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Shang J, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Zhang X, An Q. Highly Potent Transparent Passive Cooling Coating via Microphase-Separated Hydrogel Combining Radiative and Evaporative Cooling. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:7055-7062. [PMID: 38810105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Transparent passive cooling materials can cool targets environmentally without interfering with light transmission or visual information reception. They play a prominent role in solar cells and flexible display cooling. However, achieving potent transparent cooling remains challenging, because light transmission is accompanied by thermal energy. Here we propose to realize effective passive cooling in transparent materials via a microscale phase separation hydrogel film. The poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) hydrogel presents light transmittance of >96% and infrared emissivity as high as 95%. The microphase-separated structure affords a higher enthalpy of evaporation. The film is highly adhesive. In field applications, it reduces temperatures by 9.14 °C compared to those with uncovered photovoltaic panels and 7.68 °C compared to those for bare flexible light-emitting diode screens. Simulations indicate that energy savings of 32.76-51.65 MJ m-2 year-1 can be achieved in typical tropical monsoon climates and temperate continental climates. We expect this work to contribute to energy-efficient materials and a carbon-neutral society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiahe Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yihe Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qi An
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
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2
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Kolodziej L, Iwasińska-Kowalska O, Wróblewski G, Giżewski T, Jakubowska M, Lekawa-Raus A. Hydrogels and Carbon Nanotubes: Composite Electrode Materials for Long-Term Electrocardiography Monitoring. J Funct Biomater 2024; 15:113. [PMID: 38786625 PMCID: PMC11122422 DOI: 10.3390/jfb15050113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents methods for developing high-performance interface electrode materials designed to enhance signal collection efficacy during long-term (over 24 h) electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring. The electrode materials are fabricated by integrating commercial ECG liquid hydrogels with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are widely utilized in dry-electrode technologies and extensively discussed in the current scientific literature. The composite materials are either prepared by dispersing CNTs within the commercial liquid hydrogel matrix or by encasing the hydrogels in macroscopic CNT films. Both approaches ensure the optimal wetting of the epidermis via the hydrogels, while the CNTs reduce material impedance and stabilize the drying process. The resulting electrode materials maintain their softness, allowing for micro-conformal skin attachment, and are biocompatible. Empirical testing confirms that the ECG electrodes employing these hybrid hydrogels adhere to relevant standards for durations exceeding 24 h. These innovative hybrid solutions merge the benefits of both wet and dry ECG electrode technologies, potentially facilitating the extended monitoring of ECG signals and thus advancing the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Kolodziej
- Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland (G.W.)
| | | | - Grzegorz Wróblewski
- Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland (G.W.)
| | - Tomasz Giżewski
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jakubowska
- Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-524 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Lekawa-Raus
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Ouyang Y, Li X, Li S, Wang ZL, Wei D. Ionic Rectification by Dynamic Regulation of the Electric Double Layer at the Hydrogel Interface. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:18236-18244. [PMID: 38536118 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels play a pivotal role in the realm of iontronics, contributing to the realization of futuristic human-machine interactions. The electric double layer (EDL) between the hydrogel and electrode provides an essential ionic-electronic coupling interface. While prior investigations primarily delved into elucidating the formation mechanism of the EDL, our study shifts the focus to showcasing the current generation through the mechanical modulation of the EDL at the hydrogel-metal interfaces. The dynamic EDL was constructed by the mechano-driven contact-separation process between the polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel and Au. Influencing factors on the dynamic regulation of the EDL such as ion concentration, types of salt, contact-separation frequency, and deformation degree were investigated. Dehydration usually limits the practical applications of hydrogels, and it is a long-standing and difficult problem. However, it seemed to be able to slow the EDL formation process here, resulting in a sustained continuous direct current signal output. Such hydrogel iontronics could rectify the displacement electronic current of a triboelectric nanogenerator by the ionic current. The directional migration of ions could be further enhanced by using charge-collecting metals with different work functions, for example, Au and Al. It offers a paradigm to enable ionic rectification that could be seamlessly incorporated into electronic systems, ushering in a new era for efficient energy harvesting and biomimetic nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Ouyang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaoxin Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
- Guangzhou Institute of Blue Energy, Knowledge City, Huangpu District, Guangzhou 510555, China
| | - Di Wei
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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4
