Stable aqueous dispersions of graphene prepared with hexamethylenetetramine as a reductant

Highly stable graphene aqueous dispersions were achieved by chemical reduction of graphene oxide with an environmentally friendly reagent of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). By this method, chemical reduction as well as dispersion of graphene can be carried out in one step without the need of organic stabilizers or pH control. The as-synthesized products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. It is revealed that the bulk of the oxygen-containing functional groups were removed from graphene oxide via HMTA reduction, and stable aqueous colloidal dispersions of graphene have a concentration up to ca. 0.65mg/mL. Moreover, it is found that the freshly precipitated graphene nanosheets can be re-dispersed in water with simple ultrasonic treatment. A mechanism for the formation of stable graphene colloidal dispersions is proposed. This simple and green approach should find practical applications in the preparation of graphene-based nanocomposites with a facile and low-cost solution processing technique.     

pH响应的PEG化基因传递体系

制备了苯甲酰亚胺键偶联的聚乙二醇化(PEG化)聚乙烯亚胺(m PEG-CH=N-PEI),并以还原无p H响应特性m PEG-PEI作为对照.研究结果表明,PEG链段的引入并未影响聚乙烯亚胺与脱氧核糖核酸(DNA)分子的缔合,形成了尺寸为80 nm,表面电位约为10 m V的基因超分子组装体,具有很好的生理盐稳定性.在模拟溶酶体的酸性环境下,苯甲酰亚胺键有效断裂,显示出很好的p H响应特性.Hep G2细胞培养结果表明,由于PEG链段有效屏蔽了组装体表面的正电荷,PEG化组装体的细胞毒性和内吞效率显著降低,但溶酶体酸性条件使苯甲酰亚胺键断裂,有利于组装体逃离溶酶体,因此m PEG-CH=N-PEI依然具有很高的基因转染效率,实现了基因载体细胞外稳定传递、细胞内响应解离并高效转染的功能.     

pH-Responsive Films of Electrostatically Adsorbed Arborescent Copolymers

The adsorption of charged dendrigraft (arborescent) copolymers of different generations (G1, G2) and side chain molecular weights (M_n ≈ 5000 or 30,000) on silica surfaces in water, was monitored by the quartz crystal microbalance dissipation (QCM-D) technique. The topology of the adsorbed copolymers on mica was also investigated by AFM measurements. The PS-P2VP [polystyrene-graft-poly(2-vinylpyridine)] copolymers readily interact with a silica or mica surface and form a thin layer in acidic water (pH 2) due to the positively charged P2VP shell branches. The adsorbed arborescent PS-P2VP films expanded and collapsed reversibly in water upon cycling between low and high pH values, respectively. As the generation number increased, the density of copolymer molecules adsorbed onto the surface decreased due to stronger intermolecular electrostatic repulsions. The adsorption density also decreased significantly for copolymers with longer P2VP chains due to their more expanded conformation on the surface.     

Three-Dimensional DNA Crystals with pH-Responsive Noncanonical Junctions

Three-dimensional (3D) DNA crystals have been envisioned as programmable biomaterial scaffolds for creating ordered arrays of biological and nonbiological molecules. Despite having excellent programmable properties, the linearity of the Watson-Crick B-form duplex imposes limitations on 3D crystal design. Predictable noncanonical base pairing motifs have the potential to serve as junctions to connect linear DNA segments into complex 3D lattices. Here, we designed crystals based on a template structure with parallel-stranded noncanonical base pairs. Depending on pH, the structures we determined contained all but one or two of the designed secondary structure interactions. Surprisingly, a conformational change of the designed Watson-Crick duplex region resulted in crystal packing differences between the predicted and observed structures. However, the designed noncanonical motif was virtually identical to the template when crystals were grown at pH 5.5, highlighting the motif's predictability. At pH 7.0 we observed a structurally similar variation on this motif that contains a previously unobserved C-G?G-C quadruple base pair. We demonstrate that these two variants can interconvert in crystallo in response to pH perturbations. This study spotlights several important considerations in DNA crystal design, describes the first 3D DNA lattice composed of A-DNA helical sheets, and reveals a noncanonical DNA motif that has adaptive features that may be useful for designing dynamic crystals or biomaterial assemblies.     

