Polyether-based waterborne synergists: effect of polymer topologies on pigment dispersion.

Control of polymer topologies is essential to determine their unique physical properties and potential applications. The polymer topologies can have a critical effect on pigment dispersion owing to their unique architectures; however, studies using polymer topologies on pigment dispersion in aqueous systems are scarce. Thus, this study proposes various topologies of polyether-based waterborne synergists, such as linear, hyperbranched, and branched cyclic structures. Specifically, we applied branched types of polyglycidols (PGs) as a synergist to provide polymer topology-dependent dispersibility for the surface-modification of Red 170 particles through adsorption and steric hindrance. The topology-controlled PG synergists (PGSs) were successfully prepared by post-polymerization modification with phthalimide and benzoyl groups. Particularly, the branched types of PGSs, branched cyclic PGS (bc-PGS), and hyperbranched PGS (hb-PGS) exhibited improved dispersibility through adsorption on top of the pigment, interaction between dispersant (BYK 190) and pigment, and steric effect. Surprisingly, hb-PGS conferred the Red 170 pigment particles with superior storage stability than that of bc-PGS despite their similar structural features. This study suggests the widespread potential application of PGSs as waterborne synergists for various dispersion applications.

All-Solution-Processed Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode Using Phosphomolybdic Acid as Hole Injection Layer.

In this study, we investigate phosphomolybdic acid (PMA), which allows solution processing of quantum dot light-emitting diodes. With its low cost, easy solution processes, and excellent physical and optical properties, PMA is a potential candidate as the hole injection layer (HIL) in optoelectronic devices. We evaluate the physical and electrical properties of PMA using various solvents. The surface morphology of the PMA film was improved using a solvent with appropriate boiling points, surface tension, and viscosity to form a smooth, pinhole-free film. The energy level was regulated according to the solvent, and PMA with the appropriate electronic structure provided balanced charge carrier transport in quantum dot electroluminescent (QD-EL) devices with enhanced efficiency. A device using PMA dissolved in cyclohexanone was demonstrated to exhibit improved efficiency compared to a device using PEDOT:PSS, which is a conventional solution HIL. However, the stability of PMA was slightly poorer than PEDOT:PSS; there needs to be further investigation.

Bifunctional hydrous RuO2 nanocluster electrocatalyst embedded in carbon matrix for efficient and durable operation of rechargeable zinc-air batteries.

Ruthenium oxide (RuO2) is the best oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. Herein, we demonstrated that RuO2 can be also efficiently used as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst, thereby serving as a bifunctional material for rechargeable Zn-air batteries. We found two forms of RuO2 (i.e. hydrous and anhydrous, respectively h-RuO2 and ah-RuO2) to show different ORR and OER electrocatalytic characteristics. Thus, h-RuO2 required large ORR overpotentials, although it completed the ORR via a 4e process. In contrast, h-RuO2 triggered the OER at lower overpotentials at the expense of showing very unstable electrocatalytic activity. To capitalize on the advantages of h-RuO2 while improving its drawbacks, we designed a unique structure (RuO2@C) where h-RuO2 nanoparticles were embedded in a carbon matrix. A double hydrophilic block copolymer-templated ruthenium precursor was transformed into RuO2 nanoparticles upon formation of the carbon matrix via annealing. The carbon matrix allowed overcoming the limitations of h-RuO2 by improving its poor conductivity and protecting the catalyst from dissolution during OER. The bifunctional RuO2@C catalyst demonstrated a very low potential gap (ΔE OER-ORR = ca. 1.0 V) at 20 mA cm-2. The Zn||RuO2@C cell showed an excellent stability (i.e. no overpotential was observed after more than 40 h).

Mussel-inspired green synthesis of silver nanoparticles on graphene oxide nanosheets for enhanced catalytic applications.

We report a facile green approach to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets functionalized with mussel-inspired dopamine (GO-Dopa) without additional reductants or stabilizers at room temperature. The resulting hybrid Ag/GO-Dopa exhibits good dispersity and excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of nitroarenes.

Interfacing living yeast cells with graphene oxide nanosheaths.

The first example of the encapsulation of living yeast cells with multilayers of GO nanosheets via LbL self-assembly is reported. The GO nanosheets with opposite charges are alternatively coated onto the individual yeast cells while preserving the viability of the yeast cells, thus affording a means of interfacing graphene with living yeast cells. This approach is expanded by integrating other organic polymers or inorganic nanoparticles to the cells by hybridizing the entries with GO nanosheets through LbL self-assembly. It is demonstrated that incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles can deliver magnetic properties to the biological systems, allowing the integration of new physical and chemical functions for living cells with a combination of GO nanosheets.

Carbon-based layer-by-layer nanostructures: from films to hollow capsules.

Over the past years, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly has been widely developed as one of the most powerful techniques to prepare multifunctional films with desired functions, structures and morphologies because of its versatility in the process steps in both material and substrate choices. Among various functional nanoscale objects, carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets, are promising candidates for emerging science and technology with their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. In particular, carbon-based functional multilayer coatings based on the LbL assembly are currently being actively pursued as conducting electrodes, batteries, solar cells, supercapacitors, fuel cells and sensor applications. In this article, we give an overview on the use of carbon materials in nanostructured films and capsules prepared by the LbL assembly with the aim of unraveling the unique features and their applications of carbon multilayers prepared by the LbL assembly.