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Castro DPDE, Santana RMC. Influence of Chemical Nature of Citric and Tartaric Acids on Reaction Time of the Crosslinking of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20230092. [PMID: 38511742 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a water-soluble polymer having a hydroxyl group as a functional group contributing to excellent membrane-forming and mechanical performance. PVOH is obtained by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate, and its physical properties are affected by its degree of hydrolysis, whether, partial or complete. In this study, PVOH hydrogels were synthesized by a solution under stirring and heating techniques with citric (AC) and tartaric acids (AT) crosslinker agents, with different time reactions of 20 min.; 1; 2, and 3 h were investigated. These samples were characterized by the kinetics of water uptake, gel fraction, thermal analysis, and physical-chemical analysis, and their structure was elucidated. The results obtained have shown chemical modification by organic acids and improved the properties to good thermal stability and swelling to AT hydrogels up to 900% water uptake. In the gel fraction, the samples' esterification was shown and verified by FTIR spectra. To AC hydrogels the chemical modification was low due to the steric hindrance, which caused disintegration of the hydrogel in swelling and gel fraction test, but with absorption in the moisture test performed. The incorporation and effects of citric and tartaric acids enable the development of new hydrogel systems, with specific properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dione P DE Castro
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Materials Engineering, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ruth Marlene C Santana
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Materials Engineering, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Pan P, Wang J, Wang X, Kang Y, Yu X, Chen T, Hao Y, Liu W. Physically cross-linked chitosan gel with tunable mechanics and biodegradability for tissue engineering scaffold. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128682. [PMID: 38070807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan, a cationic polysaccharide, exhibits promising potential for tissue engineering applications. However, the poor mechanical properties and rapid biodegradation have been the major limitations for its applications. In this work, an effective strategy was proposed to optimize the mechanical performance and degradation rate of chitosan gel scaffolds by regulating the water content. Physical chitosan hydrogel (HG, with 93.57 % water) was prepared by temperature-controlled cross-linking, followed by dehydration to obtain xerogel (XG, with 2.84 % water) and rehydration to produce wet gel (WG, with 56.06 % water). During this process, changes of water content significantly influenced the water existence state, hydrogen bonding, and the chain entanglements of chitosan in the gel network. The mechanical compression results showed that the chitosan gel scaffolds exhibited tunable compressive strength (0.3128-139 MPa) and compressive modulus (0.2408-1094 MPa). XG could support weights exceeding 65,000 times its own mass while maintaining structural stability. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that XG and WG exhibited better biocompatibility and resistance to biodegradation compared with HG. Overall, this work contributes to the design and optimization of chitosan scaffolds without additional chemical crosslinkers, which has potential in tissue engineering and further clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Pan
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang 110002, PR China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Xinding Yu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Tiantian Chen
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Yulin Hao
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
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6
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Yooyod M, Ross S, Phewchan P, Daengmankhong J, Pinthong T, Tuancharoensri N, Mahasaranon S, Viyoch J, Ross GM. Homo- and Copolymer Hydrogels Based on N-Vinylformamide: An Investigation of the Impact of Water Structure on Controlled Release. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040333. [PMID: 37102945 PMCID: PMC10138162 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the performance of novel hydrogels based on poly (N-vinylformamide) (PNVF), copolymers of NVF with N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEA) (P(NVF-co-HEA)), and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA) (P(NVF-co-CEA)), which were synthesized by photopolymerization using a UVLED light source. The hydrogels were analyzed for important properties such as equilibrium water content (%EWC), contact angle, freezing and non-freezing water, and diffusion-based in vitro release. The results showed that PNVF had an extremely high %EWC of 94.57%, while a decreasing NVF content in the copolymer hydrogels led to a decrease in water content with a linear relationship with HEA or CEA content. Water structuring in the hydrogels showed appreciably more variance, with ratios of free to bound water differing from 16.7:1 (NVF) to 1.3:1 (CEA), corresponding to PNVF having ~67 water molecules per repeat unit. The release studies of different dye molecules followed Higuchi's model, with the amount of dye released from the hydrogels depending on the amount of free water and the structural interactions between the polymer and the molecule being released. The results suggest that PNVF copolymer hydrogels have potential for controlled drug delivery by altering the polymer composition to govern the amount and ratio of free to bound water contained in the hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maytinee Yooyod
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Sukunya Ross
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Premchirakorn Phewchan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Jinjutha Daengmankhong
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Thanyaporn Pinthong
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Nantaprapa Tuancharoensri
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Sararat Mahasaranon
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Jarupa Viyoch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Gareth M Ross
- Biopolymer Group, Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
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7
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Zhao N, Yu Z, Huang J, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Fu X, Yang P, Liu K. Non-invasive monitoring of biochemicals in hydrogel-assisted microfluidic chips. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:6179-6186. [PMID: 36912469 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06042f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are prevailingly utilized in biochemical monitoring and clinical diagnostics due to their capability of manipulating minuscule amounts of liquids in a highly integrated manner. Fabrication of microchannels on chips is commonly based on glass or polydimethylsiloxane, and sensing of the fluids and biochemicals within them relies on invasive embedded sensing accessories in the channels. In this study, we propose a hydrogel-assisted microfluidic chip for non-invasive monitoring of chemicals in microfluidics. A nanoporous hydrogel acts as a perfect sealing film on top of a microchannel to encapsulate liquid, and allows for the delivery of target biochemicals to its surface, leaving an open window for non-invasive analysis. This functionally "open" microchannel can be integrated with various electrical, electrochemical, and optical methods to realize accurate detection of biochemicals, suggesting the potential of hydrogel microfluidic chips for non-invasive clinical diagnostics and smart healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zehua Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Jun Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yuxi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yifan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Xiangqian Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Peihua Yang
- Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Machinery Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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8
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Wen J, Li X, Zhang H, Zheng S, Yi C, Yang L, Shi J. Architecting Janus hydrogel evaporator with polydopamine-TiO2 photocatalyst for high-efficient solar desalination and purification. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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9
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Fu ZZ, Yao YH, Guo SJ, Wang K, Zhang Q, Fu Q. Effect of Plasticization on Stretching Stability of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Films: A Case Study Using Glycerol and Water. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200296. [PMID: 35700343 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Adding small molecular plasticizers is the most common route to tailor the stretchability of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). However, how the plasticization along with the nature of the plasticizer governs the structural homogeneity during stretching remains an open question to answer. Herein, two representative plasticizers, glycerol (GLY) and water, are chosen to endow the PVA films with ductility. It is found that large strain cavitations cause obvious stress whitening in the PVA/H2 O films; on the contrary, most of the PVA/GLY films maintain transparent undergoing tensile deformation. Through a combination of experimental inspections and molecular dynamic simulation, it is revealed that partial water molecules that behave as free water will aggregate into microdomains, which serve as mechanical defects responsible for yielding voids. Whereas, the GLY plasticizer homogeneously disperses at a molecular level and interacts with PVA chains through strong hydrogen bonds. More interestingly, it is illustrated that the dispersion and bound states of plasticizers are closely related to the mechanical character of the plasticized PVA films. These findings offer new insight into the working mechanism of plasticization on the structural stability during stretching, and guide the design of PVA/plasticizer system to obtain excellent comprehensive mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Hang Yao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-Jie Guo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
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10
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Onggowarsito C, Feng A, Mao S, Nguyen LN, Xu J, Fu Q. Water Harvesting Strategies through Solar Steam Generator Systems. CHEMSUSCHEM 2022; 15:e202201543. [PMID: 36163592 PMCID: PMC10098618 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202201543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Solar steam generator (SSG) systems have attracted increasing attention, owing to its simple manufacturing, material abundance, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly freshwater production. This system relies on photothermic materials and water absorbing substrates for a clean continuous distillation process. To optimize this process, there are factors that are needed to be considered such as selection of solar absorber and water absorbent materials, followed by micro/macro-structural system design for efficient water evaporation, floating, and filtration capability. In this contribution, we highlight the general interfacial SSG concept, review and compare recent progresses of different SSG systems, as well as discuss important factors on performance optimization. Furthermore, unaddressed challenges such as SSG's cost to performance ratio, filtration of untreatable micropollutants/microorganisms, and the need of standardization testing will be discussed to further advance future SSG studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Onggowarsito
- Centre for Technology in Water and WastewaterSchool of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Technology Sydney15 BroadwayUltimoNSW 2007Australia
| | - An Feng
- Centre for Technology in Water and WastewaterSchool of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Technology Sydney15 BroadwayUltimoNSW 2007Australia
| | - Shudi Mao
- Centre for Technology in Water and WastewaterSchool of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Technology Sydney15 BroadwayUltimoNSW 2007Australia
| | - Luong Ngoc Nguyen
- Centre for Technology in Water and WastewaterSchool of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Technology Sydney15 BroadwayUltimoNSW 2007Australia
| | - Jiangtao Xu
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular DesignSchool of Chemical EngineeringUNSW InstitutionSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Qiang Fu
- Centre for Technology in Water and WastewaterSchool of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Technology Sydney15 BroadwayUltimoNSW 2007Australia
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Abstract
The growing trend of intelligent devices ranging from wearables and soft robots to artificial intelligence has set a high demand for smart batteries. Hydrogels provide opportunities for smart batteries to self-adjust their functions according to the operation conditions. Despite the progress in hydrogel-based smart batteries, a gap remains between the designable functions of diverse hydrogels and the expected performance of batteries. In this Perspective, we first briefly introduce the fundamentals of hydrogels, including formation, structure, and characteristics of the internal water and ions. Batteries that operate under unusual mechanical and temperature conditions enabled by hydrogels are highlighted. Challenges and opportunities for further development of hydrogels are outlined to propose future research in smart batteries toward all-climate power sources and intelligent wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peihua Yang
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jin-Lin Yang
- School of Physical and Mathematical Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371
| | - Kang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamic Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong Jin Fan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371
