Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114537
Merve Guzel , Metin Ak
In materials science, molecular architecture becomes an art, enabling the creation of advanced materials with precise functionality. Here, we introduce a star-shaped monomer, 3SNS-T, designed with a s-triazine core and three amide-substitute 2.5-bis(2-thienyl)-1H-pyrrole arms. This rationally engineered structure enables the formation of a three-dimensional, electroactive network. The star monomer was synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques, and its electronic properties were elucidated via DFT analysis. Electrochemical polymerization of 3SNS-T on an ITO substrate yielded a crosslinked polymer film (p3SNS-T) with remarkable optoelectronic properties, exhibiting high optical contrast, enhanced coloration efficiency, and a rainbow-like multicolor transition. A dual electrochromic device incorporating p3SNS-T and PEDOT demonstrated rapid switching, good stability, and dynamic color modulation under redox control. These findings highlight the power of molecular design in creating functional materials for next-generation smart window technologies.
{"title":"A star in the window: triazine-based 3D polymer for multicolor electrochromic device applications","authors":"Merve Guzel , Metin Ak","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In materials science, molecular architecture becomes an art, enabling the creation of advanced materials with precise functionality. Here, we introduce a star-shaped monomer, 3SNS-T, designed with a s-triazine core and three amide-substitute 2.5-bis(2-thienyl)-1H-pyrrole arms. This rationally engineered structure enables the formation of a three-dimensional, electroactive network. The star monomer was synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques, and its electronic properties were elucidated via DFT analysis. Electrochemical polymerization of 3SNS-T on an ITO substrate yielded a crosslinked polymer film (p3SNS-T) with remarkable optoelectronic properties, exhibiting high optical contrast, enhanced coloration efficiency, and a rainbow-like multicolor transition. A dual electrochromic device incorporating p3SNS-T and PEDOT demonstrated rapid switching, good stability, and dynamic color modulation under redox control. These findings highlight the power of molecular design in creating functional materials for next-generation smart window technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114537"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114525
Jay Yee Lo , Lee Hong Tee , Eng-Seng Chan , Weng Hoong Lam
Alginate, a naturally derived polysaccharide, has attracted significant attention because of its biocompatibility, low cost, and versatile applications in environmental and biomedical fields. The immobilization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) within alginate beads for Pb(II) adsorption has attracted considerable interest, owing to the synergistic integration of the high surface area and tunable porosity of MOFs with the functional-group-rich alginate matrix. Previous studies immobilising nanomaterials within alginate biopolymer matrices have predominantly rely on the extrusion-dripping/external gelation technique. The crosslinking of alginate beads in this technique forms large and inhomogeneous gel beads with reduced internal porosity. This study aims to prepare magnetically-responsive alginate beads immobilising UiO-66-NH2 (MUA beads) using a emulsification/internal gelation technique. This technique enables the formation of micrometric-sized MUA beads with tunable porosity by manipulating the gelation process with CaCO3, acetic acid, and UiO-66-NH2 concentration. The physiochemical properties and Pb(II) adsorption efficacy of the beads were investigated. The results indicated that increasing the CaCO3 content decreased the bead porosity, while higher concentrations of acetic acid and UiO-66-NH2 increased it. The kinetics and isotherms of the beads followed the pseudo-second-order and Sips models, respectively. MUA-5.0%UiO beads exhibited the fastest adsorption rate (6.38 × 10−4 g/mg·min). The beads were reusable for at least five cycles without compromising efficacy. Despite the competition from Cu(II), Pb(II) removal efficacy remained above 96%, demonstrating the strong selectivity of the MUA beads. This excellent Pb(II) removal performance is primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of complexation and ion-exchange mechanisms, highlighting the potential of MUA beads for scalable industrial wastewater treatment.
