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Ghosh S, Abraham E, Smalyukh II. Low-Voltage Haze Tuning with Cellulose-Network Liquid Crystal Gels. ACS NANO 2023; 17:19767-19778. [PMID: 37725591 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Being key components of the building envelope, glazing products with tunable optical properties are in great demand because of their potential for boosting energy efficiency and privacy features while enabling the main function of allowing natural light indoors. However, windows and skylights with electric switching of haze and transparency are rare and often require high voltages or electric currents, as well as not fully meet the stringent technical requirements for glazing applications. Here, by introducing a predesigned gel material we describe an approach dubbed "Haze-Switch" that involves low-voltage tuning of the haze coefficient in a broad range of 2-90% while maintaining high visible-range optical transmittance. The approach is based on a nanocellulose fiber gel network infiltrated by a nematic liquid crystal, which can be switched between polydomain and monodomain spatial patterns of optical axis via a dielectric coupling between the nematic domains and the applied external electric field. By utilizing a nanocellulose network of nanofibers ∼10 nm in diameter we achieve <10 V dielectric switching and <2% haze in the clear state, as needed for applications in window products. We characterize physical properties relevant to window and smart glass technologies, like the color rendering index, haze coefficient, and switching times, demonstrating that our material and envisaged products can meet the stringent requirements of the glass industry, including applications such as privacy windows, skylights, sunroofs, and daylighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Eldho Abraham
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Boulder, Higashihiroshima 739-8526, Japan
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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2
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Hwang S, Walker CC, Johnson D, Han Y, Gardner DJ. Spray Drying Enzyme-Treated Cellulose Nanofibrils. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4086. [PMID: 37896330 PMCID: PMC10610161 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204086] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzyme-treated cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were produced via a lab-scale mass colloider using bleached kraft pulp (BKP) to evaluate their processability and power requirements during refining and spray-drying operations. To evaluate the energy efficiency in the CNF refining process, the net energy consumption, degree of polymerization (DP), and viscosity were determined. Less energy was consumed to attain a given fines level by using the endoglucanase enzymes. The DP and viscosity were also decreased using the enzymes. The morphological properties of the enzyme-pretreated spray-dried CNF powders (SDCNFs) were measured. Subsequently, the enzyme-pretreated SDCNFs were added to a PP matrix with MAPP as a coupling agent. The mixture was then compounded through a co-rotating twin-screw extruder to determine whether the enzyme treatment of the CNFs affects the mechanical properties of the composites. Compared to earlier studies on enhancing PMCs with SDCNF powders, this research investigates the use of enzyme-pretreated SDCNF powders. It was confirmed that the strength properties of PP increased by adding SDCNFs, and the strength properties were maintained after adding enzyme-pretreated SDCNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjun Hwang
- Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, 35 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469-5793, USA;
- School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA
| | - Colleen C. Walker
- Process Development Center, University of Maine, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5737, USA; (C.C.W.); (D.J.)
| | - Donna Johnson
- Process Development Center, University of Maine, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5737, USA; (C.C.W.); (D.J.)
| | - Yousoo Han
- Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, 35 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469-5793, USA;
- School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA
| | - Douglas J. Gardner
- Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, 35 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469-5793, USA;
- School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA
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3
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Abbasi Moud A, Abbasi Moud A. Flow and assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC): A bottom-up perspective - A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 232:123391. [PMID: 36716841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cellulosic sources, such as lignocellulose-rich biomass, can be mechanically or acid degraded to produce inclusions called cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). They have several uses in the sectors of biomedicine, photonics, and material engineering because of their biodegradability, renewability, sustainability, and mechanical qualities. The processing and design of CNC-based products are inextricably linked to the rheological behaviour of CNC suspension or in combination with other chemicals, such as surfactants or polymers; in this context, rheology offers a significant link between microstructure and macro scale flow behaviour that is intricately linked to material response in applications. The flow behaviour of CNC items must be properly specified in order to produce goods with value-added characteristics. In this review article, we provide new research on the shear rheology of CNC dispersion and CNC-based hydrogels in the linear and nonlinear regime, with storage modulus values reported to range from ~10-3 to 103 Pa. Applications in technology and material science are also covered simultaneously. We carefully examined the effects of charge density, aspect ratio, concentration, persistence length, alignment, liquid crystal formation, the cause of chirality in CNCs, interfacial behaviour and interfacial rheology, linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of CNC suspension in bulk and at the interface using the currently available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Abbasi Moud
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; Biomedical Engineering Department, AmirKabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875/4413, PC36+P45 District 6, Tehran, Tehran Province 1591634311, Iran.
