Abstract:The long-range order and intrinsic entanglement of polymer play a crucial role in crystallization and the corresponding melting relaxation which, however, are rarely treated as a form of symmetry. In this work, a field model is developed based on a self-avoiding random string with open ends, where time dimension for string vibrations is added and the dynamics of chain vibrations is captured by a $ \phi^4 $ theory with O(N) symmetry. The long-range order triggered by crystallization is referred to the scalar's breaking in grand canonical ensemble, while entanglement is considered as a geometric dynamic effect in absence of closed loops, rather than chain topology. For the entanglement, there are interactions among the replica scalar's components via the gauged O(N) symmetry. The infrared stability at $ d = 3+1 $ requires $ N = 2 $, thus the gauge-scalar theory is reduced to Coleman-Weinberg model in the rest frame. The finite-temperature effect causes the second-order phase transition related to scalar's breaking to become first-order with a metastable region, depending on the gauge coupling g. These modeling results are helpful in understanding the crystallization and melting behavior of polymer, including the difference of the extrapolated temperatures in Gibbs-Thomson equation, and the re-entanglement and the vanishing of long-range order in melt relaxation.
Keywords:Crystallization;Spontaneous symmetry breaking;Entanglement;Long-range order
Abstract:Polyimides (PIs) are widely used in industry owing to their excellent mechanical properties and thermomechanical stability, which depend not only on molecular structure but also on processing conditions. In this study, we present a machine-learning-based strategy for predicting and optimizing the mechanical properties of PI materials by explicitly incorporating processing information into predictive models. Three machine learning models were developed to evaluate PI structures together with thermal imidization parameters, with the aim of improving the prediction accuracy of mechanical properties and enhancing the interpretability of structure-processing-property relationships. By analyzing structural and processing descriptors, key factors influencing tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break were identified. The results indicate that, in addition to molecular descriptors, processing-related features plays a substantial role on multiple mechanical properties. Based on the trained models, we further developed an automated tool that accepts a SMILES representation of a PI structure as input and outputs the predicted mechanical properties along with the corresponding processing conditions associated with optimal performance. This work provides a data-driven framework for guiding PI material design and process optimization, and offers a practical basis for future experimental validation. Our proposed approach is readily extendable to other polymer systems and polymer composites where processing plays an important role in determining mechanical behavior.
Abstract:Sanshool is a promising skin photoprotective agent with strong UV absorption and great antioxidative activity. However, it faces challenges including poor stability, skin penetration-associated systemic toxicity, and efficacy loss upon chemical modification. To address these issues, amphiphilic hyaluronic acids (HHA) were synthesized and self-assembled to integrate with sanshool via hydrophobic interactions, significantly boosting its photostability by 24% and enhancing its antioxidative activity. In HaCaT cells, HHA-sanshool nanoparticles (NPs) reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species, decreased cell apoptosis, and lowered G2/M phase arrest from 42% to approximately 31% (close to the normal level), while also inhibiting excessive autophagy. Moreover, in a mouse model, HHA-sanshool NPs alleviated UVB-induced skin damage, reducing skin thickening by up to 50% and mitigating erythema, protected collagen/elastic fibers, and suppressed proinflammatory factor, with no dermal penetration in vivo. This strategy provides a simple, efficient and safe platform for natural active molecular clinical translation in skin photoprotection.