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12
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Moll V, Beć KB, Grabska J, Huck CW. Investigation of Water Interaction with Polymer Matrices by Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185882. [PMID: 36144616 PMCID: PMC9504856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of water with polymers is an intensively studied topic. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques, mid-infrared (MIR) and Raman, were often used to investigate the properties of water–polymer systems. On the other hand, relatively little attention has been given to the potential of using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (12,500–4000 cm−1; 800–2500 nm) for exploring this problem. NIR spectroscopy delivers exclusive opportunities for the investigation of molecular structure and interactions. This technique derives information from overtones and combination bands, which provide unique insights into molecular interactions. It is also very well suited for the investigation of aqueous systems, as both the bands of water and the polymer can be reliably acquired in a range of concentrations in a more straightforward manner than it is possible with MIR spectroscopy. In this study, we applied NIR spectroscopy to investigate interactions of water with polymers of varying hydrophobicity: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide 6 (PA), lignin (Lig), chitin (Chi) and cellulose (Cell). Polymer–water mixtures in the concentration range of water between 1–10%(w/w) were investigated. Spectra analysis and interpretation were performed with the use of difference spectroscopy, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Median Linkage Clustering (MLC), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) and Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy (2D-COS). Additionally, from the obtained data, aquagrams were constructed and interpreted with aid of the conclusions drawn from the conventional approaches. We deepened insights into the problem of water bands obscuring compound-specific signals in the NIR spectrum, which is often a limiting factor in analytical applications. The study unveiled clearly visible trends in NIR spectra associated with the chemical nature of the polymer and its increasing hydrophilicity. We demonstrated that changes in the NIR spectrum of water are manifested even in the case of interaction with highly hydrophobic polymers (e.g., PTFE). Furthermore, the unveiled spectral patterns of water in the presence of different polymers were found to be dissimilar between the two major water bands in NIR spectrum (νs + νas and νas + δ).
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13
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Xu S, Liu X, Yu Z, Liu K. Non-contact optical characterization of negative pressure in hydrogel voids and microchannels. FRONTIERS OF OPTOELECTRONICS 2022; 15:10. [PMID: 36637525 PMCID: PMC9756264 DOI: 10.1007/s12200-022-00016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Negative pressure in water under tension, as a thermodynamic non-equilibrium state, has facilitated the emergence of innovative technologies on microfluidics, desalination, and thermal management. However, the lack of a simple and accurate method to measure negative pressure hinders further in-depth understanding of the properties of water in such a state. In this work, we propose a non-contact optical method to quantify the negative pressure in micron-sized water voids of a hydrogel film based on the microscale mechanical deformation of the hydrogel itself. We tested three groups of hydrogel samples with different negative pressure inside, and the obtained results fit well with the theoretical prediction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this method can characterize the distribution of negative pressure, and can thus provide the possibility of investigation of the flow behavior of water in negative pressure. These results prove this technique to be a promising approach to characterization of water under tension and for investigation of its properties under negative pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamic Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamic Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zehua Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamic Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Kang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamic Transients, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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Pi M, Wang X, Wang Z, Ran R. Sustainable MXene/PDA hydrogel with core-shell structure tailored for highly efficient solar evaporation and long-term desalination. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.124075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Song Y, Zhang S, Kang J, Chen J, Cao Y. Water absorption dependence of the formation of poly(vinyl alcohol)-iodine complexes for poly(vinyl alcohol) films. RSC Adv 2021; 11:28785-28796. [PMID: 35478575 PMCID: PMC9038136 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04867h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films annealed at different temperatures are used to explore the effects of the water absorption on the formation of PVA–iodine complexes. It's found that the higher the annealing temperature, the stronger the interaction force between PVA segments, and the smaller the free volume of the PVA films. These mainly lead to the reduction of the amount of PVA segments with a moderate degree of hydration (i.e., PVA segments with moderate mobility), which are the major segments participating in the formation of PVA–iodine complexes. Therefore, PVA films with higher water absorption not only possess faster complexation speed and form more PVA–iodine complexes, but also increase the proportion of polyiodide ions with a longer length. Moreover, the complexation restricts the PVA segments with high mobility, resulting in the formation of the intermolecular ordered structure. The water absorption dependence may guide the dyeing process to obtain PVA polarizers with excellent optical performance. Swelling process improves the mobility of PVA segments, while dyeing process restricts that. And there is a large water absorption dependence on the formation of PVA–iodine complexes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China +86-28-8540-6333
| | - Sumei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China +86-28-8540-6333
| | - Jian Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China +86-28-8540-6333
| | - Jinyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China +86-28-8540-6333
| | - Ya Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China +86-28-8540-6333
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