| | - Aliyeh Abbasi Moud
- Biomedical Engineering Department, AmirKabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875/4413, PC36+P45 District 6, Tehran, Tehran Province 1591634311, Iran
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Phase Equilibria and Critical Behavior in Nematogenic MBBA-Isooctane Monotectic-Type Mixtures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032065. [PMID: 36768388 PMCID: PMC9916662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from the isotropic (I) liquid to the nematic-type (N) uniaxial phase appearing as the consequence of the elongated geometry of elements seems to be a universal phenomenon for many types of suspensions, from solid nano-rods to biological particles based colloids. Rod-like thermotropic nematogenic liquid crystalline (LC) compounds and their mixtures with a molecular solvent (Sol) can be a significant reference for this category, enabling insights into universal features. The report presents studies in 4'-methoxybenzylidene-4-n-butylaniline (MBBA) and isooctane (Sol) mixtures, for which the monotectic-type phase diagram was found. There are two biphasic regions (i) for the low (TP1, isotropic liquid-nematic coexistence), and (ii) high (TP2, liquid-liquid coexistence) concentrations of isooctane. For both domains, biphasic coexistence curves' have been discussed and parameterized. For TP2 it is related to the order parameter and diameter tests. Notable is the anomalous mean-field type behavior near the critical consolute temperature. Regarding the isotropic liquid phase, critical opalescence has been detected above both biphasic regions. For TP2 it starts ca. 20 K above the critical consolute temperature. The nature of pretransitional fluctuations in the isotropic liquid phase was tested via nonlinear dielectric effect (NDE) measurements. It is classic (mean-field) above TP1 and non-classic above the TP2 domain. The long-standing problem regarding the non-critical background effect was solved to reach this result.
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Abbasi Moud A. Advanced cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) aerogels: Bottom-up assembly perspective for production of adsorbents. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1-29. [PMID: 36156339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The most common and abundant polymer in nature is the linear polysaccharide cellulose, but processing it requires a new approach since cellulose degrades before melting and does not dissolve in ordinary organic solvents. Cellulose aerogels are exceptionally porous (>90 %), have a high specific surface area, and have low bulk density (0.0085 mg/cm3), making them suitable for a variety of sophisticated applications including but not limited to adsorbents. The production of materials with different qualities from the nanocellulose based aerogels is possible thanks to the ease with which other chemicals may be included into the structure of nanocellulose based aerogels; despite processing challenges, cellulose can nevertheless be formed into useful, value-added products using a variety of traditional and cutting-edge techniques. To improve the adsorption of these aerogels, rheology, 3-D printing, surface modification, employment of metal organic frameworks, freezing temperature, and freeze casting techniques were all investigated and included. In addition to exploring venues for creation of aerogels, their integration with CNC liquid crystal formation were also explored and examined to pursue "smart adsorbent aerogels". The objective of this endeavour is to provide a concise and in-depth evaluation of recent findings about the conception and understanding of nanocellulose aerogel employing a variety of technologies and examination of intricacies involved in enhancing adsorption properties of these aerogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Abbasi Moud
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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6
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Zhu R, Wang J, Li K, Chen C, Liu G. Modular penetration and controlled release (MP-CR): improving the internal modification of natural hierarchical materials with smart nanoparticles. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1309-1316. [PMID: 35201246 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01965a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The internal modification of natural hierarchical materials can largely improve their inherent properties and afford them new functions. However, conventional methods using small-molecule agents often encounter poor uniformity and low efficiency. By comparing the penetration of small molecules and nanoparticles into hierarchical collagen fibers, we propose a general strategy, namely modular penetration and controlled release (MP-CR), for the internal modification of 3D biomass materials. We demonstrate that nano-sized aluminum-loaded particles can penetrate into collagen networks more effectively and evenly than small-molecule crosslinkers. After the on-demand pH-triggered release of interactive aluminum ions, enhanced internal crosslinking is achieved. Importantly, we elucidate the mechanism in depth and show that the MP-CR strategy can comprehensively improve the overall performance of natural hierarchical materials. The MP-CR strategy represents a significant step forward for the internal modification of hierarchical materials, which will find broad applications in biomedicine, catalysis, water treatment, soft electronics, and energy storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
- Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Junchao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
- Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kaijun Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
- Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Chaojian Chen
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Gongyan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
- Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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7
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Ajdary R, Tardy BL, Mattos BD, Bai L, Rojas OJ. Plant Nanomaterials and Inspiration from Nature: Water Interactions and Hierarchically Structured Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2001085. [PMID: 32537860 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in the area of plant-based hydrogels are introduced, especially those derived from wood as a widely available, multiscale, and hierarchical source of nanomaterials, as well as other cell wall elements. With water being fundamental in a hydrogel, water interactions, hydration, and swelling, all critically important in designing, processing, and achieving the desired properties of sustainable and functional hydrogels, are highlighted. A plant, by itself, is a form of a hydrogel, at least at given states of development, and for this reason phenomena such as fluid transport, diffusion, capillarity, and ionic effects are examined. These aspects are highly relevant not only to plants, especially lignified tissues, but also to the porous structures produced after removal of water (foams, sponges, cryogels, xerogels, and aerogels). Thus, a useful source of critical and comprehensive information is provided regarding the synthesis of hydrogels from plant materials (and especially wood nanostructures), and about the role of water, not only for processing but for developing hydrogel properties and uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Ajdary
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Blaise L Tardy
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Bruno D Mattos
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Long Bai
- Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry and, Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
- Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry and, Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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8
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Smalyukh II. Thermal Management by Engineering the Alignment of Nanocellulose. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2001228. [PMID: 32519371 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
One of the grand current research challenges is to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings, which cumulatively consume more than 40% of the energy generated globally. In addition to improving the comfort of the inhabitants and mitigating the growing energy consumption problem, new building materials and technologies could provide a safe strategy for geoengineering to mitigate global climate change. Herein, recent progress in developing such advanced materials from nanocellulose, which is often derived from wood or even dirty feedstocks like waste, is reviewed. By using chemical and bacteria-enabled processing, nanocellulose can be used to fabricate broadband photonic reflectors, thermally super-insulating aerogels, solar gain regulators, and low-emissivity coatings, with potential applications in windows, roofs, walls, and other components of buildings envelopes. These material developments draw inspiration from advanced energy management found in nature, such as the nanoporous photonic structures that evolved in cuticles of beetles. Fabrication of such materials takes advantage of mesoscale liquid crystalline self-assembly, which allows for pre-designed control of cellulose nanoparticle orientations at the mesoscale. With the potential fully realized, such materials could one day transform the current energy-lossy buildings into energy plants on Earth and possibly even enable extraterrestrial habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan I Smalyukh
- Department of Physics, Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering Program and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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9
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Liu Q, Mundoor H, Sheetah GH, Smalyukh II. Plasmonic gold-cellulose nanofiber aerogels. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:34237-34245. [PMID: 33182897 DOI: 10.1364/oe.399181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Assembly of plasmonic nanomaterials into a low refractive index medium, such as an aerogel, holds a great promise for optical metamaterials, optical sensors, and photothermal energy converters. However, conventional plasmonic aerogels are opaque and optically isotropic composites, impeding them from being used as low-loss or polarization-dependent optical materials. Here we demonstrate a plasmonic-cellulose nanofiber composite aerogel that comprises of well-dispersed gold nanorods within a cellulose nanofiber network. The cellulose aerogel host is highly transparent owing to the small scattering cross-section of the nanofibers and forms a nematic liquid crystalline medium with strong optical birefringence. We find that the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance peak of gold nanorods shows a dramatic shift when probed for the cellulose aerogel compared with the wet gels. Simulations reveal the shift of surface plasmon resonance peak with gel drying can be attributed to the change of the effective refractive index of the gels. This composite material may provide a platform for three- dimensional plasmonic devices ranging from optical sensors to metamaterials.
