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Jiang B, Mu M, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Li W. Nanoparticle-Empowered Core-Shell Microcapsules: From Architecture Design to Fabrication and Functions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311897. [PMID: 38456762 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is a powerful concept to integrate multiscale components with diverse functionalities into miniature architectures. Inspired by evolution-optimized cell compartments, synthetic core-shell capsules enable storage of actives and on-demand delivery of programmed functions, driving scientific progress across various fields including adaptive materials, sustainable electronics, soft robotics, and precision medicine. To simultaneously maximize structural stability and environmental sensitivity, which are the two most critical characteristics dictating performance, diverse nanoparticles are incorporated into microcapsules with a dense shell and a liquid core. Recent studies have revealed that these nano-additives not only enhance the intrinsic properties of capsules including mechanical robustness, optical behaviors, and thermal conductivity, but also empower dynamic features such as triggered release, deformable structures, and fueled mobility. In this review, the physicochemical principles that govern nanoparticle assembly during microencapsulation are examined in detail and the architecture-controlled functionalities are outlined. Through the analysis of how each primary method implants nanoparticles into microcapsules, their distinct spatial organizations within the core-shell structures are highlighted. Following a detailed discussion of the specialized functions enabled by specific nanoparticles, the vision of the required fundamental insights and experimental studies for this class of microcarriers to fulfill its potential are sketched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China
| | - Manrui Mu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China
| | - Wenle Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China
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Honciuc A, Negru OI. Asymmetrically Nanostructured 2D Janus Films Obtained from Pickering Emulsions Polymerized in a Langmuir-Blodgett Trough. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1459. [PMID: 37512770 PMCID: PMC10384703 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Low-dimensional structures, such as two-dimensional (2D) Janus films, can be useful in studying fundamental interactions or in applications at the nanoscale. In this work, we report the fabrication of 2D polymer Janus films consisting of one smooth and another nanostructured facet on which silica nanoparticles (NPs) are self-assembled in a compact monolayer shield. The 2D films are made from Pickering emulsions of monomers in water, stabilized by NPs, which are spread over the surface of the water in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough. Following the spreading of the colloidosomes, oil droplets stabilized by NPs collapse, and the interfaces reorganize such that the NP monolayer is found exclusively at the oil/water interface. Upon compression followed by UV polymerization, a 2D solid film is formed, with one smooth and another nanostructured face. The film can be removed from the surface of the water and handled with tweezers. The 2D films exhibit different surface properties on the two sides, such as differences in water wettability. On the nanostructured side, water wettability can be tuned by tuning the surface energy of the nanoparticles, namely by changing their surface functional groups. Upon removal of NPs, the surface can be patterned with an array of circular traces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Honciuc
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Oana-Iuliana Negru
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania
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Asandulesa M, Solonaru AM, Resmerita AM, Honciuc A. Thermal and Dielectric Investigations of Polystyrene Nanoparticles as a Viable Platform-Toward the Next Generation of Fillers for Nanocomposites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2899. [PMID: 37447544 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132899] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles are often used as fillers for enhancing various properties of polymer composites such as mechanical, electrical, or dielectric. Among them, polymer nanoparticles are considered ideal contenders because of their compatibility with a polymer matrix. For this reason, it is important that they are synthesized in a surfactant-free form, to obtain predictable surface and structural properties. Here, we synthesized a series of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs), by emulsion polymerization of styrene, using varying amounts of divinylbenzene as a crosslinking agent and sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate as a copolymerizing monomer surfactant-"surfmer". Using "surfmers" we obtained surfactant-free nanoparticles that are monodisperse, with a high degree of thermal stability, as observed by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric investigations. The prepared series of NPs were investigated by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy and we demonstrate that by fine-tuning their chemical composition, fine changes in their dielectric and thermal properties are obtained. Further, we demonstrate that the physical transformations in the nanoparticles, such as the glass transition, can be predicted by performing the first derivative of dielectric permittivity for all investigated samples. The glass transition temperature of PS NPs appears to be inversely correlated with the dielectric permittivity and the average diameter of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Asandulesa
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Solonaru
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Resmerita
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Honciuc
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
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Honciuc A, Negru OI. Monitoring the Surface Energy Change of Nanoparticles in Functionalization Reactions with the NanoTraPPED Method. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1246. [PMID: 37049338 PMCID: PMC10097230 DOI: 10.3390/nano13071246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Performing chemical functionalization on the surface of nanoparticles underlies their use in applications. Probing that a physicochemical transformation has indeed occurred on a nanoparticles' surface is rather difficult. For this reason, we propose that a macroscopic parameter, namely the surface energy γ, can monitor the physicochemical transformations taking place at the surface of nanoparticles. Determining the surface energy of macroscopic surfaces is trivial, but it is very challenging for nanoparticles. In this work we demonstrate that the Nanoparticles Trapped on Polymerized Pickering Emulsion Droplet (NanoTraPPED) method can be successfully deployed to monitor the evolution of surface energies γ, with its γp polar and γd dispersive components of the silica nanoparticles at each stage of two surface reactions: (i) amination by siloxane chemistry, coupling reaction of a 2,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde and formation of a Schiff base ligand, followed by coordination of metal ions and (ii) epoxide ring opening and formation of azide. The change in surface energy and its components are discussed and analyzed for each step of the two reactions. It is observed that large variations in surface energy are observed with the complexity of the molecular structure attaching to nanoparticle surface, while functional group replacement leads to only small changes in the surface energies.
