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Wang Y, Li YX, Li Q, Jia R, Tang Q, Huang H, Zhang Y, Feng X. Highly Ordered Gyroid Nanostructured Polymers: Facile Fabrication by Polymerizable Pluronic Surfactants. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:550-557. [PMID: 38634712 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Highly ordered, network-nanostructured polymers offer compelling geometric features and application potential. However, their practical utilization is hampered by the restricted accessibility. Here, we address this challenge using commercial Pluronic surfactants with a straightforward modification of tethering polymerizable groups. By leveraging lyotropic self-assembly, we achieve facile production of double-gyroid mesophases, which are subsequently solidified via photoinduced cross-linking. The exceptionally ordered periodicities of Ia3d symmetry in the photocured polymers are unambiguously confirmed by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which can capture single-crystal-like diffraction patterns. Electron density maps reconstructed from SAXS data complemented by transmission electron microscopy analysis further elucidate the real-space gyroid assemblies. Intriguingly, by tuning the cross-linking through thiol-acrylate chemistry, the mechanical properties of the polymer are modulated without compromising the integrity of Ia3d assemblies. The 3-D percolating gyroid nanochannels demonstrate an ionic conductivity that surpasses that of disordered structures, offering promising prospects for scalable fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ya-Xin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ruoyin Jia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingchen Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Hairui Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Xunda Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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2
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Gu S, Zhang L, de Campo L, O'Dell LA, Wang D, Wang G, Kong L. Lyotropic Liquid Crystal (LLC)-Templated Nanofiltration Membranes by Precisely Administering LLC/Substrate Interfacial Structure. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:549. [PMID: 37367753 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Mesoporous materials based on lyotropic liquid crystal templates with precisely defined and flexible nanostructures offer an alluring solution to the age-old challenge of water scarcity. In contrast, polyamide (PA)-based thin-film composite (TFC) membranes have long been hailed as the state of the art in desalination. They grapple with a common trade-off between permeability and selectivity. However, the tides are turning as these novel materials, with pore sizes ranging from 0.2 to 5 nm, take center stage as highly coveted active layers in TFC membranes. With the ability to regulate water transport and influence the formation of the active layer, the middle porous substrate of TFC membranes becomes an essential player in unlocking their true potential. This review delves deep into the recent advancements in fabricating active layers using lyotropic liquid crystal templates on porous substrates. It meticulously analyzes the retention of the liquid crystal phase structure, explores the membrane fabrication processes, and evaluates the water filtration performance. Additionally, it presents an exhaustive comparison between the effects of substrates on both polyamide and lyotropic liquid crystal template top layer-based TFC membranes, covering crucial aspects such as surface pore structures, hydrophilicity, and heterogeneity. To push the boundaries even further, the review explores a diverse array of promising strategies for surface modification and interlayer introduction, all aimed at achieving an ideal substrate surface design. Moreover, it delves into the realm of cutting-edge techniques for detecting and unraveling the intricate interfacial structures between the lyotropic liquid crystal and the substrate. This review is a passport to unravel the enigmatic world of lyotropic liquid crystal-templated TFC membranes and their transformative role in global water challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senlin Gu
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Liliana de Campo
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australia Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), Sydney, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Luke A O'Dell
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Dong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Textile Materials & Application, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Spallation Neutron Source Science Centre, Dongguan 523803, China
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
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3
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Wu H, Huang H, Zhang Y, Lu X, Majewski PW, Feng X. Stabilizing Differential Interfacial Curvatures by Mismatched Molecular Geometries: Toward Polymers with Percolating 1 nm Channels of Gyroid Minimal Surfaces. ACS NANO 2022; 16:21139-21151. [PMID: 36516967 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Soft materials with self-assembled networks possess saddle-shaped interfaces with distributed negative Gaussian curvatures. The ability to stabilize such a geometry is critically important for various applications but can be challenging due to the possibly "deficient" packing of the building blocks. This nontrivial challenge has been manifested, for example, by the limited availability of cross-linkable bicontinuous cubic (Q) liquid crystals (LCs), which can be utilized to fabricate compelling polymers with networked nanochannels uniformly sized at ∼1 nm. Here, we devise a facile approach to stabilizing cross-linkable Q mesophases by leveraging the synergistic self-assembly from pairs of scalably synthesized polymerizable amphiphiles. Hybridization of the molecular geometries by mixing significantly increases the propensity of the local deviations in the interfacial curvature specifically required for Q assemblies. "Normal" (type 1) double gyroid LCs possessing 1 nm ionic channels conforming to minimal surfaces can be formulated by simultaneous hydration of the amphiphile mixtures, as opposed to the formation of hexagonal or lamellar mesophases exhibited by the single-amphiphile systems, respectively. Fixation of the bicontinuous network in polymers via radical polymerization has been efficaciously facilitated by the presence of the bifunctional polymerizable groups in one of the employed amphiphiles. High-fidelity lock-in of the ordered continuous 1 nm channels has been unambiguously confirmed by the observation of single-crystal-like diffraction patterns from synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and large-area periodicities by transmission electron microscopy. The produced polymeric materials exhibit the required mechanical integrity as well as chemical robustness in a variety of organic solvents that benefit their practical applications for selective transport of ions and molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai201620, People's Repubic of China
