Liquid crystalline polymers containing 1,2,3-triazole units as linking groups have been synthesized from the monomers containing triad ester diazide and flexible dialkyne ester by 1,3-cycloaddition reaction and were c...Liquid crystalline polymers containing 1,2,3-triazole units as linking groups have been synthesized from the monomers containing triad ester diazide and flexible dialkyne ester by 1,3-cycloaddition reaction and were characterized. Click reaction of azide and alkyne functionals catalyzed by Cu(I) yielded target polyesters with 1,2,3-triazole groups.The structure of the polymer was confirmed by spectral techniques.GPC analysis reveals that the polymers have moderate molecular weight with narrow distribution.H...展开更多
We provide an analytical study on the stability of equilibria of rigid rodlike nematic liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) governed by the Smoluchowski equation with the Maier-Saupe intermolecular potential. We simpl...We provide an analytical study on the stability of equilibria of rigid rodlike nematic liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) governed by the Smoluchowski equation with the Maier-Saupe intermolecular potential. We simplify the expression of the free energy of an orientational distribution function of rodlike LCP molecules by properly selecting a coordinate system and then investigate its stability with respect to perturbations of orientational probability density. By computing the Hessian matrix explicitly, we are able to prove the hysteresis phenomenon of nematic LCPs: when the normalized polymer concentration b is below a critical value b* (6.T314863965), the only equilibrium state is isotropic and it is stable; when b* 〈 b 〈 15/2, two anisotropic (prolate) equilibrium states occur together with a stable isotropic equilibrium state. Here the more aligned prolate state is stable whereas the less aligned prolate state is unstable. When b 〉 15/2, there are three equilibrium states: a stable prolate state, an unstable isotropie state and an unstable oblate state.展开更多
Some new mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCP) with polymer backbones, spacers, and mesogenic units of different structures were synthesized by radical polymerization. The mesomorphic behavior of these ...Some new mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCP) with polymer backbones, spacers, and mesogenic units of different structures were synthesized by radical polymerization. The mesomorphic behavior of these polymers was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). Their liquid crystallinity is influenced by the variation of polymer backbone, spacer, mesogenic unit and its terminal groups. The results show that 1) a more flexible polymer main-chain is more favorable to the formation of a liquid crystal phase, while 2) a flexible spacer will decrease the 'Jacket Effect' and the liquid crystallinity and 3) a subtle modification of the terminal groups on the mesogenic unit may also have a significant influence on properties of the polymers.展开更多
The ring-banded spherulite is a special morphology of polymer crystals and has attracted considerable attention over recent decades. In this study, a new phase field model with polymer characteristics is established t...The ring-banded spherulite is a special morphology of polymer crystals and has attracted considerable attention over recent decades. In this study, a new phase field model with polymer characteristics is established to investigate the emergence and formation mechanism of the ring-banded spherulites of crystalline polymers. The model consists of a nonconserved phase field representing the phase transition and a temperature field describing the diffusion of the released latent heat. The corresponding model parameters can be obtained from experimentally accessible material parameters.Two-dimensional calculations are carried out for the ring-banded spherulitic growth of polyethylene film under a series of crystallization temperatures. The results of these calculations demonstrate that the formation of ring-banded spherulites can be triggered by the self-generated thermal field. Moreover, some temperature-dependent characteristics of the ring-banded spherulites observed in experiments are reproduced by simulations, which may help to study the effects of crystallization temperature on the ring-banded structures.展开更多
The synthesis and characterization of a new series of liquid crystalline polymers, poly(dicycloalkylvinylterephthalate)s, are reported. The basic building blocks of these polymers are not mesogenic by themselves. Howe...The synthesis and characterization of a new series of liquid crystalline polymers, poly(dicycloalkylvinylterephthalate)s, are reported. The basic building blocks of these polymers are not mesogenic by themselves. However,very stable mesophases can be generated by self-assembly of the polymer molecules. This approach suggests a novel designstrategy of liquid crystalline polymers with flexible and apolar building blocks.展开更多