Xiao-Jiao Shi, Yu-Bin Zhang, Na Li, Yu-Xuan Qiao, Ya Liang, Gong-Kuo Yu, Ai-Hong Su, Ze-Cheng Song, Dan-Dan Song, Ti-Feng Jiao, Zhi-Hui Qin
Corrected Proof
DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3571-3
Abstract:The rapid advancement of wearable sensors necessitates ionically conductive hydrogels that simultaneously exhibit high stretchability, damage tolerance, and reliable adhesion. However, achieving these properties in a single material remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report an ionically conductive polyoxometalate (POM)-based hydrogel (PAA/L-arg@SIW) fabricated by incorporating L-arginine (L-arg)-modified silicotungstic acid nanocomplexes (L-arg@SIW) into a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) network as a multifunctional dynamic crosslinker. Strong electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between rigid L-arg@SIW nanoclusters and flexible PAA chains generate a three-dimensional hard-soft synergistic network, in which dynamic crosslinks preferentially rupture and re-form under mechanical loading, thereby dissipating energy and suppressing crack propagation. Consequently, the hydrogel exhibits exceptional stretchability (fracture strain >1500%), high toughness (1483 kJ/m3), outstanding crack resistance (fracture energy up to 6.82 kJ/m2), and high ionic conductivity (0.15 S/m), along with robust adhesion to diverse substrates. Hydrogel-based sensors demonstrate high strain sensitivity (gauge factor (GF)=8.06), fast response, and excellent cyclic stability, enabling reliable monitoring of human motion and high-fidelity acquisition of electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals. This study presents an effective strategy for constructing high-performance ionically conductive hydrogels for wearable sensing applications.
Abstract:Polymer-based piezoelectric films can be assembled into piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), which can simultaneously serve as flexible pressure sensors and energy harvesting devices. However, the low piezoelectric output of PENGs is a major limitation for their practical applications. Herein, we propose a coaxial electrospinning strategy to generate a core-shell structured nanofiber film, which could significantly enhance the piezoelectric output compared to the traditional nanofiber film via conventional single-axial electrospinning. Notably, the as-prepared PENGs based on the core-shell structured CsCuCl3/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber composite film (2 wt%) produced via coaxial spinneret exhibit a 60% increase in output voltage (increase from 48 V to 75 V) and a 50% increase in short-circuit current (increase from 0.2 μA to 0.3 μA) compared to those prepared using a single-needle spinneret. More interestingly, this enhancement in piezoelectric performance is a universal phenomenon because the coaxial electrospinning process can induce greater polymer chain alignment in the shell layer and lead to increased crystallinity and a higher proportion of the piezoelectric-active β-phase. Owing to their enhanced piezoelectric output and high sensitivity to subtle pressure variations, the resulting PENGs demonstrate promising potential for human-machine interaction applications. This study offers a novel and broadly applicable approach to boost the piezoelectric performance of polymer-based PENGs.
Abstract:We report a platform-based approach for designing of aromatic polyesters with customizable optical properties. By employing a series of benzaldehyde-derived cyclic carbonate monomers, we performed ring-opening alternating copolymerization with phthalic anhydride to yield structurally regular polyesters featuring diverse substituents. All monomers underwent smooth copolymerization, producing polymers with controlled molecular weights (Mn=21–45 kDa) and narrow dispersity (Đ=1.04–1.28). Thermal analysis revealed decomposition temperatures above 280 °C and glass transition temperatures exceeding 90 °C, ensuring robust thermal stability. The resulting polyesters showed excellent visible-light transparency, with transmittance greater than 92% between 400–600 nm. Systematic modification of aromatic substituents enabled continuous tuning of refractive indices from 1.563 to 1.622, alongside Abbe numbers ranging from 30.9 to 45.1, highlighting the significant impact of electronic polarizability on optical performance. This work establishes a unified molecular design platform for creating high-performance optical polyesters with predictable and tunable refractive and dispersive properties.