Molecular insights into the surface morphology, layering structure, and aggregation kinetics of surfactant-stabilized graphene dispersions

The production of graphene with open band gaps for the manufacturing of graphene-based electronic and optical devices requires synthesis methods to either control the number of layers to enrich AB-stacked bilayer or trilayer graphene or control the extent of functionalization of monolayer graphene. Solution-phase dispersion of graphene is promising for both methods to create printable electronics and nanocomposites. However, both methods face common challenges, including controlling the surface morphology, reducing the turbostratic layering, and enhancing the dispersion stability. To address these challenges at the molecular level, we successfully combined molecular simulations, theoretical modeling, and experimental measurements. First, we probed the surface structure and electrostatic potential of monolayer graphene dispersed in a sodium cholate (SC) surfactant aqueous solution, which exhibits 2D sheets partially covered with a monolayer of negatively charged cholate ions. Similar to the case of carbon nanotube functionalization, one may regulate the binding affinity of charged reactants for graphene functionalization by manipulating the surface morphology. Subsequently, we quantified the interactions between two graphene-surfactant assemblies by calculating the potential of mean force (PMF) between two surfactant-covered graphene sheets, which confirmed the existence of a metastable bilayer graphene structure due to the steric hindrance of the confined surfactant molecules. The traditional Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory was found to be adequate to explain the long-range electrostatic repulsions between the ionic surfactant-covered graphene sheets but was unable to account for the dominant, short-range steric hindrance imparted by the confined surfactant molecules. Interestingly, one faces a dilemma when using surfactants to disperse and stabilize graphene in aqueous solution: on the one hand, surfactants can stabilize graphene aqueous dispersions, but on the other hand, they prevent the formation of new AB-stacked bilayer and trilayer graphene resulting from the reaggregation process. Finally, the lifetime and time-dependent distribution of various graphene layer types were predicted using a kinetic model of colloid aggregation, and each graphene layer type was further decomposed into subtypes, including the AB-stacked species and various turbostratic species. The kinetic model of colloid aggregation developed here can serve as a useful tool to evaluate the quality of graphene dispersions for subsequent substrate-transferring or functionalization processes.     

Flow-induced ordering of particles and flow velocity profile transition in a tube flow of graphene oxide dispersions

We measured the S- and P-order parameters of flow-induced ordered graphene oxide (GO) particles and the flow velocity profiles for a flowing aqueous GO dispersion in a tube, by using an optical method. The order parameters clearly exhibit increasing concentric biaxial ordering as the flow velocity increases, with the exception of a disordered centre. Newtonian to non-Newtonian transition in the flow velocity profile is found, changing from a parabolic shape to a fuller shape at very low Reynolds numbers less than 10. This is attributed to the shear thinning effect (i.e., an ordering-induced reduction in viscosity). In the Newtonian flow, a uniaxial ordering was dominant; whereas a biaxial ordering sharply increased in the non-Newtonian flow, indicating that both the ordering of GO particles and the interparticle interactions influence the flow profile transition.     

pH响应的磁共振成像造影剂的研究进展

pH响应的磁共振成像(MRI)造影剂不仅能够对病变部位进行特异性增强成像,提高MRI检测疾病的灵敏度,而且可通过检测病变组织中的pH变化,为疾病的诊断提供依据。本文综述了pH响应的MRI造影剂的研究进展,介绍了其pH响应机理、种类与结构及应用,并对它的发展前景做了展望。     

光和pH响应的功能单体的合成与表征

以4-硝基苯胺为原料经重氮化-偶合反应、酯化、硝基还原反应合成了一种对光和PH都能响应的功能单体4-氨基-4'-甲基丙烯酸酯基偶氮苯.用1H-NMR证实了该功能单体的结构.讨论了在Zn-AlCl3体系下选择性还原硝基的条件,得到了较优化的反应条件,获得了58.5%的分离收率.经紫外-可见光谱测试,该功能单体对光和PH都有很好的响应性能.     