Chiral liquid crystalline polymers containing biphenylene and azobenzene as the mesogensand S(-)-2-methyl-1-butanol as the chiral end group were synthesized and characterized by DSC,POM and X-ray diffraction. These po...Chiral liquid crystalline polymers containing biphenylene and azobenzene as the mesogensand S(-)-2-methyl-1-butanol as the chiral end group were synthesized and characterized by DSC,POM and X-ray diffraction. These polymers show crystalline or glassy liquid crystalline phase atroom temperature. Most polymers show smectic A or highly ordered smectic phases abovemelting temperature.展开更多
Introduction The molecular dynamics simulation technique has recently proved to be a suitable alternative approachfor simulation of vibrational spectroscopy. In this study, molecular dynamics was utilized to understan...Introduction The molecular dynamics simulation technique has recently proved to be a suitable alternative approachfor simulation of vibrational spectroscopy. In this study, molecular dynamics was utilized to understandlow frequency vibrations in highly ordered poly(ρ-phenylene terephthalmide) (PPTA). A key structuralfeature of this polymer is the presence of hydrogen bonds. There is little question that this strong localized展开更多
Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers(CLCPs) are a type of promising material that possess both the order of liquid crystals and the properties of polymer networks.The anisotropic deformation of the CLCPs takes pl...Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers(CLCPs) are a type of promising material that possess both the order of liquid crystals and the properties of polymer networks.The anisotropic deformation of the CLCPs takes place when the mesogens experience order to disorder change in response to external stimuli; therefore,they can be utilized to fabricate smart actuators,which have potential applications in artificial muscles,micro-optomechanical systems,optics,and energyharvesting fields.In this review the recent development of thermo-and photo-driven soft actuators based on the CLCPs are summarized.展开更多
The transitions and morphology of a series of main-chain liquid crystalline polymer with X-shaped mesogens were studied by means of DSC,SALS and polarizing microscopy techniques. Aneven-odd effect was observed for sam...The transitions and morphology of a series of main-chain liquid crystalline polymer with X-shaped mesogens were studied by means of DSC,SALS and polarizing microscopy techniques. Aneven-odd effect was observed for samples with different size of the substituents on the mesogenends. The isotropization process was similar to that of main-chain polymers with rod-likemesogens. No crystallization was detected for specimens cooling down from their isotropic meltstate. However two of the samples may crystallize in cooling process directly from the liquidcrystalline state.展开更多
The lamellar structure of a thermotropic aromatic polyester with flexible spacer has beenstudied by using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the lamellar structure couldbe observed in the crystalline ...The lamellar structure of a thermotropic aromatic polyester with flexible spacer has beenstudied by using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the lamellar structure couldbe observed in the crystalline samples of this semirigid polymer crystallized from different states.The thickness of lamellae is around 10 nm, which is similar to that of the conventional polymersof flexible chain molecules. The molecular chains in the lamellae are oriented in the thicknessdirection as determined by electron diffraction. The possibility of molecular chains folding in the lamellae has been discussed.展开更多
Five kinds of side chain liquid crystalline polymers with a chiral component in the pendant group were synthesized and characterized by GPC, polarizing microscopy, DSC, X-ray diffraction ano Dielectric Relaxation Spec...Five kinds of side chain liquid crystalline polymers with a chiral component in the pendant group were synthesized and characterized by GPC, polarizing microscopy, DSC, X-ray diffraction ano Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy. The liquid crystalline behaviour of the polymers is affected by the length of flexible spacer, which links the mesogenic side chain to the polymer backbone and mesogenic moiety. The characteristic of smectic phase is observed for all the polymers.展开更多
