Interface design for high energy density polymer nanocomposites

This review provides a detailed overview on the latest developments in the design and control of the interface in polymer based composite dielectrics for energy storage applications. The methods employed for interface design in composite systems are described for a variety of filler types and morphologies, along with novel approaches employed to build hierarchical interfaces for multi-scale control of properties. Efforts to achieve a close control of interfacial properties and geometry are then described, which includes the creation of either flexible or rigid polymer interfaces, the use of liquid crystals and developing ceramic and carbon-based interfaces with tailored electrical properties. The impact of the variety of interface structures on composite polarization and energy storage capability are described, along with an overview of existing models to understand the polarization mechanisms and quantitatively assess the potential benefits of different structures for energy storage. The applications and properties of such interface-controlled materials are then explored, along with an overview of existing challenges and practical limitations. Finally, a summary and future perspectives are provided to highlight future directions of research in this growing and important area.

A new visible light and temperature responsive diblock copolymer

A visible light and temperature responsive diblock copolymer of poly[6-(2,6,2′,6′-tetramethoxy-4′-oxyazobenzene) hexyl methacrylate]-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PmAzo-b-PNIPAM) was synthesized via RAFT polymerization by carefully tuning the polymerization conditions.

Self-organization of cholesterol-side-chain liquid crystalline polymers by tailoring the main chain structure and flexible spacer length

Liquid crystal polymers with cholesterol side-chains formed different smectic A phases under the influence of the main-chain structure and flexible spacer length.

Design, synthesis and properties of hemiphasmidic luminescent liquid crystal polymers with the AIEE effect

Novel hemiphasmidic side-chain luminescent liquid crystal polymers with different self-assembly structures and fluorescence properties have been prepared and investigated.

Significantly improved energy density of BaTiO3 nanocomposites by accurate interfacial tailoring using a novel rigid-fluoro-polymer

This work presents a novel approach to precisely tailor the interfacial layer thicknesses of BaTiO₃ by modulating the polymerization degree of a rigid liquid-crystalline fluoro-polymer to investigate the interfacial thickness effect on the dielectric behavior of polymer nanocomposites.