| | - Hairui Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai201620, People's Repubic of China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, and School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai200444, People's Repubic of China
| | - Xinglin Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui230026, People's Repubic of China
| | - Pawel W Majewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw02089, Poland
| | - Xunda Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai201620, People's Repubic of China
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4
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Zhang Y, Kim D, Dong R, Feng X, Osuji CO. Tunable organic solvent nanofiltration in self-assembled membranes at the sub-1 nm scale. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm5899. [PMID: 35294234 PMCID: PMC8926336 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm5899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Organic solvent-stable membranes exhibiting strong selectivity and high permeance have the potential to transform energy utilization in chemical separation processes. A key goal is developing materials with uniform, well-defined pores at the 1-nm scale, with sizes that can be tuned in small increments with high fidelity. Here, we demonstrate a class of organic solvent-stable nanoporous membranes derived from self-assembled liquid crystal mesophases that display such characteristics and elucidate their transport properties. The transport-regulating dimensions are defined by the mesophase geometry and can be controlled in increments of ~0.1 nm by modifying the chemical structure of the mesogen or the composition of the mesophase. The highly ordered nanostructure affords previously unidentified opportunities for the systematic design of organic solvent nanofiltration membranes with tailored selectivity and permeability and for understanding and modeling rejection in nanoscale flows. Hence, these membranes represent progress toward the goal of enabling precise organic solvent nanofiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, Ministry of Education, and School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dahin Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ruiqi Dong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xunda Feng
- Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chinedum O. Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Corresponding author.
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5
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Wu H, Xu F, Gao G, Feng X. Highly Ordered Interconnected 1 nm Pores in Polymers Fabricated from Easily Accessible Gyroid Liquid Crystals. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Fengxian Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Guanzhen Gao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xunda Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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6
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Zhang Y, Dong R, Gabinet UR, Poling-Skutvik R, Kim NK, Lee C, Imran OQ, Feng X, Osuji CO. Rapid Fabrication by Lyotropic Self-Assembly of Thin Nanofiltration Membranes with Uniform 1 Nanometer Pores. ACS NANO 2021; 15:8192-8203. [PMID: 33729764 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured materials with precisely defined and water-bicontinuous 1-nm-scale pores are highly sought after as advanced materials for next-generation nanofiltration membranes. While several self-assembled systems appear to satisfy this need, straightforward fabrication of such materials as submicron films with high-fidelity retention of their ordered nanostructure represents a nontrivial challenge. We report the development of a lyotropic liquid crystal mesophase that addresses the aforementioned issue. Films as thin as ∼200 nm are prepared on conventional support membranes using solution-based methods. Within these films, the system is composed of a hexagonally ordered array of ∼3 nm diameter cylinders of cross-linked polymer, embedded in an aqueous medium. The cylinders are uniformly oriented in the plane of the film, providing a transport-limiting dimension of ∼1 nm, associated with the space between the outer surfaces of nearest-neighbor cylinders. These membranes exhibit molecular weight cutoffs of ∼300 Da for organic solutes and are effective in rejecting dissolved salts, and in particular, divalent species, while exhibiting water permeabilities that rival or exceed current state-of-the-art commercial nanofiltration membranes. These materials have the ability to address a broad range of nanofiltration applications, while structure-property considerations suggest several avenues for potential performance improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ruiqi Dong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Uri R Gabinet
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ryan Poling-Skutvik
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Na Kyung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Changyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Omar Q Imran
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Xunda Feng
- Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chinedum O Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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7