Long-alkyl tail triphenylene (TP) side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) with different spacer length (P-m-TP, m = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, which is the number of carbon atom in the flexible alkyl spacers) have b...Long-alkyl tail triphenylene (TP) side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) with different spacer length (P-m-TP, m = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, which is the number of carbon atom in the flexible alkyl spacers) have been successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (POM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV- Vis), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements were performed to investigate the influence of multiple effects on the self-organization behaviors of P-m-TP, including steric effect, decoupling effect and π-π stacking effect. The experimental results revealed that P-m-TP (m = 2, 3, 4) formed the columnar phase which was developed by the TP moieties and the main chain as a whole, suggesting that the side-chains had strong steric effect even though the number of spacer length (m) exceeded 4. In addition, the clearing points (Tis) of the polymers were above 300 ℃. When m = 6 and 8, the polymers displayed hexagonal columnar phase and exhibited the low Tis (91 and 80 ℃ respectively), originating from the self-assembly of triphenylene due to the decoupling effect and π-π stacking effect. This work offers a viable and inspiring pathway to control the phase transition temperature and phase structure ofTP SCLCPs via simply tailoring the spacer length and increasing the alkyl tail length of TP.展开更多
Why many luminescent liquid crystalline polymers(LLCPs)containing aggregation-induced emission luminogen(AIEgen)show weak emission is a question still to be answered.Herein,a series of LLCPs(α-Pns,n=4,8,and 12)with p...Why many luminescent liquid crystalline polymers(LLCPs)containing aggregation-induced emission luminogen(AIEgen)show weak emission is a question still to be answered.Herein,a series of LLCPs(α-Pns,n=4,8,and 12)with polynorbornene as main chain and twoα-dicyanodistyrylbenzene(α-DCS)as side chain are successfully synthesized to solve this issue.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),polarized light microscopy(PLM),one-dimentional(1D),two-dimentional(2D)middle-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering(MAXS and WAXS)results demonstrate that the polymers form smectic A(SmA)phase with the side chains interdigitated packed within the smectic layers.Meanwhile,the photophysical properties ofα-Pns were investigated by ultraviolet-visible(UV-vis)absorption,steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy,and photothermal effect.Results show that the polymers are AIE active,but emit weak emission.The emission peak ofα-Pns film red-shift from 473 to 531 nm,the quantum yield gradually increases from around 1.6%to 14.7%,and the photothermal conversion efficiency decreases from 39%to 19%with the alkyl tail length increased.The photothermal effect,but not photoluminescence,dominates the excited state relaxation.展开更多
A series of side chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) containing triphenylene (Tp) units in the side chains, denoted as PMTS (without spacer) and PMTnS (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, which is the number of the methylen...A series of side chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) containing triphenylene (Tp) units in the side chains, denoted as PMTS (without spacer) and PMTnS (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, which is the number of the methylene units between the main chain and Tp moieties in the side chains), with different lengths of spacers were synthesized through conventional free radical polymerization. The chemical structures of the monomers were confirmed by 1H/IaC-NMR, and the phase behaviors were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (1D and 2D WAXD). The molecular characterization of the polymers was performed with 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The phase behaviors of the polymers have been investigated by a combination of techniques including DSC, POM, 1D and 2D WAXD. The results showed that the length of spacer has significant effects on the LC phase behavior of polymers. For PMTS and PMT2S, they displayed the columnar phase developed by the Tp moieties and the main chain as a whole due to the strong coupling effect of the Tp moieties and the main chain. For the PMT3S, PMT4S and PMT6S, they formed the symmetry hexagonal columnar (~n) phase owing to the decoupling effect. All of these indicated that the "decoupling effect" or "coupling effect" depended on the length of spacers, leading to the different LC phase formation mechanism.展开更多
Mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer (MJLCP) has attracted great attention because of its rigid conformation, facile synthesis, and structural controllability. In this feature article, the self-assembly of MJ...Mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer (MJLCP) has attracted great attention because of its rigid conformation, facile synthesis, and structural controllability. In this feature article, the self-assembly of MJLCP-based block copolymers (BCPs) is briefly reviewed, especially the nanostructures of rod-coil diblock copolymers (diBCPs), rod-rod diBCPs, and triblock copolymers. In addition, the properties of the self-assembled BCPs are also summarized, including their applications as liquid crystalline thermoplastic elastomers and solid polymer electrolytes. The article also discusses the major challenges and future directions in the study of MJLCP-based BCPs.展开更多
