1
|
Velasquez STR, Jang D, Thomas J, Grysan P, Korley LTJ, Bruns N. Advanced mechanical properties of amphiphilic polymer conetworks through hierarchical reinforcement with peptides and cellulose nanocrystals. Polym Chem 2025:d4py01283f. [PMID: 40352405 PMCID: PMC12061020 DOI: 10.1039/d4py01283f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) have been explored for various applications, including soft contact lenses, biomaterials, and membranes. They combine important properties of hydrogels and elastomers, including elasticity, transparency, and the capability to swell in water. Moreover, they also swell in organic solvents. However, their mechanical properties could be improved. We developed a two-level, bio-inspired, hierarchical reinforcement of APCNs using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to reinforce peptide-reinforced APCNs formed from hydrophobic poly-β-benzyl-l-aspartate-block-polydimethylsiloxane-block-poly-β-benzyl-l-aspartate (PBLA-b-PDMS-b-PBLA) triblock copolymer crosslinkers and hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) chain segments. Bio-inspired peptide-polymer hybrids combine the structural hierarchy often found in natural materials with synthetic macromolecules, such as block copolymers with soft and hard segments, to enhance their mechanical properties. On the other hand, CNCs provide an additional means to dissipate mechanical energy in polymeric materials, thereby enhancing reinforcement. The key to homogeneously incorporating CNCs into the APCNs is the combination of hydrophobic CNCs (HCNCs) with peptide-blocks in the APCNs, exploiting the hydrogen bonding capability of the peptides to disperse the HCNCs. The effect of HCNCs on the ability of APCNs to swell in water and organic solvents, as well as on their thermal and mechanical properties, was characterized. Additionally, the nanostructure of the materials was analyzed via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The swellability of the HCNC-containing APCNs was independent of the HCNC concentration, and all samples were highly transparent. The ideal HCNC concentration, in terms of maximal stress, strain, toughness, and reinforcement, was found to be between 6 and 15 wt%. An increase in Young's modulus of up to 500% and toughness of up to 200% was achieved. The hierarchical reinforcement also greatly strengthened the APCNs when swollen in water or n-hexane. Thus, HCNCs and peptide segments can be used to reinforce APCNs and to tailor their properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara T R Velasquez
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Thomas Graham Building 295 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1XL UK
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
| | - Daseul Jang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware 127 The Green 209 DuPont Hall Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Jessica Thomas
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware 127 The Green 209 DuPont Hall Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Patrick Grysan
- Materials Research and Technology, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux Esch-sur-Alzette L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - LaShanda T J Korley
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware 127 The Green 209 DuPont Hall Newark DE 19716 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware 150 Academy Street Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Thomas Graham Building 295 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1XL UK
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ubasart E, Mustieles Marin I, Asensio JM, Mencia G, López-Vinasco ÁM, García-Simón C, Del Rosal I, Poteau R, Chaudret B, Ribas X. Supramolecular nanocapsules as two-fold stabilizers of outer-cavity sub-nanometric Ru NPs and inner-cavity ultra-small Ru clusters. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:607-615. [PMID: 35389405 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00677k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNP) with high surface area and controlled shape is of paramount importance to increase their catalytic performance. The detailed growing process of NP is mostly unknown and understanding the specific steps would pave the way for a rational synthesis of the desired MNP. Here we take advantage of the stabilization properties exerted by the tetragonal prismatic supramolecular nanocapsule 8·(BArF)8 to develop a synthetic methodology for sub-nanometric RuNP (0.6-0.7 nm). The catalytic properties of these sub-nanometric nanoparticles were tested on the hydrogenation of styrene, obtaining excellent selectivity for the hydrogenation of the alkene moiety. In addition, the encapsulation of [Ru5] clusters inside the nanocapsule is strikingly observed in most of the experimental conditions, as ascertained by HR-MS. Moreover, a thorough DFT study enlightens the nature of the [Ru5] clusters as tb-Ru5H2(η6-PhH)2(η6-pyz)3 (2) trapped by two arene moieties of the clip, or as tb-Ru5H2(η1-pyz)6(η6-pyz)3 (3) trapped between the two Zn-porphyrin units of the nanocapsule. Both options fulfill the Wade-Mingos counting rules, i.e. 72 CVEs for the closotb. The trapped [Ru5] metallic clusters are proposed to be the first-grown seeds of subsequent formation of the subnanometric RuNP. Moreover, the double role of the nanocapsule in stabilising ∼0.7 nm NPs and also in hosting ultra-small Ru clusters, is unprecedented and may pave the way towards the synthesis of ultra-small metallic clusters for catalytic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Ubasart
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi and Departament de Química, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Irene Mustieles Marin
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Juan Manuel Asensio