Abstract:The urgent global demand for clean energy has positioned proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as a pivotal technology owing to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness. Their performance critically relies on the proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Recently, integrating covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into conventional proton-conducting polymers has gained increasing, as this strategy is expected to combine the structural advantages of COFs with polymer flexibility to develop advanced PEMs. This review briefly outlines the current types of PEMs and the COF design for proton conducting. Then the fabrication strategies and evaluation methods are introduced. The design of COF-modified Nafion and sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) for low-humidity proton conduction, as well as COF-modified polybenzimidazole (PBI) for high-temperature proton conduction were summarized, with particular emphasis on COFs forming continuous “proton highways” within polymer matrices for enhanced conduction while leveraging molecular sieving to suppress fuel crossover and thus improve cell efficiency and safety. Finally, critical challenges and outlook of COF-modified PEMs are discussed, such as interfacial compatibility, COF agglomeration, and the long-term stability and scalability under harsh conditions, which severely hinder the practical applications. Potential solutions are proposed, including in situ growth, hierarchical pore design, and gradient doping, to improve interfacial compatibility while maintaining excellent mechanical properties, as well as the development of intelligent and multifunctional PEMs.
Abstract:Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are synthesized from organic building blocks through covalent bonds, constituting a class of crystalline organic polymers. They are characterized by well-defined periodic structures, uniform and permanent pores, high porosity, customizable functionalities, high chemical and thermal stability, and tailored topological architectures. The customizable functional groups and tunable pore environments can be integrated into the infinitely extending skeletons of COFs, facilitated by an extensive toolbox of molecular synthesis. This versatility has garnered significant interest across various fields. However, the large-scale production of functional COFs is highly desirable to meet the growing demand for various applications, yet it remains constrained by high costs and the low efficiency of current synthesis methods. Among the synthesis methods for COFs, solvothermal synthesis remains the dominant approach, while, it faces significant challenges such as prolonged reaction times, reliance on organic solvents, high temperature and pressure conditions, complex operational procedures, and environmental unsustainability. The microwave-assisted method for synthesizing COFs can rapidly and uniformly transfer reactive energy at the molecular level due to its unique volumetric heating mechanism. This approach offers a promising solution to the challenges associated with conventional synthesis methods for COFs. This review systematically includes recent research advances in microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) of COFs, organized by their linkages, topologies, and synthesis methods. It compiles key synthesis parameters and material properties, along with fundamental aspects concerning COFs and microwave interactions. Current challenges and prospects in this field are also discussed.
Abstract:Porous polymer fibers, which integrate polymer flexibility with high surface area and tunable porosity, represent a burgeoning class of functional materials. Unlike previous reviews that focused on electrospun porous fibers or porous materials used for specific energy/separation functions, this review focuses on fibers and systematically explores their controllable synthesis from a cross-process perspective. These include electrospinning-assisted pore-forming techniques, phase separation, template processing, 3D printing, and key structure-function relationships that determine their properties. Key applications include environmental remediation (filtration and adsorption), energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors), biomedical engineering (tissue scaffolds and drug delivery), and advanced smart textiles. This further highlights emerging trends toward smart/wearable integration and the hybridization of porous fibers with advanced porous frameworks and conductive components. This review is expected to provide a viable research direction for porous polymer fibers.
Abstract:Solar-driven interfacial evaporation provides a sustainable solution to freshwater scarcity. However, its practical use is hindered by salt crystallization, the mechanical fragility of existing evaporators, and the substantial low-grade heat generated during evaporation, which is seldom utilized. Herein, drawing functional inspiration from the efficient mass-transport characteristics of the lotus root, we design a biomimetic polymerized high internal phase emulsion (PolyHIPE)-hydrogel composite (SH@FPCP) featuring an interpenetrating network. The interconnected macropores act as rapid vapor-escape pathways, while hydrogel filaments threaded through the pores continuously replenish water and dissolve accumulating salts. The fluorinated polypyrrole-modified PolyHIPE framework provides a strong photothermal response under solar irradiation. The SH@FPCP evaporator delivers a high evaporation rate of 3.19 kg·m−2·h−1 with stable salt-resistant operation for over one week. The compressive strength increases to 1298 kPa at 5% strain, highlighting substantial mechanical reinforcement compared with the unmodified hydrogel. Moreover, the SH@FPCP evaporator enables thermoelectric power generation, delivering a power density of 720 mW·m−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 110 mV. This study provides a novel material design strategy for developing durable and high-performance solar evaporation systems.
