Articles tagged with Polymer Chemistry
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Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have created a molecule that naturally forms p/n junctions, structures vital for converting sunlight into electricity. The new design offers a promising shortcut to producing more efficient organic thin-film solar cells.
Researchers developed a method to embed aligned boron nitride flakes in elastomer for efficient heat conduction. The composite material retains flexibility while improving thermal performance, enabling safer and more responsive wearable devices.
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has pioneered a technology for preparing biodegradable polymer capsules using naturally occurring molecules. The new method produces stable, shelf-life-friendly capsules that can store target molecules and undergo photodegradation upon exposure to light.
Researchers created an ultrathin hydrogel electrode that can track vital signals without interruption, overcoming previous dehydration, freezing, and mechanical fragility issues. The new material forms a flexible layer that can withstand extreme temperatures and retain water content over time.
A new spray-applied polyurea-based nanocomposite sensing coating integrates covalently functionalized graphene nanoplatelets into a two-component polyurea matrix. This enhances processability, weatherability, and establishes a robust conductive network for reliable resistive sensing.
A team of researchers has developed a method for preparing supramolecular prodrug assemblies to enhance chemodynamic therapy efficacy by consuming glutathione (GSH) and inhibiting its synthesis. The approach allows for the simultaneous release of dual functional molecules from self-assemblies, amplifying cellular oxidative stress.
A Rice University-led team has unveiled the molecular structures on industrial catalysts that behave during vinyl acetate monomer production. The work points to catalyst designs that could reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and make global VAM production cleaner and more reliable.
Researchers create a new type of silicone elastomer with ultra-softness, ultra-stretchability, and high toughness. The material is designed to be 'burden-free' for on-skin wearables, offering excellent mechanical integrity and electronic reliability. It also exhibits excellent UV blocking properties and can block 97.9% of incident light.
Researchers at Linköping University have successfully created electrodes from conductive plastics using visible light, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technology allows for the creation of flexible electronics and biocompatible sensors on various surfaces, including skin.
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic material that transforms from a rigid film to a soft, tissue-like interface upon hydration, enabling seamless integration with living tissues. The device, called THIN, has been shown to record biological signals with high fidelity and stability in animal experiments.
Extracellular vesicles can mediate communication between cells and tissues, influencing processes like immune signaling and cancer progression. Researchers have developed a practical, scalable EV-isolation platform that operates without preprocessing steps or specialized equipment.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.
A team of international researchers proposes that sticky, surface-bound gels may have played a crucial role in the origins of life on Earth. These primitive gels could have provided the necessary structure and function for early chemical systems to become increasingly complex. The study's findings also extend to astrobiology, suggestin...
A new review highlights hydrogels as ideal for sweat sensing due to their flexibility, biocompatibility, and ability to detect biomarkers in real-time. The technology has the potential to revolutionize personal health monitoring with painless and continuous tracking of conditions like diabetes and dehydration.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created plastics that can self-destruct at programmed speeds, offering a solution to the global plastic crisis. The biodegradable plastics are made by mimicking nature's structural tricks, allowing them to break down naturally under everyday conditions without heat or harsh chemicals.
Researchers in Japan have developed a supramolecular polymer system that can adaptively transform into different dimensional states depending on the intensity of light applied, revealing mechanisms behind these dynamic transformations using high-speed atomic force microscopy.
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.
Liheng Cai has challenged long-accepted rules of polymer physics, offering new theories to explain the behavior of associative polymers and solving a conundrum that stumped scientists for nearly 200 years. His work has led to breakthroughs in designing better materials for healthcare and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technique to create highly porous materials from everyday plastics by 'sculpting' from within. The new materials have potential applications in batteries, water filtration and high-density electronic storage.
Researchers developed a composite hydrogel that integrates antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and regenerative functions to promote faster wound closure. The hydrogel demonstrated over 98% antibacterial efficacy and improved fibroblast and endothelial cell growth.