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Gabriel Mencia
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Ángela M López-Vinasco
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Cristina García-Simón
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi and Departament de Química, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Iker Del Rosal
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Romuald Poteau
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Chaudret
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-objets (LPCNO), INSA-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 135 Ave. de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Xavi Ribas
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi and Departament de Química, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cappelletti C, Olaechea LM, Ianiro A, Prado-Martínez C, Oveisi E, Weder C, Schrettl S. Metallosupramolecular polymers as precursors for platinum nanocomposites. Polym Chem 2022; 13:1880-1890. [PMID: 35432604 PMCID: PMC8962995 DOI: 10.1039/d2py00071g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanocomposites comprising a polymer matrix and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) can merge the structural features of the matrix material with the functional characteristics of the NPs. While such materials are promising for a wide range of applications, their preparation typically requires multi-step processes that can be difficult to control. Alternatively, materials with NPs can be directly accessed in a controlled manner by exploiting zero-valent metallosupramolecular polymer (MSP) precursors. We here report how the nature of the polymer and its molecular weight affect the nanocomposite formation and structure. Poly(tetrahydrofuran)-based macromonomers with suitable ligands are used to prepare MSPs based on bis(η2-alkyne)platinum(0) complexes. Heating these materials causes disassembly of the complexes and, upon the release of Pt0-atoms, Pt-NPs form in the matrix polymer. The Pt content in the MSP influences the NP formation and thereby the characteristics of the nanocomposites. It is also possible to trigger the complex dissociation and NP formation by exposure to UV light. This allows photolithographic processing and thus the preparation of nanocomposites that contain Pt-NPs in a spatially controlled manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cappelletti
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| | - Luis M Olaechea
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Ianiro
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| | - Cristina Prado-Martínez
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| | - Emad Oveisi
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Electron Microscopy, EPFL 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| | - Stephen Schrettl
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shaikh MN, Kalanthoden AN, Ali M, Haque MA, Aziz MA, Abdelnaby MM, Rani SK, Bakare AI. Platinum Nanoparticle Based Dip‐Catalyst for Facile Hydrogenation of Quinoline, Unfunctionalized Olefins, and Imines. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202003178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Nasiruzzaman Shaikh
- Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (CENT) King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul N. Kalanthoden
- BSA Crescent Institute of Science and Technology GST Road Chennai Tamil Nadu India
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (CENT) King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Azazul Haque
- Department of Mechanical Engineering King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Abdul Aziz
- Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (CENT) King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud M. Abdelnaby
- Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (CENT) King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology - Technology Innovation Center on Carbon Capture and Sequestration (KACST-TIC on CCS), KFUPM Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - S. Kutti Rani
- BSA Crescent Institute of Science and Technology GST Road Chennai Tamil Nadu India
| | - Akolade Idris Bakare
- Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (CENT) King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu S, Wang T, Xu H. Regulating Heterogeneous Catalysis of Gold Nanoparticles with Polymer Mechanochemistry. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1192-1197. [PMID: 35638615 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Polymer mechanochemistry has emerged as a unique approach to regulate homogeneous catalysis in chemical transformations. The utilization of polymer mechanochemistry to regulate heterogeneous catalysis, however, still remains to be investigated. In this study, using polymer-grafted gold nanoparticles as the model heterogeneous catalysts, we show that polymer chains can be mechanically ruptured from the surface of gold nanoparticles, and thus, the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles can be accelerated under sonication. The mechanical activation of polymer-grafted gold nanoparticles only occurs when the grafted polymer chains exceed a threshold molecular weight. This mechanical behavior is similar to those mechanophore-linked polymers. More importantly, further characterizations reveal that the Au-Au bonds instead of the Au-S bonds are broken at the heterointerfaces of polymer chains and gold nanoparticles. Our study unveils an unprecedented characteristic of polymer-grafted metallic nanoparticles in response to external mechanical stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Tao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Hangxun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|