Abstract:Liquid silicone rubber foam (LSRF) offers superior processability, high mechanical flexibility, and low thermal conductivity, which are of great significance for achieving long-term thermal insulation and fire resistance but remain challenging to achieve. We first prepared LSRF with excellent open-cell performance, achieving a water absorption rate of 242.5%, and then explored the advantages of flame-retardant solution impregnation in the open-cell structure. Meanwhile, the synergistic flame-retardant effect of kaolin (KL), glass powder (GP), and silica aerogel (AG) was investigated. When the composite formulation was LSRF/30KL10GP20AG, the material exhibited outstanding flame-retardant properties: the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 33.2%, an increase of 9% compared with unfilled LSRF, the vertical burning rating was V-0, and the water contact angle of the surface after combustion was 160.35°, meeting the superhydrophobic standard. At the same time, the sample LSRF/30KL10GP20AG showed a 49.6% reduction in peak heat release rate and an 83.8% reduction in total peak smoke production compared to LSRF. Under butane-flame impingement at 1300 °C, the flame-retardant LSRF maintained an intact structure for 120 s, with the backside temperature rising only to 219 °C, demonstrating excellent thermal insulation performance. In a high-temperature environment at 800 °C, the foam well retained its original cell structure and maintained volume stability, forming a dense, hard ceramicized carbon layer with a compressive strength of 2.69 MPa. The fillers were uniformly impregnated and distributed on the foam surface and cell walls, endowing the material with durable flame retardancy, low smoke generation, and minimal toxic gas release, effectively inhibiting the spread of flames during fires and enabling LSRF foam to be widely applied in the field of building flame retardancy.
Xing Su, Yi-Xue Xu, Chao Liu, Peng-Ju Tian, Ya Lu, Mei-Mei Zhang, Shun-Feng Li, Meng-Jing Sun, Fan Qiu, Yu-Qiao Wang, Yu-Bin Fu, Shun-Qi Xu, Xin Zhao
Corrected Proof
DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3602-0
Abstract:Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs), characterized by tunable optoelectronic properties and well-defined porous architectures, have emerged as promising photocatalysts for solar-driven H2O2 production. Although network topology exerts a profound impact on the optoelectronic characteristics of 2D materials, achieving precise regulation of their topology remains a significant challenge. In this study, we report two topologically isomeric 2D COFs constructed from the same building blocks, namely ETBA-kgm-COF with a kgm topology and ETBA-sql-COF with a sql topology. Particularly, the isomeric COFs with same chemical compositions provide an ideal platform to isolate and elucidate intrinsic topological effects in 2D COFs. Comprehensive characterizations reveal that the sql topology facilitates efficient charge separation and transfer, thereby enhancing photocatalytic performance. Moreover, without any sacrificial agents, ETBA-sql-COF exhibits a superior photocatalytic H2O2 production rate up to 2042 μmol·g–1·h–1, which is 1.57 times that of ETBA-kgm-COF (1303 μmol·g–1·h–1). This work provides an in-depth investigation into topology-property relationships in COFs and offers a rational strategy for the design and synthesis of high-performance photocatalysts.