We describe in this work an alkyne-hydrosilylation approach to synthesize a series of novel polysiloxane sidechain LCPs attaching end-on or side-on mesogenic side groups. Their properties are characterized by NMR, FTI...We describe in this work an alkyne-hydrosilylation approach to synthesize a series of novel polysiloxane sidechain LCPs attaching end-on or side-on mesogenic side groups. Their properties are characterized by NMR, FTIR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetty, polarized optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. These obtained alkenylsilane linked novel LCPs exhibit higher glass transition temperatures and clearing points, and especially display the tendency of forming smectic phases, in strong contrast with the nematic phases of their comparative conventional alkylsilane linked analogues, which manifests more rigid features of the alkenylsilane linkages and their significant influence on the mesomorphic properties.展开更多
Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for the construction of solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility,scalability,and interface compatibility wit...Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for the construction of solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility,scalability,and interface compatibility with electrodes.Herein,a novel all-solid polymer electrolyte(PPLCE)was fabricated by the copolymer network of liquid crystalline monomers and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate(PEGDMA)acts as a structural frame,combined with poly(ethylene glycol)diglycidyl ether short chain interspersed serving as mobile ion transport entities.The preparaed PPLCEs exhibit excellent mechanical property and out-standing electrochemical performances,which is attributed to their unique three-dimensional cocontinuous structure,characterized by a cross-linked semi-interpenetrating network and an ionic liquid phase,resulting in a distinctive nanostructure with short-range order and long-range disorder.Remarkably,the addition of PEGDMA is proved to be critical to the comprehensive performance of the PPLCEs,which effectively modulates the microscopic morphology of polymer networks and improves the mechanical properties as well as cycling stability of the solid electrolyte.When used in a lithiumion symmetrical battery configuration,the 6 wt%-PPLCE exhibites super stability,sustaining operation for over 2000 h at 30 C,with minimal and consistent overpotential of 50 mV.The resulting Li|PPLCE|LFP solid-state battery demonstrates high discharge specific capacities of 160.9 and 120.1 mA h g^(-1)at current densities of 0.2 and 1 C,respectively.Even after more than 300 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C,it retaines an impressive 73.5%capacity.Moreover,it displayes stable cycling for over 180 cycles at a high current density of 0.5C.The super cycle stability may promote the application for ultralong-life all solid-state lithium metal batteries.展开更多
A new liquid crystalline polyacetylene containing a phenyl benzoate mesogen (5) is synthesized,whose mesomorphic properties are found to be easily 'tunab1e' by simple mechanical perturbation. Thepolymerization...A new liquid crystalline polyacetylene containing a phenyl benzoate mesogen (5) is synthesized,whose mesomorphic properties are found to be easily 'tunab1e' by simple mechanical perturbation. Thepolymerization of 10- [ 4 - (4' -methoxyphenoxycarbonyl )phenoxycarbonyl] - 1 -decyne (4 ) in itiated by theWCl_6-Ph_4Sn/dioxane complex yields polymer 5 with a M_w of 28400. The molecular structure of 5 ischaracterized by NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy and its liquid crystalline behavior is investigated by DSC,POM, and XRD analysis. Upon mechanical perturbation, 5 exhibits unusual agitation-induced high-strengthdisclinations, shear-induced inversion walls, and solidification-induced banded textures. Such phenomenahave been observed in the main-chain liquid crystalline polymers with rigid backbones, but have seldom beenreported for the side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with flexible backbones, suggesting that the rigidpolyacetylene backbone of 5 plays a constructive role in inducing the novel molecular alignments.展开更多
A new series of acrylates with the same mesogens containing thioester as bridge-bond were synthesized, and the acrylates were characterized by H-1 NMR, IR and MS. The polymers were obtained by radical polymerization u...A new series of acrylates with the same mesogens containing thioester as bridge-bond were synthesized, and the acrylates were characterized by H-1 NMR, IR and MS. The polymers were obtained by radical polymerization using AIBN as initiator. The monomers and polymers exhibit thermotropic-enantiotropic Liquid crystalline behavior.展开更多