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Gui H, Yang T, Li LL, Liang F, Yang Z. Temperature-Sensitive Anti-Inflammatory Organohydrogels Containing Janus Particle Stabilized Phase-Change Microinclusions. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9859-9870. [PMID: 35699249 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A fabrication strategy for multifunctional organohydrogels is proposed, which combines phase-change microinclusions within a double-network (DN) hydrogel under the stabilization of Janus particles. Janus particles possess reactivity and colloidal stability for more robust organohydrogels, while the interstice among Janus particles enhances the mass transfer between the phase interfaces. Moreover, DN hydrogels are achieved through dynamic cross-linking networks, endowing organohydrogels with injectability and self-healing performance. Phase-change microinclusions are beneficial to the organohydrogels with temperature-responsive mechanical property and temperature-programed shape-memory performance. Organohydrogels can be employed for temperature therapy through the melting-crystallization process of phase-change microinclusions. Simultaneously, the payloads within microinclusions can be released for antibacteria upon melting the encapsulated wax. The organohydrogels can be served as an ideal dressing with temperature-responsive mechanical property, temperature therapy effectiveness, and temperature-triggered antibacterial ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoguan Gui
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Green Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry of Advanced Materials, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Li-Li Li
- Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fuxin Liang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenzhong Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Honciuc A, Negru OI. Role of Surface Energy of Nanoparticle Stabilizers in the Synthesis of Microspheres via Pickering Emulsion Polymerization. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:995. [PMID: 35335808 PMCID: PMC8949673 DOI: 10.3390/nano12060995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymer microspheres are important for a variety of applications, such as ion exchange chromatography, catalyst supports, absorbents, etc. Synthesis of large microspheres can be challenging, because they cannot be obtained easily via classic emulsion polymerization, but rather by more complex methods. Here, we present a facile method for obtaining polymer microspheres, beyond 50 μm, via Pickering emulsion polymerization. The method consists in creating oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsion/suspension from vinyl bearing monomers, immiscible with water, whereas silica nanoparticles (NPs), bearing glycidyl functionalities, have a stabilizing role by adsorbing at the monomer/water interface of emulsion droplets. The emulsion is polymerized under UV light, and polymer microspheres decorated with NPs are obtained. We discovered that the contact angle of the NPs with the polymer microsphere is the key parameter for tuning the size and the quality of the obtained microspheres. The contact angle depends on the NPs' interfacial energy and its polar and dispersive contributions, which we determine with a newly developed NanoTraPPED method. By varying the NPs' surface functionality, we demonstrate that when their interfacial energy with water decreases, their energy of adhesion to water increases, causing the curvature of the polymer/water interface to decrease, resulting in increasingly larger polymer microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Honciuc
- Electroactive Polymers and Plasmochemistry Laboratory, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania;
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Mihali V, Honciuc A. Semiconductor-Insulator (Nano-)Couples with Tunable Properties Obtained from Asymmetric Modification of Janus Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:49206-49214. [PMID: 34609834 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coupling a semiconductor with an electrical insulator in a single amphiphilic nanoparticle could open new pathways for manufacturing and assembling organic electronic devices. Here, a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polyaniline (PEDOT/PANI) bilayer is confined on the surface of one lobe of snowman-type Janus nanoparticles (JNPs), such that one lobe is semiconducting and the other is electrically insulating. The PEDOT/PANI bilayer is constructed in two synthesis steps, by asymmetric modification of the JNPs with PANI followed by PEDOT. The addition of the PEDOT layer onto the PANI-modified JNPs leads to an enhancement in the conductivity of up to 2 orders of magnitude. Further, we demonstrate that JNPs are very versatile supports for semiconducting polymers because by tuning their size and geometry the overall conductivity of the JNP powders can be modulated within several orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Voichita Mihali
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland
| | - Andrei Honciuc
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Electroactive Polymers and Plasmochemistry Laboratory, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, Iasi 700487, Romania
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Li C, Li Q, Kaneti YV, Hou D, Yamauchi Y, Mai Y. Self-assembly of block copolymers towards mesoporous materials for energy storage and conversion systems. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:4681-4736. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00021c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the progress in the field of block copolymer-templated mesoporous materials, including synthetic methods, morphological and pore size control and their potential applications in energy storage and conversion devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200242
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200242
| | - Yusuf Valentino Kaneti
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Ibaraki 305-0044
- Japan
| | - Dan Hou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200242
| | - Yusuke Yamauchi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology
| | - Yiyong Mai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200242
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