Keywords:Covalent organic frameworks;Topological isomerism;Two-dimension;Photocatalysis;Hydrogen peroxide production
Abstract:Biofouling remains a critical challenge in medical devices, tissue engineering, and wound healing. The development of high-performance anti-biofouling materials is essential to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of biomaterials. Owing to their strong hydration capacity, excellent biocompatibility, and structural tunability, hydrogels show considerable promise for anti-biofouling applications. This review systematically elaborates on the fundamental hydration-mediated anti-biofouling mechanisms of hydrogels. These mechanisms primarily involve the formation of a stable hydration layer on the surface of the hydrogel materials, which acts as a physical and energetic barrier to prevent the initial adsorption of biomacromolecules. Two principal hydration mechanisms are discussed: hydrogen-bonding hydration, in which water molecules are strongly bound to hydrophilic moieties via hydrogen bonding, and ion-solvation hydration, which relies on the strong electrostatic interactions between water molecules and zwitterionic groups. Based on these underlying mechanisms, anti-biofouling hydrogels can be categorized into two major classes: hydrogen-bonding hydration-based polymer hydrogels and ion-solvation hydration-based polymer hydrogels. The first type of anti-biofouling hydrogel is constructed mainly from hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), acrylamide polymers, and peptide polymers. The second category includes pure zwitterionic polymer hydrogels, copolymerized zwitterionic polymer hydrogels, and mixed-charge polymer hydrogels. Finally, this review highlights the current biomedical applications and future trends of anti-biofouling hydrogels, including vitreous substitutes, postoperative anti-adhesion barriers, chronic diabetic wound dressings, and surface coatings, with the aim of providing theoretical guidance and strategic insights for the design of highly effective, durable, biosafe anti-biofouling hydrogels.
Abstract:The unique regulatory effect of pH on electrostatic interactions offers a powerful approach for manipulating and separating single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules. In this study, we employ Langevin dynamics simulations to investigate the translocation dynamics of two ssDNAs, poly(dA) and poly(dT), through a silicon nitride nanopore under acidic conditions. The key distinction between the two chains is their different pH-dependent protonation. At low pH, the highly protonated adenine bases experience repulsive interactions from the similarly protonated nanopore surface and the retarding force from the external voltage, whereas neutral thymine bases do not. Consequently, compared to poly(dT), poly(dA) exhibits a lower capture probability and slower translocation speed under strongly acidic conditions. However, the difference in the translocation behaviors between the two chains gradually diminishes as the pH increases. Based on their distinct pH-dependent behaviors, poly(dA) and poly(dT) of identical length can be successfully separated through the translocation strategy at low pH, even when they are initially mixed on the same side of the nanopore.
Cheng-Yang Hong, Kun Yu, Heng-Zhi You, Wei Tian, Qing-Yun Guo, Hao Liu
Corrected Proof
DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3588-7
Abstract:Self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into well-defined nanostructures has emerged as a powerful strategy for tailoring material properties across diverse applications. Crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) has been particularly effective in constructing hierarchical nanostructures with precise control over size, morphology, and functionality. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cages, known for their unique chemical and physical properties, have recently been used to create hybrid POSS-containing polymers, which show different crystallization mechanisms from the folded-chain model of conventional polymers. In this study, we designed and synthesized two hybrid block copolymers by covalently attaching a crystalline POSS-containing polymer segment (exact four repeating units, BP4) to poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), affording BP4-PEO and BP4-PMMA, respectively. We systematically investigated the CDSA behavior of these hybrid block copolymers under various conditions using the self-seeding and direct cooling methods. Our findings demonstrate the potential for selective CDSA of either the BP4 segment or the PEO block in BP4-PEO, leading to a similar nanosheet morphology and distinct core crystal structures. Monocrystalline BP4-PMMA exclusively forms BP4-crystallized nanosheets owing to the amorphous nature of PMMA under the given conditions. The dimensions of self-assembled 2D nanostructures can be tuned by varying the cooling rate and initial concentration. This work provides insights into programmable crystallization pathways in hybrid block copolymers and highlights the potential for designing advanced functional nanomaterials with tailored morphologies and properties.