A new type of liquid crystalline polyesters with resorcin as one part of the mesogenic unitconnected together by polymethylene, or phenylene group, and lateral groups consisting of arigid azobenzene as another part of...A new type of liquid crystalline polyesters with resorcin as one part of the mesogenic unitconnected together by polymethylene, or phenylene group, and lateral groups consisting of arigid azobenzene as another part of the mesogenic unit were synthesized by interfacialpolymerization of diacyl chlorides in 1, 2-dichloroethane and 2, 4-dihydroxy-4'-nitroazobenzen inaqueous alkaline solution. The polyester structures were confirmed by proton NMR and IRspectra. Their phase transition behavior and texture were studied by polarizing microscopy andDSC.展开更多
文摘Liquid crystalline polymers containing 1,2,3-triazole units as linking groups have been synthesized from the monomers containing triad ester diazide and flexible dialkyne ester by 1,3-cycloaddition reaction and were characterized. Click reaction of azide and alkyne functionals catalyzed by Cu(I) yielded target polyesters with 1,2,3-triazole groups.The structure of the polymer was confirmed by spectral techniques.GPC analysis reveals that the polymers have moderate molecular weight with narrow distribution.H...
基金supported by the National Science Foundation and by the Office of Naval Research
文摘We provide an analytical study on the stability of equilibria of rigid rodlike nematic liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) governed by the Smoluchowski equation with the Maier-Saupe intermolecular potential. We simplify the expression of the free energy of an orientational distribution function of rodlike LCP molecules by properly selecting a coordinate system and then investigate its stability with respect to perturbations of orientational probability density. By computing the Hessian matrix explicitly, we are able to prove the hysteresis phenomenon of nematic LCPs: when the normalized polymer concentration b is below a critical value b* (6.T314863965), the only equilibrium state is isotropic and it is stable; when b* 〈 b 〈 15/2, two anisotropic (prolate) equilibrium states occur together with a stable isotropic equilibrium state. Here the more aligned prolate state is stable whereas the less aligned prolate state is unstable. When b 〉 15/2, there are three equilibrium states: a stable prolate state, an unstable isotropie state and an unstable oblate state.
基金This Project was supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 59873001).
文摘Some new mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCP) with polymer backbones, spacers, and mesogenic units of different structures were synthesized by radical polymerization. The mesomorphic behavior of these polymers was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). Their liquid crystallinity is influenced by the variation of polymer backbone, spacer, mesogenic unit and its terminal groups. The results show that 1) a more flexible polymer main-chain is more favorable to the formation of a liquid crystal phase, while 2) a flexible spacer will decrease the 'Jacket Effect' and the liquid crystallinity and 3) a subtle modification of the terminal groups on the mesogenic unit may also have a significant influence on properties of the polymers.
基金Project supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2012CB025903)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11402210)+1 种基金the Northwestern Polytechnical University Foundation for Fundamental Research(Grant No.JCY20130141)the Ministry of Education Fund for Doctoral Students Newcomer Awards of China
文摘The ring-banded spherulite is a special morphology of polymer crystals and has attracted considerable attention over recent decades. In this study, a new phase field model with polymer characteristics is established to investigate the emergence and formation mechanism of the ring-banded spherulites of crystalline polymers. The model consists of a nonconserved phase field representing the phase transition and a temperature field describing the diffusion of the released latent heat. The corresponding model parameters can be obtained from experimentally accessible material parameters.Two-dimensional calculations are carried out for the ring-banded spherulitic growth of polyethylene film under a series of crystallization temperatures. The results of these calculations demonstrate that the formation of ring-banded spherulites can be triggered by the self-generated thermal field. Moreover, some temperature-dependent characteristics of the ring-banded spherulites observed in experiments are reproduced by simulations, which may help to study the effects of crystallization temperature on the ring-banded structures.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants 59873001 and 29992590-4), the Research Fund for Doctoral Program of Higher Education (Grant 99000136) and the Teaching and Research Award Fund for Outstanding Young T
文摘The synthesis and characterization of a new series of liquid crystalline polymers, poly(dicycloalkylvinylterephthalate)s, are reported. The basic building blocks of these polymers are not mesogenic by themselves. However,very stable mesophases can be generated by self-assembly of the polymer molecules. This approach suggests a novel designstrategy of liquid crystalline polymers with flexible and apolar building blocks.