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Kloos J, Joosten N, Schenning A, Nijmeijer K. Self-assembling liquid crystals as building blocks to design nanoporous membranes suitable for molecular separations. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Salikolimi K, Sudhakar AA, Ishida Y. Functional Ionic Liquid Crystals. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:11702-11731. [PMID: 32927953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ionic liquid crystals have emerged as a new class of functional soft materials in the last two decades, and they exhibit synergistic characteristics of ionic liquids and liquid crystals such as macroscopic orientability, miscibility with various species, phase stability, nanostructural tunability, and polar nanochannel formation. Owing to these characteristics, the structures, properties, and functions of ionic liquid crystals have been a hot topic in materials chemistry, finding various applications including host frameworks for guest binding, separation membranes, ion-/proton-conducting membranes, reaction media, and optoelectronic materials. Although several excellent review articles of ionic liquid crystals have been published recently, they mainly focused on the fundamental aspects, structures, and specific properties of ionic liquid crystals, while these applications of ionic liquid crystals have not yet been discussed at one time. The aim of this feature article is to provide an overview of the applications of ionic liquid crystals in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yasuhiro Ishida
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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9
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Jackson GL, Kim SA, Jayaraman A, Diallo SO, Mahanthappa MK. Consequences of Convex Nanopore Chemistry on Confined Water Dynamics. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:1495-1508. [PMID: 32065528 PMCID: PMC7122394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b10176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of confined water is crucial for developing selective ion transport and water purification membranes, yet the roles of nanopore geometry and functionality on confined water dynamics remain unresolved. We report the synthesis of perdeuterated ionic alkylsulfonate amphiphiles and their water-induced self-assembly into lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) mesophases with well-defined, convex, sulfonate-lined nanopores. Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements demonstrate that the water self-diffusion coefficients within these sulfonate-lined convex nanopores depend on the hydration level and amphiphile counterion identity (H+, K+, NMe4+). The consistency of the observed counterion-dependent water dynamics trends with those of carboxylate LLCs is rationalized on the basis of similarities in the counterion spatial distributions in the water-filled channels, which we deduce from electron density maps derived from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses. These findings indicate that water diffusion is systematically faster in sulfonate-lined nanopores as compared to carboxylate-lined pores due to weaker water interactions with the softer and more hydrophobic-SO3- functionalities. These molecular-level insights into the relationships between convex pore wall chemical functionalities, hydrated counterions, and confined water diffusion may inform future development of new nanoporous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayson L. Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
| | - Sung A Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421 Washington Ave, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ashish Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421 Washington Ave, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Souleymane O. Diallo
- Chemical and Engineering Materials Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 USA
| | - Mahesh K. Mahanthappa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421 Washington Ave, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455
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10
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Choi F, Nirmal G, Pizzardi M, Acosta EJ. Formulating and Retaining the Structure of Polymerized Surfactant Phases Using a Microemulsion Curvature Framework. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:16821-16834. [PMID: 31755720 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured polymers contain features smaller than 100 nm that are useful in a wide range of areas, including photonics, biomedical materials, and environmental applications. Out of the myriad of nanostructured polymers, surfactant-templated polymers are versatile because of their ability to have tunable domain sizes, structure, and composition. This work addresses the gap between the formulation with industrial-grade polymerizable surfactants and the final structure of the polymer, using the hydrophilic-lipophilic difference (HLD) and net-average curvature (NAC) frameworks. HLD indicates the proximity of the formulation (surfactant and oil monomer selection, temperature, electrolyte concentration) to the phase inversion point, where HLD = 0. NAC uses the HLD to determine the curvature of the surfactant-oil-water interface, leading not only to the size and shape of micelles and bicontinuous isotropic (L3) systems but also to defining the most likely regions for lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) existence and phase separation in ternary phase diagrams. Polymerizing LLC fluids produced nanostructured polymers with similar LLC structures that were highly swellable, but with low compressive strength. Polymerizing L3 fluids produced strong, but less water-swellable nanostructured polymers with a similar characteristic length to the parent L3 microemulsion. The relatively small scale of the parent LLC (∼6-8 nm) or L3 (∼3-4 nm) systems is consistent with the translucent nature of the polymers produced and the HLD-NAC predicted sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto M5S3E5 , Ontario , Canada
| | - Ghata Nirmal
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto M5S3E5 , Ontario , Canada
| | - Monica Pizzardi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto M5S3E5 , Ontario , Canada
| | - Edgar J Acosta