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Xiong R, Luan J, Kang S, Ye C, Singamaneni S, Tsukruk VV. Biopolymeric photonic structures: design, fabrication, and emerging applications. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:983-1031. [PMID: 31960001 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs01007b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Biological photonic structures can precisely control light propagation, scattering, and emission via hierarchical structures and diverse chemistry, enabling biophotonic applications for transparency, camouflaging, protection, mimicking and signaling. Corresponding natural polymers are promising building blocks for constructing synthetic multifunctional photonic structures owing to their renewability, biocompatibility, mechanical robustness, ambient processing conditions, and diverse surface chemistry. In this review, we provide a summary of the light phenomena in biophotonic structures found in nature, the selection of corresponding biopolymers for synthetic photonic structures, the fabrication strategies for flexible photonics, and corresponding emerging photonic-related applications. We introduce various photonic structures, including multi-layered, opal, and chiral structures, as well as photonic networks in contrast to traditionally considered light absorption and structural photonics. Next, we summarize the bottom-up and top-down fabrication approaches and physical properties of organized biopolymers and highlight the advantages of biopolymers as building blocks for realizing unique bioenabled photonic structures. Furthermore, we consider the integration of synthetic optically active nanocomponents into organized hierarchical biopolymer frameworks for added optical functionalities, such as enhanced iridescence and chiral photoluminescence. Finally, we present an outlook on current trends in biophotonic materials design and fabrication, including current issues, critical needs, as well as promising emerging photonic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0245, USA.
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11
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Ma J, Lin S, Jiang Y, Li P, Zhang H, Xu Z, Wu H, Lin P, Breu J, Gao W, Gao C. Digital Programming Graphene Oxide Liquid Crystalline Hybrid Hydrogel by Shearing Microlithography. ACS NANO 2020; 14:2336-2344. [PMID: 31951370 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b09503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Designing anisotropic architectures enables the creation of soft materials with rich properties and functions to artificially simulate the evolutionary diversity of biology. In the important liquid crystalline hybrid (LCH) hydrogels, free manipulation of liquid crystalline order in high accuracy and efficiency has been long pursued to design properties and functions but remains a challenge. Here, we realize digital programing LC order in graphene oxide LCH hydrogels in high size resolution (∼20 μm) and efficiency by using shearing microlithography. The localized shear-induced LC order organization is immobilized by cross-linking gelation, and we prepare graphene oxide LCH hydrogels with digital programmed patterns in a large area. The shearing order generates a vertical alignment of graphene oxide sheets in hydrogels and a considerable mechanical anisotropy controlled by the shearing angle and interval spacing. By diversely organizing geometry of LC order, the mechanical response behaviors of LCH hydrogels are designed to exhibit localized deformations, steered cracking, and programmable swelling actuations. Our work offers a versatile avenue to scalably digital program LCH hydrogels in a high efficiency and accuracy. The digital designed hydrogel promises wide uses in actuators, bioscaffolds, biomimetic materials, and soft designer materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Senpeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of E&M, Ministry of Education & Zhejiang Province , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Yanqiu Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Peng Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Hengjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of E&M, Ministry of Education & Zhejiang Province , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Zhen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Huaping Wu
- Key Laboratory of E&M, Ministry of Education & Zhejiang Province , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Pengcheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, Materials and Energy School , Guangdong University of Technology , Panyu District, Guangzhou , 510006 , China
| | - Josef Breu
- Lehrstuhl für Anorganische Chemie I , University of Bayreuth , Universitatsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
| | - Weiwei Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Chao Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
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12