A South Korean research team has discovered a molecular-level mechanism to switch the charge polarity of organic polymer semiconductors by adjusting the concentration of a single dopant. This enables polymers to exhibit both p-type and n-type characteristics, eliminating the need for separate materials or complex device architectures.
Solid polymer electrolytes offer a safer alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes, with intrinsic adhesion to electrodes and low interfacial resistance. The authors propose multi-pronged innovations to improve contact, reduce polarization, and prevent dendrites.
A research team developed a comprehensive manufacturing approach for stretchable synaptic transistors, enhancing electro-mechanical stability and learning accuracy. The architecture of devices plays a crucial role in maintaining stable electrical behavior under deformation.
Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham developed a low-energy, waste-free method to recycle Teflon by breaking down its strong carbon-fluorine bonds into harmless sodium fluoride. This process has significant implications for reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable fluorine chemistry.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel 3D printing technique that creates ultra-strong metal and ceramic materials by infusing water-based gel with metal salts. The process results in exceptionally dense and strong constructions, suitable for next-generation energy, biomedical, and sensing technologies.
Three young scientists received top honors at the 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists, each receiving a $250,000 prize for their innovative work on critical global issues. The awards recognize exceptional scientific achievement and innovation by U.S.-based researchers under 42 years old.
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
Researchers developed a new strategy to modify zinc oxide interlayers with polymer zwitterions, effectively passivating defects and enhancing solar cell device performance and stability. The conjugated units in the polymer zwitterions improved UV light absorption and facilitated more efficient charge extraction.
Researchers developed an all-flexible, self-cleaning smart window that fine-tunes solar gain in real time and protects against environmental contaminants. The device's multifunctionality could accelerate green building development and address climate change concerns.
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
A self-powered analytical device has been developed to detect toxic amines in water using electrochemiluminescence. The device generates its own voltage from liquid flow and produces light signals to indicate contamination, making water quality testing more accessible and portable.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) have developed new generation polymers made from renewable raw materials, with unique properties such as self-healing, shape memory, and antimicrobial effects. These sustainable solutions can be applied in various fields including medicine, electronics, and optics.
Researchers developed a new origami-inspired folding strategy for reversible actuation of hydrogel pores, integrating facet-driven folding into polygonal pores to enable programmable and predictable actuation. This strategy retained 90% of its original shape after repeated swelling-shrinking cycles, demonstrating excellent reliability.
Researchers at Beijing University of Chemical Technology developed a new reconfigurable information code using macroscopic hydrogels that respond to external stimuli. The system can store over 800 billion distinct configurations, opening up potential applications in smart labels, biomedical tags and secure data encoding.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict liquid crystalline polyimides with high thermal conductivity, achieving 96% accuracy. The model identified six promising candidates, which demonstrated up to 1.26 W/mK thermal conductivities, accelerating the development of efficient thermal materials.
A new study uses molecular imaging to uncover structural defects in conjugated polymers formed through aldol condensation, a versatile and environmentally friendly synthesis method. By understanding these defects, researchers can develop more sustainable materials for electronics, computing, and other applications.
Researchers have developed an acid-base bifunctional catalyst that efficiently produces ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), a crucial component of lithium-ion batteries. The catalyst, [DBU+[IM-]@UiO-66, achieves high EMC yields and selectivity with minimal loss of yield over six reuse cycles.
Researchers have engineered a novel enzyme, PET2-21M, to enhance the biodegradation of bottle-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics. This breakthrough offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional recycling processes, achieving significant improvements in catalytic activity and substrate efficiency.
Researchers at Pusan National University have created novel materials called disulfide-based covalent adaptable networks (DS-CAN) that can change, fix, and retain their shape reversibly using magnetic fields and ultraviolet light. These materials enable UV- or heat-assisted shape fixation after deformation, which is also reversible.
Researchers design polymer blends to accelerate battery development and identify key temperature thresholds for stability. The study validates a model predicting behavior at different temperatures, enabling more efficient materials design.