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto M5S3E5 , Ontario , Canada
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11
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Feng X, Imran Q, Zhang Y, Sixdenier L, Lu X, Kaufman G, Gabinet U, Kawabata K, Elimelech M, Osuji CO. Precise nanofiltration in a fouling-resistant self-assembled membrane with water-continuous transport pathways. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav9308. [PMID: 31448326 PMCID: PMC6688870 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav9308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled materials are attractive for next-generation membranes. However, the need to align self-assembled nanostructures (e.g. cylinders, lamellae) and the narrow stability windows for ordered bicontinuous systems present serious challenges. We propose and demonstrate a novel approach that circumvents these challenges by exploiting size-selective transport in the water-continuous medium of a nanostructured polymer templated from a self-assembled lyotropic H1 mesophase. Optimization of the mesophase composition enables high-fidelity retention of the H1 structure on photoinduced cross-linking. The resulting material is a mechanically robust nanostructured polymer possessing internally and externally cross-linked nanofibrils surrounded by a continuous aqueous medium. Fabricated membranes show size selectivity at the 1- to 2-nm length scale and water permeabilities of ~10 liters m-2 hour-1 bar-1 μm. Moreover, the membranes display excellent antimicrobial properties due to the quaternary ammonium groups on the nanofibril surfaces. These results represent a breakthrough for the potential use of polymerized lyotropic mesophase membranes in practical water purification applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunda Feng
- Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Qaboos Imran
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Xinglin Lu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Gilad Kaufman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Uri Gabinet
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kohsuke Kawabata
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Chinedum O. Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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12
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Goujon N, Dumée LF, Byrne N, Bryant G, Forsyth M. Impact of Comonomer Chemistry on Phase Behavior of Polymerizable Lyotropic Ionic Liquid Crystals: A Pre‐ and Post‐Polymerization Study. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201800307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Goujon
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University—Geelong Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216 Australia
| | - Ludovic F. Dumée
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University—Geelong Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216 Australia
| | - Nolene Byrne
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University—Geelong Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216 Australia
| | - Gary Bryant
- Centre for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics School of Applied Sciences RMIT University GPO Box 2476 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia
| | - Maria Forsyth
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University—Geelong Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science Institute for Frontier Materials Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
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13
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Kasprzak CR, Scherzinger ET, Sarkar A, Miao M, Porcincula DH, Madriz AM, Pennewell ZM, Chau SS, Fernando R, Stefik M, Zhang S. Ordered Nanostructures of Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Composites from Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Templating. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201800197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Kasprzak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Evan T. Scherzinger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Amrita Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of South Carolina Columbia SC 29208 USA
| | - Miranda Miao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Dominique H. Porcincula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Alejandro M. Madriz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Zachary M. Pennewell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Sophia S. Chau
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Raymond Fernando
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
| | - Morgan Stefik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of South Carolina Columbia SC 29208 USA
| | - Shanju Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo CA 93407 USA
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14
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Sen D, Das A, Bahadur J, Choudhury N. Dynamic modulation of inter-particle correlation during colloidal assembly in a confined medium: revealed by real time SAXS. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:13271-13278. [PMID: 29457174 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp00401c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Using real time small-angle X-ray scattering, we ellucidate a hitherto unobserved non-monotonic evolution of inter-particle correlation while colloidal particles assemble across pore boundary in a confined medium under influence of solvent evaporation. Time variation of local volume fraction of the particles passes through distinct modulation prior to reaching equilibrium. It has been demonstrated that the amplitude of oscillation depends strongly on size of the assembling particles. We comprehend such non-linear temporal evolution of particle correlation through density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Sen
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India. and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094, India
| | - Avik Das
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India. and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094, India
| | - Jitendra Bahadur
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India.