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Li Y, Liu Q, Hess AJ, Mi S, Liu X, Chen Z, Xie Y, Smalyukh II. Programmable Ultralight Magnets via Orientational Arrangement of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles within Aerogel Hosts. ACS NANO 2019; 13:13875-13883. [PMID: 31790585 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b04818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The actuation and levitation of air-suspended objects by a magnetic field, due to its noncontact and holonomic manipulation modes, are important technological capabilities for device applications. However, owing to a higher density of conventional ferromagnets or nanoparticle-containing polymers and strong magnetic fields required for actuation, fabricating lightweight materials with a sensitive magnetic response for weight critical applications is challenging. Here, we report ultralight aerogel-based magnets (aero-magnets) comprising assembled ferromagnetic nanomaterials with highly magnetic anisotropy where the magnetic domains can be programmed by external predesigned fields. To demonstrate the breadth of manufacturing methods for this breed of aero-magnet composites, both silica/nanocellulose aerogel hosts and ferromagnetic nanorod/nanoplatelet guests have been explored. Single and double domains with out-of-plane magnetization are programmed into the aero-magnets and characterized by magnetic force microscopy. The levitation and actuation of the aero-magnets are realized while exposed to a small external magnetic field of 11 mT and introduced to a switching circuit. Furthermore, the elastic moduli of the aero-magnets are estimated by dynamic magnetic responses of the ferromagnetic nanoparticles tightly tethered in the aerogel hosts under rapid cyclic fields. These programmable aero-magnets could serve as monolithic magnetic actuator units in the fields of tiny robots and aerospace components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- School of Physics , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , China
| | | | | | - Shu Mi
- School of Physics , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , China
| | - Xiaoduo Liu
- School of Physics , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , China
| | - Ziyu Chen
- School of Physics , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , China
| | - Yong Xie
- School of Physics , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , China
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute , National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado , Boulder , Colorado 80309 , United States
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13
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Abdulhalim I, Madhuri PL, Diab M, Mokari T. Novel easy to fabricate liquid crystal composite with potential for electrically or thermally controlled transparency windows. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:17387-17401. [PMID: 31252949 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.017387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Switchable liquid crystal (LC) composites are a unique and attractive class of functional materials due to their extensive use in various applications including smart and privacy windows. Demand for developing smart windows with good switchable performance has steadily increasing in the past decades due to their importance in energy saving. Herein, we present the use of novel and highly active switchable LC composite material-octadecanol-doped LC-prepared via a facile, low-cost, and scalable process, for thermally or electrically controlled transparency windows. A systematic study of the switchable behavior reveals the formation of a reversible molecular arrangement between the LC and the octadecanol, which allows control of the transparency through scattering modulation of the device by voltage or temperature. The devices fabricated by sandwiching the LC composite material between two ITO-covered glass slides present switchable performance with high potential for cost-effective utilization in various applications, such as light shutters, smart or privacy windows.
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Ruan H, Chen G, Zhao X, Wang Y, Liao Y, Peng H, Feng CL, Xie X, Smalyukh II. Chirality-Enabled Liquid Crystalline Physical Gels with High Modulus but Low Driving Voltage. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:43184-43191. [PMID: 30421604 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-supporting liquid crystalline physical gels with facile electro-optic response are highly desirable, but their development is challenging because both the storage modulus and driving voltage increase simultaneously with gelator loading. Herein, we report liquid crystalline physical gels with high modulus but low driving voltage. This behavior is enabled by chirality transfer from the molecular level to three-dimensional fibrous networks during the self-assembly of 1,4-benzenedicarboxamide phenylalanine derivatives. Interestingly, the critical gel concentration is as low as 0.1 wt %. Our findings open doors to understanding and exploiting the role of chirality in organic gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ruan
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Guannan Chen
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Yonggui Liao
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Chuan-Liang Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai 200240 , China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Key Lab for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Department of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering Program , University of Colorado at Boulder (CUB) , Boulder , Colorado 80309 , United States
- Sino-US Joint Research Center on Liquid Crystal Chemistry and Physics, HUST and CUB , Wuhan 430074 , China
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15
