protein-Based Adhesive Cross-Linked by Glyoxal

Based on the ESI-MS and ^(13)C-NMR analysis of the forms of glyoxal in acidic and alkaline solutions,the soy-based adhesive cross-linked by glyoxal was prepared in this work.The results showed that glyoxal existed in water in different forms at different pH levels.Under alkaline conditions,glyoxal transformed to glycolate through the intramolecular disproportionation reaction.Under acidic conditions,although some of glyoxal transformed to glycolate as what happened under alkaline conditions,most of glyoxal molecules existed in the form of fiveor six-membered cyclic ether structure.No ethylene tetraol or free aldehyde group was actually detected under these conditions.Although glyoxal reacted with soy protein under both acidic and alkaline conditions,alkaline conditions were more favorable for the improvement of mechanical performance and water resistance of soybased adhesives than acid conditions.

Photo-induced intramolecular electron transfer and intramolecular vibrational relaxation of rhodamine 6G in DMSO revealed by multiplex transient grating spectroscopy

Photo-induced intramolecular electron transfer （PIET） and intramolecular vibrational relaxation （IVR） dynamics of the excited state of rhodamine 6G （Rh6G＋） in DMSO are investigated by multiplex transient grating. Two major compo- nents are resolved in the dynamics of Rh6G＋. The first component, with a lifetime τTPIET = 140 fs-260 fs, is attributed to PIET from the phenyl ring to the xanthene plane. The IVR process occurring in the range ZIVR = 3.3 ps-5.2 ps is much slower than the first component. The PIET and IVR processes occurring in the excited state of Rh6G＋ are quantitatively determined, and a better understanding of the relationship between these processes is obtained.

Electron Momentum Spectroscopy of Valence Orbitals of n-Propyl Iodide： Spin-Orbit Coupling Effect and Intramolecular Orbital Interaction

The binding energy spectrum and electron momentum distributions for the outer valence orbitals of n-propyl iodide molecule have been measured using the electron momentum spectrometer employing non-coplanar asymmetric geometry at impact energy of 2.5 keV plus binding energy. The ionization bands have been assigned in detail via the high accuracy SACCI general-R method calculation and the experimental momentum profiles are compared with the theoretical ones calculated by Hartree-Fock and B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ（C,H）6-311G？？（I）. The spin-orbit coupling effect and intramolecular orbital interaction have been analyzed for the outermost two bands, which are assigned to the iodine 5p lone pairs, using NBO method and non-relativistic as well as relativistic calculations. It is found that both of the interactions will lead to the observed differences in electron momentum distributions. The experimental results agree with the relativistic theoretical momentum profiles, indicating that the spin-orbit coupling effect dominates in n-propyl iodide molecule.

An altemative synthetic approach towards erythrinan and homoerythrinan alkaloids by tandem semipinacol/intramolecular Schmidt reaction

An alternative construction of A-B-D ring-system of erythrinan and homoerythrinan alkaloids by TiCl4-mediated tandem semipinacol/intramolecular Schmidt reaction of α-siloxyepoxyazide was addressed and the unusual epoxidation stereoselectivity was observed in preparation of the substrate once again.

PERVAPORATION PROPERTIES OF PDMS MEMBRANES CURED WITH DIFFERENT CROSS-LINKING REAGENTS FOR ETHANOL CONCENTRATION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Ethanol perm-selective PDMS/PVDF composite membranes were prepared by curing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with various cross-linking reagents,such as tetraethoxylsilane(TEOS),γ-aminopropyltriethoxylsilane(APTEOS), phenyltrimethoxylsilane(PTMOS) and octyltrimethoxylsilane(OTMOS) as well.The cross-linking density and surface properties of the PDMS active layer were adjusted by varying cross-linking reagents.The pervaporation performance of PDMS membranes cured with different cross-linking reagents was investig...