A facile route to fabricate stable reduced graphene oxide dispersions in various media and their transparent conductive thin films

Experimental data on the influence of the hydrothermal opening procedure conditions on the polarity, surface chemical composition and adsorption properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes toward phenol are reported. The enthalpy of immersion measurements is reported, and it is shown that with the rise in burn-off, a progressive rise in nanotube surface polarity was observed. Using XPS data, the surface groups are identified. Moreover, by the analysis of HRTEM images and the values of enthalpy of immersion in benzene, it is shown that the removal of internal caps takes place mainly at higher burn-offs (larger than ca. 15%). Obtained series of nanotubes is tested in phenol adsorption, and calculated differential enthalpies of adsorption values are in the range of those determined for adsorption on graphite. Basing on obtained data, it is shown that the state of phenol in first layer is close to solid for adsorption on closed tubes and progressively approaches the state of supercooled liquid after tube opening and with the rise in burn-off.     

pH-Responsive Aqueous Foams of Oleic Acid/Oleate Solution

Aqueous foams of oleic acid/oleate solution were found to be pH-responsive with pH changes. Detailed characterization of the aqueous foams of oleic acid/oleate solution was conducted with respect to their stability, structure, and pH response. The pH values required for foam circulation were studied through pH adjustment. The foaming and defoaming activities of oleic acid/oleate solution were explained by microscopic analysis and oil defoaming mechanisms. Because of the reversibility of oleic acid losing or receiving protons, the foaming and defoaming cycles could be readily repeated many times.      

Synthesis and Properties of pH-Responsive Polymers with Cadaverine Side Groups

A water-soluble monomer N¹-(4-vinylbenzyl)-pentane-1,5-diamine dihydrochloride (VBPDA) with cadaverine (1,5-pentanediamine) group was synthesized. pH-responsive polymer with cadaverine group was obtained by free radical polymerization of VBPDA using 4,4-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA) as the initiator. The structure and molecular weight of the polymer were characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR and GPC-MALLS. Aggregation behavior of the polymer in aqueous solution was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Vis and fluorescence measurements. The experimental results show that the fluorescence intensity of the aggregates decreases and the size of the aggregates increases with increasing pH due to the continuous dehydration of the cadaverine side groups.     

Cocklebur-shaped colloidal dispersions

Unique cocklebur-shaped colloidal dispersions were prepared using a combination of a nanoextruder applied to the aqueous solution containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) with azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) or potassium persulfate (KPS) initiators and stabilized by a mixture of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS) and 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DCPC) phospholipid. Upon extrusion and heating to 75 degrees C, methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) colloidal particles containing tubules pointing outward were obtained as a result of DCPC phospholipids present at the particle surfaces. The same cocklebur-shaped particles were obtained when classical polymerization was used without a nanoextruder under similar compositional and thermal conditions, giving a particle size of 159 nm. However, when Ca(2+) ions are present during polymerization, cocklebur morphologies are disrupted. Because DCPC tubules undergo a transition at 38 degrees C, such cocklebur morphologies may offer numerous opportunities for devices with stimuli-responsive characteristics.     

Aqueous polyurethane dispersions

This review describes basic chemistry, preparation process, and physical properties of aqueous polyurethane disperisons and the derived films, along with the methods of post treatment to modify the properties. Basic way to render a polyurethane water dispersible without external emulsifier has been described. Regarding the methods of preparation, four major processes are described and compared. Methods to improve the relatively poor water and solvent resistance of aqueous polyurethane dispersions which is introduced by the hydrophilicity and linear structure of polyurethane have been discussed with an emphasis on acrylate incorporations.     

pH-Responsive Cy5 dyes having nucleophilic substituents for molecular imaging

pH-Responsive fluorescent pentamethine cyanine (Cy5) derivatives having nucleophilic substituents were synthesized. Cy5 derivatives 1-O having mercaptopropyl, hydroxypropyl, and aminopropyl groups on an indole nitrogen atom showed pH-dependent equilibria between a fluorescent open-ring structure (1-O) and a non-fluorescent closed-ring structure (1-C) in pH ranges 3–7, 6–7.5, and 8–9, respectively. pH-Responsive dyes 1a-C having a 1,3-thiazinane structure were easily internalized into A549 cells and converted to open-ring structure 1a-O in response to the relatively low pH of acidic compartments in the cells.     