文摘Chiral liquid crystalline polymers containing biphenylene and azobenzene as the mesogensand S(-)-2-methyl-1-butanol as the chiral end group were synthesized and characterized by DSC,POM and X-ray diffraction. These polymers show crystalline or glassy liquid crystalline phase atroom temperature. Most polymers show smectic A or highly ordered smectic phases abovemelting temperature.
文摘Introduction The molecular dynamics simulation technique has recently proved to be a suitable alternative approachfor simulation of vibrational spectroscopy. In this study, molecular dynamics was utilized to understandlow frequency vibrations in highly ordered poly(ρ-phenylene terephthalmide) (PPTA). A key structuralfeature of this polymer is the presence of hydrogen bonds. There is little question that this strong localized
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.21134003,21273048,51225304,and 51203023)Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leader Program,China(Grant No.15XD1500600)
文摘Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers(CLCPs) are a type of promising material that possess both the order of liquid crystals and the properties of polymer networks.The anisotropic deformation of the CLCPs takes place when the mesogens experience order to disorder change in response to external stimuli; therefore,they can be utilized to fabricate smart actuators,which have potential applications in artificial muscles,micro-optomechanical systems,optics,and energyharvesting fields.In this review the recent development of thermo-and photo-driven soft actuators based on the CLCPs are summarized.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.29,070,196)and the Science Foundation of Polymer Physics Laboratory,Academia Sinica.
文摘The transitions and morphology of a series of main-chain liquid crystalline polymer with X-shaped mesogens were studied by means of DSC,SALS and polarizing microscopy techniques. Aneven-odd effect was observed for samples with different size of the substituents on the mesogenends. The isotropization process was similar to that of main-chain polymers with rod-likemesogens. No crystallization was detected for specimens cooling down from their isotropic meltstate. However two of the samples may crystallize in cooling process directly from the liquidcrystalline state.
文摘The lamellar structure of a thermotropic aromatic polyester with flexible spacer has beenstudied by using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the lamellar structure couldbe observed in the crystalline samples of this semirigid polymer crystallized from different states.The thickness of lamellae is around 10 nm, which is similar to that of the conventional polymersof flexible chain molecules. The molecular chains in the lamellae are oriented in the thicknessdirection as determined by electron diffraction. The possibility of molecular chains folding in the lamellae has been discussed.
