Heterogeneous Electrospinning Nanofiber Membranes with pH-regulated Ion Gating for Tunable Osmotic Power Harvesting

Biological ion channels existing in organisms are critical for many biological processes. Inspired by biological ion channels, the heterogeneous electrospinning nanofiber membranes (HENM) with functional ion channels are constructed by electrospinning technology. The HENM successfully realizes ion-gating effects, which can be used for tunable energy conversions. Introduction of pyridine and carboxylic acid groups into the HENM plays an important role in generating unique and stable ion transport behaviors, in which gates become alternative states of open and close, responding to symmetric/asymmetric pH stimulations. Then we used the HENM to convert osmotic energy into electric energy which reach a maximum value up to 12.34 W m⁻² and the output power density of HENM-based system could be regulated by ion-gating effects. The properties of the HENM provide widespread potentials in application of smart nanofluidic devices, energy conversion, and water treatment.     

Visible-Light-Induced N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Single Electron Reduction of Mono-Fluoroarenes

Fluoroarenes are abundant and readily available feedstocks. However, due to the high reduction potentials of mono-fluoroarenes, their photoreduction remains a continuing challenge, motivating the development of efficient activation modes to address this issue. This report presents the blue light-induced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed single electron reduction of mono-fluoroarenes for biaryl cross-couplings. We discovered that under blue light irradiation, NHC/tBuOK combination could construct powerful photoactive architectures to promote single electron transfer for C_aryl−F bond reduction via forming highly reducing NHC radical anion. Notably, the strategy was also successful to reduce C_aryl−O, C_aryl−N, and C_aryl−S bonds for biaryl cross-couplings.     

Construction of Aniline Trimer Based Conjugated Polymers through Schiff Base Reaction and Their Use as Feedstock for Infrared Stealth Coatings

Chinese Journal of Polymer Science - In order to meet the demand for infrared stealth materials in the military field, conjugated polymers containing Schiff base moieties were designed and...     

Understanding Mass Dependence of Glass Formation in Ring Polymers

Chinese Journal of Polymer Science - Having highly tunable molecular topology is one of the most important characteristics of polymers that provides these materials with a wide range of interesting...