Colloidal dispersions of polyindole

Polyindole dispersions consisting of 20–30-nm-sized nanoparticles are prepared by chemical oxidation with ferric chloride using sodium dodecyl sulphate, poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl acetate) as steric stabilizers. Pure acetonitrile and acetonitrile–water mixtures are used as solvents. The particle size depended on the concentrations of monomer and the steric stabilizer. The dispersions are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and cyclic voltammetry techniques.     

Polymer modified colloidal dispersions

The effect of added polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) on a dispersion of polystyrene particles stabilised with grafted methoxy PEG chains is discussed. PVA adsorbed more strongly on the particles compared to PVP. Polymer addition led to stable mixtures in the case of PVA compared to depletion phase separation observed in the case of PVP. Rheological measurements showed thickening of the dispersion and absence of any structure in the case of PVA, in contrast to structure formation in the case of PVP due to depletion phase separation. A weak gel state was reached for ca. 7% w/w PVP. The observed behaviour is in accord with the relative propensity of PVA and PVP to interact with the particle surface, the grafted chains and their solubility in water. The solvency of the free polymer chains dominated the overall behaviour while the contribution from the incompatibility between free and grafted chains was conterbalanced by differences in the free polymer adsorption on the particles.     

Stability of non-aqueous dispersions

Summary Theoretical values of the magnitude and location of potential energy maxima, of stability ratio and of half-life for colloidal dispersions in hydrocarbon media have been computed from the DLVO theory of colloid stability for spherical particles of radii 200–10,000 Å, and for a range of surface potential (5–80 mV) andHamaker constant (5×10^–13–1×10^–11 erg). The stability relationships show a marked dependence on particle size but are relatively insensitive to the value of theHamaker constant. The results may with some confidence be used to predict the stability of a dispersion in a hydrocarbon medium.

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Zusammenfassung Die Maxima der potentiellen Energie, die Stabilitätsverhältnisse und die Halbwertszeiten von kolloiden Dispersionen in Kohlenwasserstoffen wurden nach der Theorie vonDerjaguin, Landau, Verwey undOverbeek für kugelige Teilchen mit Radien von 200 bis 10000 Å und für Oberflächenpotentiale von 5 bis 80 mV berechnet. Für dieHamaker-Konstante wurden Werte von 5×10^–13 bis 1×10^–11 eingesetzt. Die Stabilität zeigt eine deutliche Abhängigkeit von der Partikelgröße, wird aber von der Größe derHamaker-Konstanten nur wenig beeinflußt.Die Resultate können zu Voraussagen über die Stabilität von Dispersionen in Kohlenwasserstoffen herangezogen werden.

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With 5 figures     

Stability of non-aqueous dispersions

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Novel Pickering Emulsifiers based on pH-Responsive Poly(tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate) Latexes

Emulsion copolymerization of 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate in the presence of divinylbenzene (DVB) cross-linker and monomethoxy-capped poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) macromonomer at 70 °C afforded sterically-stabilized latexes at approximately 10% solids at pH 9. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that relatively narrow size distributions were obtained. SEM confirmed the formation of spherical particles in the absence of any DVB cross-linker using a simple batch protocol, but in the presence of DVB it was necessary to use seeded emulsion polymerization under monomer-starved conditions to prevent the formation of latexes with ill-defined non-spherical morphologies. Lightly cross-linked latexes acquired cationic microgel character upon lowering the solution pH due to protonation of the secondary amine groups. Increasing the degree of cross-linking led to a progressively lower effective pK(a) of the copolymer chains from 8.0 to 7.3, which implies a gradual reduction in their basicity. Poly(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate latex proved to be an effective Pickering emulsifier at pH 10, forming stable oil-in-water emulsions when homogenized with either n-dodecane or sunflower oil at 12?000 rpm for 2 min. These Pickering emulsions exhibited pH-responsive behavior: lowering the solution pH to 3 resulted in immediate demulsification due to the spontaneous desorption of the cationic microgels from the oil/water interface. Following rehomogenization at high pH, four successive demulsification/emulsification pH cycles could be achieved without a discernible loss in performance. However, no demulsification occurred on acidification of the fifth cycle, due to the progressive build-up of background salt.