| | - Niharendu Choudhury
- Theoretical Chemistry Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094, India
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15
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Zhang S, Pelligra CI, Feng X, Osuji CO. Directed Assembly of Hybrid Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705794. [PMID: 29520839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid nanomaterials are molecular or colloidal-level combinations of organic and inorganic materials, or otherwise strongly dissimilar materials. They are often, though not exclusively, anisotropic in shape. A canonical example is an inorganic nanorod or nanosheet sheathed in, or decorated by, a polymeric or other organic material, where both the inorganic and organic components are important for the properties of the system. Hybrid nanomaterials and nanocomposites have generated strong interest for a broad range of applications due to their functional properties. Generating macroscopic assemblies of hybrid nanomaterials and nanomaterials in nanocomposites with controlled orientation and placement by directed assembly is important for realizing such applications. Here, a survey of critical issues and themes in directed assembly of hybrid nanomaterials and nanocomposites is provided, highlighting recent efforts in this field with particular emphasis on scalable methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanju Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407, USA
| | - Candice I Pelligra
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Xunda Feng
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Chinedum O Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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16
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Lugger J, Mulder DJ, Sijbesma R, Schenning A. Nanoporous Polymers Based on Liquid Crystals. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E104. [PMID: 29324669 PMCID: PMC5793602 DOI: 10.3390/ma11010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the present review, we discuss recent advances in the field of nanoporous networks based on polymerisable liquid crystals. The field has matured in the last decade, yielding polymers having 1D, 2D, and 3D channels with pore sizes on the nanometer scale. Next to the current progress, some of the future challenges are presented, with the integration of nanoporous membranes in functional devices considered as the biggest challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Lugger
- Laboratory of Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirk Jan Mulder
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Dutch Polymer Institute, P.O. Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Rint Sijbesma
- Laboratory of Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert Schenning
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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17
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Nickmans K, Schenning APHJ. Directed Self-Assembly of Liquid-Crystalline Molecular Building Blocks for Sub-5 nm Nanopatterning. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:1703713. [PMID: 29052916 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The thin-film directed self-assembly of molecular building blocks into oriented nanostructure arrays enables next-generation lithography at the sub-5 nm scale. Currently, the fabrication of inorganic arrays from molecular building blocks is restricted by the limited long-range order and orientation of the materials, as well as suitable methodologies for creating lithographic templates at sub-5 nm dimensions. In recent years, higher-order liquid crystals have emerged as functional thin films for organic electronics, nanoporous membranes, and templated synthesis, which provide opportunities for their use as lithographic templates. By choosing examples from these fields, recent progress toward the design of molecular building blocks is highlighted, with an emphasis on liquid crystals, to access sub-5 nm features, their directed self-assembly into oriented thin films, and, importantly, the fabrication of inorganic arrays. Finally, future challenges regarding sub-5 nm patterning with liquid crystals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Nickmans
- Laboratory of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600, MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600, MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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18
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Liang T, van Kuringen HPC, Mulder DJ, Tan S, Wu Y, Borneman Z, Nijmeijer K, Schenning APHJ. Anisotropic Dye Adsorption and Anhydrous Proton Conductivity in Smectic Liquid Crystal Networks: The Role of Cross-Link Density, Order, and Orientation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:35218-35225. [PMID: 28936867 PMCID: PMC5677250 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b09386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the decisive role of rigidity, orientation, and order in the smectic liquid crystalline network on the anisotropic proton and adsorbent properties is reported. The rigidity in the hydrogen-bonded polymer network has been altered by changing the cross-link density, the order by using different mesophases (smectic, nematic, and isotropic phases), whereas the orientation of the mesogens was controlled by alignment layers. Adding more cross-linkers improved the integrity of the polymer films. For the proton conduction, an optimum was found in the amount of cross-linker and the smectic organization results in the highest anhydrous proton conduction. The polymer films show anisotropic proton conductivity with a 54 times higher conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the molecular director. After a base treatment of the smectic liquid crystalline network, a nanoporous polymer film is obtained that also shows anisotropic adsorption of dye molecules and again straight smectic pores are favored over disordered pores in nematic and isotropic networks. The highly cross-linked films show size-selective adsorption of dyes. Low cross-linked materials do not show this difference due to swelling, which decreases the order and creates openings in the two-dimensional polymer layers. The latter is, however, beneficial for fast adsorption kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Huub P. C. van Kuringen