Xiao-Yu Li, Chong-Guang Li, Kai Chen, Yan Xiao, Xin-Xin Li, Mei-Dong Lang
Corrected Proof
DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3582-0
Abstract:Direct ink writing (DIW) has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for biomedical application, owing to its broad material compatibility, ease of operation, and high-resolution. However, the development of DIW inks with suitable rheological properties and excellent biocompatibility remains a significant challenge. Herein, an acrylate-functionalized liquid poly(4-methyl-ε-caprolactone) (PMCLDA) was synthesized as the precursor of 3D printing ink, accompanied with thiol-functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEGSH) as a rheological modifier. It was indicated from rheology study that the incorporation of PEGSH with PMCLDA precursor afforded the mixt inks shear thinning behavior. Moreover, it was verified by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photo-rheology that the mixed ink could rapidly cure through thiol-acrylate crosslinking under UV light. Various inks formulations were successfully utilized for printing 3D scaffolds via UV-assisted DIW, with the optimized printability for SH75 ink. Moreover, the 3D-printed scaffolds exhibited excellent elasticity and degradability. In vitro cytocompatibility assessments showed that the scaffolds exhibited good cytocompatibility and supported the proliferation of L929 mouse fibroblasts for a duration of 7 days. Therefore, it is demonstrated that the 3D-printed scaffolds crosslinked via thiol-acrylate crosslinking have great potential for applications in tissue engineering.
Keywords:Thiol-acrylate crosslinking;Direct ink writing (DIW) printing;Elastic scaffold;Biodegradable material
Meng-Yao Chen, Guang-En Fu, Wen-Kai Zhao, Tao Zhang
Corrected Proof
DOI:10.1007/s10118-025-3550-0
Abstract:sp2-Carbon-conjugated organic frameworks (sp2c-COFs) are a class of porous crystalline polymers constructed through the ordered linkage of building blocks via vinylene bonds. Because of their high specific surface area, extended planar π-conjugation, and remarkable stability, sp2c-COFs are regarded as highly promising novel photocatalysts. This review begins by introducing the design principles and synthetic methods for sp2c-COFs. Subsequently, various strategies for enhancing photocatalytic performance have been summarized, including designing donor-acceptor (D-A) structures, crafting charged frameworks, developing heterojunctions, and modifying covalent organic frameworks (COFs) pore channels. We then elaborate on the applications of sp2c-COFs in photocatalytic H2 production, H2O2 production, CO2 reduction, organic transformation reactions, and uranium extraction from seawater. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of sp2c-COFs for practical applications in photocatalysis were discussed.
Abstract:With the increasing severity of environmental pollution and the severe threat posed by heavy metal ions, the development of adsorbents with high capacity and selectivity for toxic metal species has attracted increasing attention. Porous organic polymers (POPs) feature large surface areas, diverse building units and linkages, as well as highly tunable structures, making them promising candidates for water purification. In this work, three POPs bearing different substituents were synthesized via a furan-maleimide Diels-Alder reaction. Their adsorption performance toward hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] was systematically evaluated. The results show that all three POPs exhibited the highest Cr(VI) uptake at pH=1. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while the equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption on homogeneous sites. Among the three POPs, Por-OMe, which incorporated an electron-donating methoxy group, displayed the highest adsorption capacity for Cr(VI), reaching 697.4 mg/g. These results demonstrate that furan-maleimide Diels-Alder chemistry provides an effective strategy to construct functional POPs and that electronic modulation of the framework is a viable approach to enhance Cr(VI) adsorption performance.
Abstract:Ionic thermoelectric gels based on the Soret effect play an important role in realizing the efficient conversion of thermal and electrical energy, which is crucial for renewable energy utilization and efficient energy management. In this study, chitosan hydrogels were fabricated by complexation of chitosan and various metal ions via a freeze-casting approach for unitization as ionic thermoelectric materials. Various aggregate structures, including loosely fibrous networks, oriented porous structures, and lamellar porous structures, were obtained owing to the different interactions between chitosan and metal ions. As a result of the synergy of both the aggregate structure and intermolecular interaction, the as-prepared chitosan hydrogels demonstrated wide thermoelectric coefficient ranging from +1.6 mV·K−1 to −18.4 mV·K−1, which can be achieved by simply involving different metal ions. The present work not only demonstrates the correlation between gel structure, intermolecular interactions, and thermoelectric performance, but also provides a simple approach for the fabrication and regulation of natural polymer-based thermoelectric materials.