文摘Five kinds of side chain liquid crystalline polymers with a chiral component in the pendant group were synthesized and characterized by GPC, polarizing microscopy, DSC, X-ray diffraction ano Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy. The liquid crystalline behaviour of the polymers is affected by the length of flexible spacer, which links the mesogenic side chain to the polymer backbone and mesogenic moiety. The characteristic of smectic phase is observed for all the polymers.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.21504075)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (No.2017JJ3294)
文摘Long-alkyl tail triphenylene (TP) side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) with different spacer length (P-m-TP, m = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, which is the number of carbon atom in the flexible alkyl spacers) have been successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (POM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV- Vis), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements were performed to investigate the influence of multiple effects on the self-organization behaviors of P-m-TP, including steric effect, decoupling effect and π-π stacking effect. The experimental results revealed that P-m-TP (m = 2, 3, 4) formed the columnar phase which was developed by the TP moieties and the main chain as a whole, suggesting that the side-chains had strong steric effect even though the number of spacer length (m) exceeded 4. In addition, the clearing points (Tis) of the polymers were above 300 ℃. When m = 6 and 8, the polymers displayed hexagonal columnar phase and exhibited the low Tis (91 and 80 ℃ respectively), originating from the self-assembly of triphenylene due to the decoupling effect and π-π stacking effect. This work offers a viable and inspiring pathway to control the phase transition temperature and phase structure ofTP SCLCPs via simply tailoring the spacer length and increasing the alkyl tail length of TP.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Nos.21875143,21674065,and 21975215)the Innovation Research Foundation of Shenzhen(Nos.SGG20190222175202275,JCYJ20180507182229597,and JCYJ20180305125649693)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2016A030312002)。
文摘Why many luminescent liquid crystalline polymers(LLCPs)containing aggregation-induced emission luminogen(AIEgen)show weak emission is a question still to be answered.Herein,a series of LLCPs(α-Pns,n=4,8,and 12)with polynorbornene as main chain and twoα-dicyanodistyrylbenzene(α-DCS)as side chain are successfully synthesized to solve this issue.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),polarized light microscopy(PLM),one-dimentional(1D),two-dimentional(2D)middle-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering(MAXS and WAXS)results demonstrate that the polymers form smectic A(SmA)phase with the side chains interdigitated packed within the smectic layers.Meanwhile,the photophysical properties ofα-Pns were investigated by ultraviolet-visible(UV-vis)absorption,steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy,and photothermal effect.Results show that the polymers are AIE active,but emit weak emission.The emission peak ofα-Pns film red-shift from 473 to 531 nm,the quantum yield gradually increases from around 1.6%to 14.7%,and the photothermal conversion efficiency decreases from 39%to 19%with the alkyl tail length increased.The photothermal effect,but not photoluminescence,dominates the excited state relaxation.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51373148)the Innovation Platform Open Foundation of University of Hunan Province(No.CX2013B265)
文摘A series of side chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) containing triphenylene (Tp) units in the side chains, denoted as PMTS (without spacer) and PMTnS (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, which is the number of the methylene units between the main chain and Tp moieties in the side chains), with different lengths of spacers were synthesized through conventional free radical polymerization. The chemical structures of the monomers were confirmed by 1H/IaC-NMR, and the phase behaviors were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (1D and 2D WAXD). The molecular characterization of the polymers was performed with 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The phase behaviors of the polymers have been investigated by a combination of techniques including DSC, POM, 1D and 2D WAXD. The results showed that the length of spacer has significant effects on the LC phase behavior of polymers. For PMTS and PMT2S, they displayed the columnar phase developed by the Tp moieties and the main chain as a whole due to the strong coupling effect of the Tp moieties and the main chain. For the PMT3S, PMT4S and PMT6S, they formed the symmetry hexagonal columnar (~n) phase owing to the decoupling effect. All of these indicated that the "decoupling effect" or "coupling effect" depended on the length of spacers, leading to the different LC phase formation mechanism.
文摘Mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer (MJLCP) has attracted great attention because of its rigid conformation, facile synthesis, and structural controllability. In this feature article, the self-assembly of MJLCP-based block copolymers (BCPs) is briefly reviewed, especially the nanostructures of rod-coil diblock copolymers (diBCPs), rod-rod diBCPs, and triblock copolymers. In addition, the properties of the self-assembled BCPs are also summarized, including their applications as liquid crystalline thermoplastic elastomers and solid polymer electrolytes. The article also discusses the major challenges and future directions in the study of MJLCP-based BCPs.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21374016)
文摘We describe in this work an alkyne-hydrosilylation approach to synthesize a series of novel polysiloxane sidechain LCPs attaching end-on or side-on mesogenic side groups. Their properties are characterized by NMR, FTIR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetty, polarized optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. These obtained alkenylsilane linked novel LCPs exhibit higher glass transition temperatures and clearing points, and especially display the tendency of forming smectic phases, in strong contrast with the nematic phases of their comparative conventional alkylsilane linked analogues, which manifests more rigid features of the alkenylsilane linkages and their significant influence on the mesomorphic properties.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52003293,51927806,52272258)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2023ZKPYJD07)the Beijing Nova Program(20220484214).