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch
Polymer Institute (DPI), PO Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Mulder
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch
Polymer Institute (DPI), PO Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Shuai Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zandrie Borneman
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty Nijmeijer
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albertus P. H. J. Schenning
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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19
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Feng X, Kawabata K, Whang DM, Osuji CO. Polymer Nanosheets from Supramolecular Assemblies of Conjugated Linoleic Acid-High Surface Area Adsorbents from Renewable Materials. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:10690-10697. [PMID: 28885029 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We present a strategy for robustly cross-linking self-assembled lamellar mesophases made from plant-derived materials to generate polymer nanosheets decorated with a high density of functional groups. We formulate a supramoleclar complex by hydrogen-bonding conjugated linoleic acid moieties to a structure-directing tribasic aromatic core. The resulting constructs self-assemble into a thermotropic lamellar mesophase. Photo-cross-linking the mesophase with the aid of an acrylate cross-linker yields a polymeric material with high-fidelity retention of the lamellar mesophase structure. Transmission electron microscopy images demonstrate the preservation of the large area, highly ordered layered nanostructures in the polymer. Subsequent extraction of the tribasic core and neutralization of the carboxyl groups by NaOH result in exfoliation of polymer nanosheets with a uniform thickness of ∼3 nm. The nanosheets have a large specific area of ∼800 m2/g, are decorated by negatively charged carboxylate groups at a density of 4 nm-2, and exhibit the ability to readily adsorb positively charged colloidal particles. The strategy as presented combines supramolecular self-assembly with the use of renewable or sustainably derived materials in a scalable manner. The resulting nanosheets have potential for use as adsorbents and, with further development, rheology modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunda Feng
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , 9 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Kohsuke Kawabata
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , 9 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Dylan M Whang
- The Dalton School, 108 E 89th St., New York, New York 10128, United States
| | - Chinedum O Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , 9 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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20
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Wang G, Garvey CJ, Zhao H, Huang K, Kong L. Toward the Fabrication of Advanced Nanofiltration Membranes by Controlling Morphologies and Mesochannel Orientations of Hexagonal Lyotropic Liquid Crystals. MEMBRANES 2017; 7:membranes7030037. [PMID: 28753973 PMCID: PMC5618122 DOI: 10.3390/membranes7030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Water scarcity has been recognized as one of the major threats to human activity, and, therefore, water purification technologies are increasingly drawing attention worldwide. Nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology has been proven to be an efficient and cost-effective way in terms of the size and continuity of the nanostructure. Using a template based on hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) and partitioning monomer units within this structure for subsequent photo-polymerisation presents a unique path for the fabrication of NF membranes, potentially producing pores of uniform size, ranging from 1 to 5 nm, and large surface areas. The subsequent orientation of this pore network in a direction normal to a flat polymer film that provides ideal transport properties associated with continuous pores running through the membrane has been achieved by the orientation of hexagonal LLCs through various strategies. This review presents the current progresses on the strategies for structure retention from a hexagonal LLCs template and the up-to-date techniques used for the reorientation of mesochanels for continuity through the whole membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong 3220, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Garvey
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC 2232, Australia.
| | - Han Zhao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, No. 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Kang Huang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, No. 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong 3220, Australia.