Applications of Crown Ether Cross-Linked Chitosan for the Analysis of Lead and Cadmium in Environmental Water Samples

A new type of crown ether cross-linked chitosan was synthesized by the reaction of chitosan with 4,4′-dibromodibenzo-18-crown-6 (Br-DBC). Its token structure was analyzed with FT-IR and NMR and the adsorption behaviors for lead and cadmium in environmental water samples by FAAS were studied. In addition the best analysis conditions were discussed and the adsorption mechanism was explained. As the enrichment factor is above 100, both recoveries are 94%–106%, the detection limits of lead and cadmium are 0.5μg·L?1 and 0.04 μg·L?1 and the relatively standard deviations of lead and cadmium are 3.1% and 2.8% respectively, this new method was successfully applied to the determination of environmental water samples. This method is fast and simple and it greatly enhances the determination ability of FAAS for lead and cadmium.

Experimental study on the treatment of rabbit corneal melting after alkali burn with Collagen cross-linking

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Collagen cross-linking on the prevention of melting in rabbit corneas after alkali burn. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model control group and collagen cross-linking treatment group. The second group of rabbits received collagen cross linked treatment. Both groups were applied with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. The corneas were evaluated for melting, opacity, pathological and immunohistochemistry, record the changes when 28 days after the animals were killed. RESULTS: In the control group, 6 out of 8 rabbits showed corneal melting after injury (14 +/- 4) days, while two corneal perforated. In collagen cross-linking treatment group, one rabbit showed corneal melting after injury 23 days, without corneal perforation; corneal dissolution rate between the two groups was significantly different (P <0.05). Pathological examination suggested that in the treatment group, mild corneal edema, mild damage to collagen fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly less than the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that corneal collagen fibers arranged in neat rows in the control group. CONCLUSION: Collagen cross-linking treatment not only can prevent and delay the corneal melting after alkali burn, but also can reduce the destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the corneal tissue.

Asymmetric Intramolecular Cyclopropanation Induced by (β-Diketone)-copper Complex

Asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation of allylic diazoacetate was investigated using a chiral (β-diketone)-copper complex as catalyst, excellent yield and enantioselectivity were achieved. Some factors influencing enantioselectivity were discussed.

Adsorptive Removal of Copper Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Cross-linked Magnetic Chitosan Beads

The performance of cross-linked magnetic chitosan, coated with magnetic fluids and cross-linked with ePichlorohydrin, was investigated for the adsorption of Copper （Ⅱ） from aqueous solutions. Infrared spectra of chitosan before and after modification showed that the coating and cross-linking are effective. Experiments were performed at different pH of solution and contact time, and appropriate conditions for the adsorption of Cu（Ⅱ） were determined. Experimental equilibrium data were correlated with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms for determination of the adsorption potential. The results showed that the Langmuir isotherm was better compared with the Freundlich isotherm, and the uptake of Cu（Ⅱ） was 78.13 mg·g^- 1. The kinetics of adsorption corresponded with the first-order Langergren rate equation, and Langergren rate constants were determined.

Radiation-induced cross-linking:a novel avenue to permanent 3D modification of polymeric membranes

Membrane fouling is always the biggest problem in the practice of membrane separation technologies,which strongly impacts their applicability,separation efficiency,cost effectiveness,and service lifespan.Herein,a simple but effective 3D modification approach was designed for permanently functionalizing polymeric membranes by directly cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)under gamma-ray irradiation at room temperature without any additives.After the modification,a PVA layer was constructed on the membrane surface and the pore inner surface of polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)membranes.This endowed them with good hydrophilicity,low adsorption of protein model foulants,and easy recoverability properties.In addition,the pore size and distribution were customized by controlling the PVA concentration,which enhanced the rejection ability of the resultant membranes and converted them from microfiltration to ultrafiltration.The crosslinked PVA layer was equipped with the resultant membranes with good resistance to chemical cleaning by acidic,alkaline,and oxidative reagents,which could greatly prolong the membrane service lifetime.Furthermore,this approach was demonstrated as a universal method to modify PVDF membranes with other hydrophilic macromolecular modifiers,including polyethylene glycol,sodium alginate,and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.This modification of the membranes effectively endowed them with good hydrophilicity and antifouling properties,as expected.