Dr. Phil Costanzo, a Cal Poly chemistry professor, has been recognized with the Jack Flack Norris Award for his contributions to chemistry education. He co-founded the Macromolecular Alliance for Community Resources & Outreach (MACRO), a joint service committee that provides freely accessible educational resources for polymer chemists.
Researchers have developed a technique to grow stem cells into single sheets, increasing the secretion of signaling proteins that help repair tissue and regulate the immune system. This new approach could improve stem cell-based treatments for conditions such as heart disease, liver damage, and autoimmune illnesses.
A new study by Colorado State University outlines a path to creating advanced, recyclable plastics using natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). The breakthrough method involves stereodivergent catalysis, which enables the production of enantiopure PHAs with improved properties for various applications.
A new recycling technology has been developed to turn used tires into raw materials for rubber and nylon, achieving high selectivity of up to 92% and a yield of 82%. The process uses dual catalysis to convert waste rubber into valuable chemicals.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a highly effective dual-layer coating that protects iron from rust with 99.6% efficiency. The breakthrough combines an ultra-thin molecular primer with a durable polymer layer, creating a strong and long-lasting barrier against corrosion.
Researchers developed AI-Mg@PVDF and AI-Si@PVDF composites with enhanced combustion efficiency, demonstrating superior performance compared to pure metal particles. The study explores the effect of different metal fuel systems on aluminum alloy-PVDF MICs, revealing two distinct pathways for modulating combustion properties.
Scientists replace toxic additives in hydrogels with D-sorbitol, a safe sugar alternative found in chewing gum, to create bioelectronic devices that are soft, safe, and integrated with natural tissue. The new material has increased biocompatibility and improved electronic performance.
Researchers at Tohoku University have introduced guaiazulene into a hydrophilic poly(allylamine), overcoming its poor water solubility and color degradation. The resulting polymer is more than 10,000 times more water soluble and stable under acidic conditions.
A recent study at JAIST uncovers the mechanisms behind symmetry breaking during meniscus splitting in evaporating polymer solutions. The experiment reveals that nucleation points form at uneven positions along the confined space, influencing the timing and positioning of subsequent splits.
Materials researchers at Harvard have created a way to produce natural rubber that retains its stretchiness and durability while improving its ability to resist cracking. The new material is four times better at resisting slow crack growth during repeated stretching and 10 times tougher overall.
A team of researchers led by UMass Amherst discovered that imperfect polymer fillers can enhance thermal conductivity, challenging conventional wisdom. Polymers with defective fillers performed 160% better than those with perfect fillers in conducting heat.
A team of researchers has developed a molecular system that enables the controlled release of iron, using a carbon nanohoop and ferrocene as the iron carrier. The system allows for the release of Fe2+ ions upon activation with green light.
A novel chemical method breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins, reducing molecular weight and producing functional materials with strength similar to commercial resins. The process is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and more efficient than traditional recycling techniques.
Researchers visualized the dynamic shuttling of α-CD rings along a PEG chain in real time, revealing localized structural changes. The study introduces a new method for analyzing supramolecular polymers and could pave the way for energy-efficient molecular motors.
Researchers at Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery developed a rapid self-strengthening technology using weak azo bonds in double network hydrogels. This enables the material to rapidly form new polymer networks, increasing its strength upon deformation.
Researchers developed SPACIER, an open-source software that integrates machine learning with molecular simulations to design high-performance optical polymers. The tool surpassed the empirical limits of refractive index and Abbe number in a proof-of-concept study, demonstrating its practical potential.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized a biodegradable nylon precursor through artificial photosynthesis, producing an eco-friendly alternative plastic. The breakthrough utilizes L-alanine and ammonia to create raw materials for a nylon-type biodegradable plastic.
Three UVA engineering professors, James T. Burns, Coleen Carrigan, and Liheng Cai, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Biden. The award recognizes their innovative work in science and technology, including Burns' research on material fracture under unique conditions and...
Researchers developed biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles that selectively target cancer cells with two approved drug pairs for skin and breast cancers. The treatment showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects, reduced tumor size, and prolonged median survival in mice.