文摘Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for the construction of solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility,scalability,and interface compatibility with electrodes.Herein,a novel all-solid polymer electrolyte(PPLCE)was fabricated by the copolymer network of liquid crystalline monomers and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate(PEGDMA)acts as a structural frame,combined with poly(ethylene glycol)diglycidyl ether short chain interspersed serving as mobile ion transport entities.The preparaed PPLCEs exhibit excellent mechanical property and out-standing electrochemical performances,which is attributed to their unique three-dimensional cocontinuous structure,characterized by a cross-linked semi-interpenetrating network and an ionic liquid phase,resulting in a distinctive nanostructure with short-range order and long-range disorder.Remarkably,the addition of PEGDMA is proved to be critical to the comprehensive performance of the PPLCEs,which effectively modulates the microscopic morphology of polymer networks and improves the mechanical properties as well as cycling stability of the solid electrolyte.When used in a lithiumion symmetrical battery configuration,the 6 wt%-PPLCE exhibites super stability,sustaining operation for over 2000 h at 30 C,with minimal and consistent overpotential of 50 mV.The resulting Li|PPLCE|LFP solid-state battery demonstrates high discharge specific capacities of 160.9 and 120.1 mA h g^(-1)at current densities of 0.2 and 1 C,respectively.Even after more than 300 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C,it retaines an impressive 73.5%capacity.Moreover,it displayes stable cycling for over 180 cycles at a high current density of 0.5C.The super cycle stability may promote the application for ultralong-life all solid-state lithium metal batteries.
基金This project was in part supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council(HKUST597/95P&6149/97P)
文摘A new liquid crystalline polyacetylene containing a phenyl benzoate mesogen (5) is synthesized,whose mesomorphic properties are found to be easily 'tunab1e' by simple mechanical perturbation. Thepolymerization of 10- [ 4 - (4' -methoxyphenoxycarbonyl )phenoxycarbonyl] - 1 -decyne (4 ) in itiated by theWCl_6-Ph_4Sn/dioxane complex yields polymer 5 with a M_w of 28400. The molecular structure of 5 ischaracterized by NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy and its liquid crystalline behavior is investigated by DSC,POM, and XRD analysis. Upon mechanical perturbation, 5 exhibits unusual agitation-induced high-strengthdisclinations, shear-induced inversion walls, and solidification-induced banded textures. Such phenomenahave been observed in the main-chain liquid crystalline polymers with rigid backbones, but have seldom beenreported for the side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with flexible backbones, suggesting that the rigidpolyacetylene backbone of 5 plays a constructive role in inducing the novel molecular alignments.
基金Supported by Grants for Distinguished Young Teachers by the National Educational Commission of China
文摘A new series of acrylates with the same mesogens containing thioester as bridge-bond were synthesized, and the acrylates were characterized by H-1 NMR, IR and MS. The polymers were obtained by radical polymerization using AIBN as initiator. The monomers and polymers exhibit thermotropic-enantiotropic Liquid crystalline behavior.
基金This work is supported by the Structure Research Laboratory,University of Science and Technology of China
文摘A new type of liquid crystalline polyesters with resorcin as one part of the mesogenic unitconnected together by polymethylene, or phenylene group, and lateral groups consisting of arigid azobenzene as another part of the mesogenic unit were synthesized by interfacialpolymerization of diacyl chlorides in 1, 2-dichloroethane and 2, 4-dihydroxy-4'-nitroazobenzen inaqueous alkaline solution. The polyester structures were confirmed by proton NMR and IRspectra. Their phase transition behavior and texture were studied by polarizing microscopy andDSC.