Self‐emulsion polymerization of amphiphilic monomers—a green route to synthesis of polymeric nanoscaffolds

Self‐emulsion polymerization (SEP), a green route developed by us for the polymerization of amphiphilic monomers, does not require any emulsifier or an organic solvent except that the water‐soluble initiators such as 2,2′‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)propane]dihydrochloride (VA‐044) and potassium persulfate (KPS) are only used. We report here the polymer nanoscaffolds from a number of amphiphilic monomers, which can be used for in situ encapsulation of a variety of nanoparticles. As a demonstration of the efficacy of these nanoscaffolds, the synthesis of a biocompatible hybrid nanoparticle (nanohybrid), prepared by encapsulating Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticle (Fe₃O₄ MNPs) in poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in water, for MRI application is presented. The nanohybrid prepared following the SEP in the form of an emulsion does not involve the use of any stabilizing agent, crosslinker, polymeric emulsifier, or surfactant. This water‐soluble, spherical, and stable nanohybrid containing Fe₃O₄ MNPs of average size 10 ± 2 nm has a zeta potential value of ?41.89 mV under physiological conditions. Magnetic measurement confirmed that the nanohybrid shows typical magnetic behavior having a saturation magnetization (Ms) value of 32.3 emu/g and a transverse relaxivity (r2) value of 29.97 mM^?1 s^?1, which signifies that it can be used as a T2 contrast agent in MRI. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019     

Enhanced output voltage of nano energy harvester with diverse textiles

Abstract

We demonstrate the electrical properties of nano energy harvesters (NEHs) with various textiles for smart textiles that can be applied to the next generation wearable electronics. Output voltages and currents of NEHs with various fabrics, such as a cotton, rayon and wool that have different triboelectricity were measured. Cotton, rayon and wool shows the maximum output voltages of 1.250, 3.313 and 4.063 V, respectively. In addition, output currents of those textiles were 0.75, 4.4, 1.063 μA, respectively. Wool, in particular, which has the highest triboelectricity of 350 V exhibits the highest output voltage.     

Carbon Nanotubes/Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Core–Sheath Nanostructures as Highly Active,Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Fuel Cells

A facile, scalable route to new nanocomposites that are based on carbon nanotubes/heteroatom‐doped carbon (CNT/HDC) core–sheath nanostructures is reported. These nanostructures were prepared by the adsorption of heteroatom‐containing ionic liquids on the walls of CNTs, followed by carbonization. The design of the CNT/HDC composite allows for combining the electrical conductivity of the CNTs with the catalytic activity of the heteroatom‐containing HDC sheath layers. The CNT/HDC nanostructures are highly active electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction and displayed one of the best performances among heteroatom‐doped nanocarbon catalysts in terms of half‐wave potential and kinetic current density. The four‐electron selectivity and the exchange current density of the CNT/HDC nanostructures are comparable with those of a Pt/C catalyst, and the CNT/HDC composites were superior to Pt/C in terms of long‐term durability and poison tolerance. Furthermore, an alkaline fuel cell that employs a CNT/HDC nanostructure as the cathode catalyst shows very high current and power densities, which sheds light on the practical applicability of these new nanocomposites.     

6,6′-Thiobis(methylene)-β-cyclodextrin dimer as a dimeric host and reusable promoter for synthesis of chromenones in water

Herein, two unit of β-cyclodextrin linked by thiomethylene bridge was synthesized and employed as a novel efficient supramolecular host for the synthesis of biologically active chromenones templates via three-component single-pot reaction. A possible reaction mechanism through molecular complexation is suggested based on 2D ROESY NMR spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, the catalyst could be easily recycled, while a 94% yield and 89% rate of catalyst recovery could be achieved after four cycles of catalyst recycling. Environmentally benign reaction conditions, excellent yields, and avoidance of organic solvent and conventional isolation as well as purification are the noteworthy credits of this developed protocol.     

Mechanical and electrical response variation of the polyurethane–tin oxide–carbon nanotube composite microfiber depending on the chemical solution

Toward the goal of smart sensor systems for wearable electronics, polymer microfiber‐based free‐standing sensors benefit from excellent flexibility, decent ductility, and easy wearability in comparison with thin‐film‐based sensing devices. Herein, we report a hydrophobic and conducting single‐strand microfiber‐based liquid‐phase chemical sensor consisting of polyurethane (PU), tin oxide (SnO₂), and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites with applying a (1H,1H,2H,2H‐heptadecafluorodec‐1‐yl) phosphonic acid (HDF‐PA)‐based self‐assembled monolayer. The free‐standing HDF‐PA‐treated PU–SnO₂–CNT composite microfiber showing selective filtering properties with the repellency of water and the penetration of an organic solvent is electrically and mechanically characterized. Finally, the single‐strand HDF‐PA‐treated PU–SnO₂–CNT composite microfiber‐based chemical sensor, which shows excellent mechanical properties and aqueous stability, is demonstrated to detect the presence of a chemical in pure water or counterfeit gasoline in pure gasoline by observing mechanical changes, especially variations in the length and diameter of the fiber, and monitoring the electrical resistance change. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 495–502     

Development of simultaneous analysis of tryptophan metabolites in serum and gastric juice – an investigation towards establishing a biomarker test for gastric cancer diagnosis

To evaluate changes in tryptophan metabolism and discover diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer, a quantitative method was developed for tryptophan and its seven metabolites (indole‐3‐lactic acid, anthranilic acid, serotonin, nicotinic acid, kynurenic acid, kynurenine and 3‐indoxyl sulfate) in both human serum and gastric juice using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Serum and gastric juice were prepared with a simple protein precipitation using aqueous 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. As a result, it was found that the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was activated in gastric cancer and that the metabolic ratio of kynurenine/tryptophan, which reflects the enzyme activity of indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase, was associated with the observed metabolic changes. Finally, the investigation of tryptophan metabolites, especially kynurenic acid, in serum and gastric juice might serve as biomarkers for gastric cancer. The findings in this study provide critical information of tryptophan metabolism which can be applied to a serum‐based diagnostic test for gastric cancer.     

Interactive Phenomena of a Rotating Arc and a Premixed CH4 Flame

The interactive phenomena between a rotating arc and a premixed methane/air flame have been investigated. The effects of the rotating arc on the flame were observed: both lean and rich flammability limit was extended with the rotating arc on. More interestingly, the opposite interactions, i.e., the effects of the flame on the rotating arc, were also observed: the arc length, angular speed, and electrical characteristics are affected by the flame. An analysis of the optical emission spectra showed that the rotating arc generates chemically active species such as excited N₂ molecules and O and H atoms. An analysis of the gas products indicated that the concentrations of the major gas products such as CO₂, CO, and H₂ were not significantly affected by the rotating arc, although the flammability limit are significantly extended. Unlike these major gas products, minor products like NO_x emissions increased by an order of magnitude in the presence of a rotating arc under certain air/fuel conditions.     

An answer to a question of A. Lubin: The lifting problem for commuting subnormals

In this paper, we give an answer to a long-standing open question on the lifting problem for commuting subnormals (due to A. Lubin): The subnormality for the sum of commuting subnormal operators does not guarantee the existence of commuting normal extensions.