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21
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Cho J, Ishida Y. Macroscopically Oriented Porous Materials with Periodic Ordered Structures: From Zeolites and Metal-Organic Frameworks to Liquid-Crystal-Templated Mesoporous Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1605974. [PMID: 28449264 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201605974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Porous materials with molecular-sized periodic structures, as exemplified by zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, or mesoporous silica, have attracted increasing attention due to their range of applications in storage, sensing, separation, and transformation of small molecules. Although the components of such porous materials have a tendency to pack in unidirectionally oriented periodic structures, such ideal types of packing cannot continue indefinitely, generally ceasing when they reach a micrometer scale. Consequently, most porous materials are composed of multiple randomly oriented domains, and overall behave as isotropic materials from a macroscopic viewpoint. However, if their channels could be unidirectionally oriented over a macroscopic scale, the resultant porous materials might serve as powerful tools for manipulating molecules. Guest molecules captured in macroscopically oriented channels would have their positions and directions well-defined, so that molecular events in the channels would proceed in a highly controlled manner. To realize such an ideal situation, numerous efforts have been made to develop various porous materials with macroscopically oriented channels. An overview of recent studies on the synthesis, properties, and applications of macroscopically oriented porous materials is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonil Cho
- 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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22
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Feng X, Kawabata K, Kaufman G, Elimelech M, Osuji CO. Highly Selective Vertically Aligned Nanopores in Sustainably Derived Polymer Membranes by Molecular Templating. ACS NANO 2017; 11:3911-3921. [PMID: 28301721 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We describe a combination of molecular templating and directed self-assembly to realize highly selective vertically aligned nanopores in polymer membranes using sustainably derived materials. The approach exploits a structure-directing molecule to template the assembly of plant-derived fatty acids into highly ordered columnar mesophases. Directed self-assembly using physical confinement and magnetic fields provides vertical alignment of the columnar nanostructures in large area (several cm2) thin films. Chemically cross-linking the mesophase with added conventional vinyl comonomers and removing the molecular template results in a mechanically robust polymer film with vertically aligned 1.2-1.5 nm diameter nanopores with a large specific surface area of ∼670 m2/g. The nanoporous polymer films display exceptional size and charge selectivity as demonstrated by adsorption experiments using model penetrant molecules. These materials have significant potential to function as high-performance nanofiltration membranes and as nanoporous thin films for high-density lithographic pattern transfer. The scalability of the fabrication process suggests that practical applications can be reasonably anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunda Feng
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Kohsuke Kawabata
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Gilad Kaufman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Chinedum O Osuji
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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23
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Worthington KS, Baguenard C, Forney BS, Guymon CA. Photopolymerization kinetics in and of self-assembling lyotropic liquid crystal templates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristan S. Worthington
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; The University of Iowa, 4133 Seamans Center; Iowa City Iowa 52242
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; The University of Iowa, 4156 Medical Education and Research Facility; Iowa City Iowa 52242
| | - Céline Baguenard
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; The University of Iowa, 4133 Seamans Center; Iowa City Iowa 52242
- Cheminnov - ENSCBP; CANOE; 16 Avenue Pey Berland Pessac 33600 France
| | - Bradley S. Forney
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; The University of Iowa, 4133 Seamans Center; Iowa City Iowa 52242
- 3M Construction & Home Improvement Markets Division; 3M Center; 251-1E-19 St. Paul Minnesota 55144
| | - C. Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; The University of Iowa, 4133 Seamans Center; Iowa City Iowa 52242
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24