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Hausmann MK, Rühs PA, Siqueira G, Läuger J, Libanori R, Zimmermann T, Studart AR. Dynamics of Cellulose Nanocrystal Alignment during 3D Printing. ACS NANO 2018; 12:6926-6937. [PMID: 29975510 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b02366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The alignment of anisotropic particles during ink deposition directly affects the microstructure and properties of materials manufactured by extrusion-based 3D printing. Although particle alignment in diluted suspensions is well described by analytical and numerical models, the dynamics of particle orientation in the highly concentrated inks typically used for printing via direct ink writing (DIW) remains poorly understood. Using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as model building blocks of increasing technological relevance, we study the dynamics of particle alignment under the shear stresses applied to concentrated inks during DIW. With the help of in situ polarization rheology, we find that the time period needed for particle alignment scales inversely with the applied shear rate and directly with the particle concentration. Such dependences can be quantitatively described by a simple scaling relation and qualitatively interpreted in terms of steric and hydrodynamic interactions between particles at high shear rates and particle concentrations. Our understanding of the alignment dynamics is then utilized to estimate the effect of shear stresses on the orientation of particles during the printing process. Finally, proof-of-concept experiments show that the combination of shear and extensional flow in 3D printing nozzles of different geometries provides an effective means to tune the orientation of CNCs from fully aligned to core-shell architectures. These findings offer powerful quantitative guidelines for the digital manufacturing of composite materials with programmed particle orientations and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Hausmann
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
- Applied Wood Materials Laboratory , Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , 8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - Patrick A Rühs
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Gilberto Siqueira
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
- Applied Wood Materials Laboratory , Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , 8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - Jörg Läuger
- Anton Paar Germany GmbH , Helmuth-Hirth-Strasse 6 , D-73760 Ostfildern , Germany
| | - Rafael Libanori
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Tanja Zimmermann
- Applied Wood Materials Laboratory , Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , 8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - André R Studart
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
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16
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Hynninen V, Hietala S, McKee JR, Murtomäki L, Rojas OJ, Ikkala O, Nonappa. Inverse Thermoreversible Mechanical Stiffening and Birefringence in a Methylcellulose/Cellulose Nanocrystal Hydrogel. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:2795-2804. [PMID: 29733648 PMCID: PMC6095634 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We show that composite hydrogels comprising methyl cellulose (MC) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) colloidal rods display a reversible and enhanced rheological storage modulus and optical birefringence upon heating, i.e., inverse thermoreversibility. Dynamic rheology, quantitative polarized optical microscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) were used for characterization. The concentration of CNCs in aqueous media was varied up to 3.5 wt % (i.e, keeping the concentration below the critical aq concentration) while maintaining the MC aq concentration at 1.0 wt %. At 20 °C, MC/CNC underwent gelation upon passing the CNC concentration of 1.5 wt %. At this point, the storage modulus ( G') reached a plateau, and the birefringence underwent a stepwise increase, thus suggesting a percolative phenomenon. The storage modulus ( G') of the composite gels was an order of magnitude higher at 60 °C compared to that at 20 °C. ITC results suggested that, at 60 °C, the CNC rods were entropically driven to interact with MC chains, which according to recent studies collapse at this temperature into ring-like, colloidal-scale persistent fibrils with hollow cross-sections. Consequently, the tendency of the MC to form more persistent aggregates promotes the interactions between the CNC chiral aggregates towards enhanced storage modulus and birefringence. At room temperature, ITC shows enthalpic binding between CNCs and MC with the latter comprising aqueous, molecularly dispersed polymer chains that lead to looser and less birefringent material. TEM, SEM, and CD indicate CNC chiral fragments within a MC/CNC composite gel. Thus, MC/CNC hybrid networks offer materials with tunable rheological properties and access to liquid crystalline properties at low CNC concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Hynninen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Sami Hietala
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 HY Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Lasse Murtomäki
- Departments
of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and Chemistry and Materials
Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Orlando J. Rojas
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O.
Box 16300, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O.
Box 16300, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Nonappa
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O.
Box 16300, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
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