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Sunday DF, Maher MJ, Tein S, Carlson MC, Ellison CJ, Willson CG, Kline RJ. Quantifying the Interface Energy of Block Copolymer Top Coats. ACS Macro Lett 2016; 5:1306-1311. [PMID: 35651202 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.6b00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) have the potential to play a key role in templating materials for nanoscale synthesis. BCP lithography likely will be one of the first examples of BCP-based nanomanufacturing implemented in a production setting. One of the challenges in implementing BCP lithography is that the lamella need to be oriented perpendicular to the substrate. For many systems, this requires control over interfacial energies for both components at the substrate and interface. Top coats can be designed to provide a neutral interface for both blocks on the BCP surface. The preferentiality of the top coat as a function of composition has been determined qualitatively by examining the orientation of a BCP after annealing with a top coat. Measurements of the interfacial width between the top coat and homopolymers allows the interface energy to be quantitatively determined. Resonant soft X-ray reflectivity measurements on top coat/homopolymer pairs were used to extract the Flory-Huggins parameter (χ) and interface energy (γ) as a function of top coat composition. The difference between χ and γ for each top coat/homopolymer pair was minimized at compositions that resulted in the top coat promoting perpendicular orientation. As the composition moved away from the neutral point the difference between χ and γ for each pair grew larger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Sunday
- Materials
Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - R. Joseph Kline
- Materials
Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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25
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Macias NJ, Teuscher C, Durbeck LJK. Design of Introspective Circuits for Analysis of Cell-Level Dis-orientation in Self-Assembled Cellular Systems. Front Robot AI 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2016.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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26
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Thomas D, Gaspar D, Sorushanova A, Milcovich G, Spanoudes K, Mullen AM, O'Brien T, Pandit A, Zeugolis DI. Scaffold and scaffold-free self-assembled systems in regenerative medicine. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 113:1155-63. [PMID: 26498484 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly in tissue engineering refers to the spontaneous chemical or biological association of components to form a distinct functional construct, reminiscent of native tissue. Such self-assembled systems have been widely used to develop platforms for the delivery of therapeutic and/or bioactive molecules and various cell populations. Tissue morphology and functional characteristics have been recapitulated in several self-assembled constructs, designed to incorporate stimuli responsiveness and controlled architecture through spatial confinement or field manipulation. In parallel, owing to substantial functional properties, scaffold-free cell-assembled devices have aided in the development of functional neotissues for various clinical targets. Herein, we discuss recent advancements and future aspirations in scaffold and scaffold-free self-assembled devices for regenerative medicine purposes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1155-1163. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Thomas
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Anna Sorushanova
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Gesmi Milcovich
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Kyriakos Spanoudes
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Timothy O'Brien
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland. .,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.
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27
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Goujon N, Forsyth M, Dumée LF, Bryant G, Byrne N. Characterization of the phase behaviour of a novel polymerizable lyotropic ionic liquid crystal. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:23059-68. [PMID: 26271610 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp03797b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The development of new polymerizable lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) utilizing charged amphiphilic molecules such as those based on long chain imidazolium compounds, is a relatively new design direction for producing robust membranes with controllable nano-structures. Here we have developed a novel polymerizable ionic liquid based LLC, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium acrylate (C16mimAcr), where the acrylate anion acts as the polymerizable moiety. The phase behaviour of the C16mimAcr upon the addition of water was characterized using small and wide angle X-ray scatterings, differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. We compare the phase behaviour of this new polymerizable LLC to that of the well known LLC chloride analogue, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16mimCl). We find that the C16mimAcr system has a more complex phase behaviour compared to the C16mimCl system. Additional lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophases such as hexagonal phase (H1) and discontinuous cubic phase (I1) are observed at 20 °C for the acrylate system at 50 and 65 wt% water respectively. The appearance of the hexagonal phase (H1) and discontinuous cubic phase (I1) for the acrylate system is likely due to the strong hydrating nature of the acrylate anion, which increases the head group area. The formation of these additional mesophases seen for the acrylate system, especially the hexagonal phase (H1), coupled with the polymerization functionality offers great potential in the design of advanced membrane materials with selective and anisotropic transport properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Goujon
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
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