{"title":"Preparation of magnetic UiO-66-NH2/alginate beads via emulsification/internal gelation technique for efficient adsorption of lead (Pb) from aqueous solution","authors":"Jay Yee Lo , Lee Hong Tee , Eng-Seng Chan , Weng Hoong Lam","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alginate, a naturally derived polysaccharide, has attracted significant attention because of its biocompatibility, low cost, and versatile applications in environmental and biomedical fields. The immobilization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) within alginate beads for Pb(II) adsorption has attracted considerable interest, owing to the synergistic integration of the high surface area and tunable porosity of MOFs with the functional-group-rich alginate matrix. Previous studies immobilising nanomaterials within alginate biopolymer matrices have predominantly rely on the extrusion-dripping/external gelation technique. The crosslinking of alginate beads in this technique forms large and inhomogeneous gel beads with reduced internal porosity. This study aims to prepare magnetically-responsive alginate beads immobilising UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub> (MUA beads) using a emulsification/internal gelation technique. This technique enables the formation of micrometric-sized MUA beads with tunable porosity by manipulating the gelation process with CaCO<sub>3</sub>, acetic acid, and UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub> concentration. The physiochemical properties and Pb(II) adsorption efficacy of the beads were investigated. The results indicated that increasing the CaCO<sub>3</sub> content decreased the bead porosity, while higher concentrations of acetic acid and UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub> increased it. The kinetics and isotherms of the beads followed the pseudo-second-order and Sips models, respectively. MUA-5.0%UiO beads exhibited the fastest adsorption rate (6.38 × 10<sup>−4</sup> g/mg·min). The beads were reusable for at least five cycles without compromising efficacy. Despite the competition from Cu(II), Pb(II) removal efficacy remained above 96%, demonstrating the strong selectivity of the MUA beads. This excellent Pb(II) removal performance is primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of complexation and ion-exchange mechanisms, highlighting the potential of MUA beads for scalable industrial wastewater treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114525"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114522
Xiaoyun Qing , Keyan Wang , Jiajun Qiu , Mengting Hu , Qinpei Wang , Liang Li , Zhen Fang , Yangbing Wen
In this study, a self-healing lignin-based polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol (SL-cPAM/PVA) hydrogel featuring excellent high temperature and salt resistance was successfully synthesized via a two-step method. Sodium lignosulfonate (S-Lignin) was first incorporated into a chemically crosslinked polyacrylamide (cPAM) network, followed by the formation of dynamic boronate ester linkages among polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), catechol groups, and borax to construct a dual crosslinked structure. The rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel were comprehensively characterized. The results indicate that the introduction of S-Lignin improved the initial decomposition temperature from 150 °C to 178 °C, and enabled the hydrogel to achieve self-healing behavior at 130 °C, supported by reversible borate ester bonds, hydrogen bonding, and ionic interactions. The hydrogel maintained structural integrity in high-salinity environments (up to 21 × 104 mg/L) and demonstrated remarkable recovery in mechanical strength and microstructure after damage. Even after 30 days of thermal aging at 130 °C, brine-healed hydrogel remained intact without signs of hydrolysis. These findings indicate the excellent potential of SL-cPAM/PVA hydrogel as a water-plugging material in high-temperature, high-salinity oilfield environments, providing a sustainable and functional approach for enhanced oil recovery.
{"title":"Lignin-Derived hydrogel exhibiting underwater self-healing under harsh reservoir conditions","authors":"Xiaoyun Qing , Keyan Wang , Jiajun Qiu , Mengting Hu , Qinpei Wang , Liang Li , Zhen Fang , Yangbing Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, a self-healing lignin-based polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol (SL-cPAM/PVA) hydrogel featuring excellent high temperature and salt resistance was successfully synthesized via a two-step method. Sodium lignosulfonate (S-Lignin) was first incorporated into a chemically crosslinked polyacrylamide (cPAM) network, followed by the formation of dynamic boronate ester linkages among polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), catechol groups, and borax to construct a dual crosslinked structure. The rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel were comprehensively characterized. The results indicate that the introduction of S-Lignin improved the initial decomposition temperature from 150 °C to 178 °C, and enabled the hydrogel to achieve self-healing behavior at 130 °C, supported by reversible borate ester bonds, hydrogen bonding, and ionic interactions. The hydrogel maintained structural integrity in high-salinity environments (up to 21 × 10<sup>4</sup> mg/L) and demonstrated remarkable recovery in mechanical strength and microstructure after damage. Even after 30 days of thermal aging at 130 °C, brine-healed hydrogel remained intact without signs of hydrolysis. These findings indicate the excellent potential of SL-cPAM/PVA hydrogel as a water-plugging material in high-temperature, high-salinity oilfield environments, providing a sustainable and functional approach for enhanced oil recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114522"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Due to the rapid progress in high frequency and high speed communication technologies, there is an urgent demand for polyimide (PI) films that exhibit both low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dielectric loss (Df) at high frequencies. Achieving a reduction in the Dk of PIs at high frequencies is relatively straightforward in accordance with the Clausius–Mossotti equation. However, the optimization of Df is more complex and challenging than that of Dk. From the perspective of polarization mechanisms, suppressing dipolar orientational polarization (Pd) provides an effective way to lower Df. Inspired by liquid crystalline polyesters (LCPs), poly(ester imide)s (PEIs) can achieve ultralow Df (Df < 0.0030) by reducing intermolecular friction, but they still exhibit relatively high Dk (Dk > 3.20). In this work, a high free volume triptycene-based diamine (TPC-NH2) was copolymerized with three ester-containing dianhydrides—phenyl ester (TAHQ), naphthalene ester (NAHQ), and biphenyl ester (BAHQ)—to prepare a series of PEI films with different mesogen units. The influence of the molecular conformations of the mesogen unit on aggregation structure, dielectric properties, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and moisture absorption was systematically evaluated. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that phenyl ester dianhydride (TAHQ) and naphthalene ester dianhydride (NAHQ) units yielded amorphous PEIs with low Dk values of 2.62 and 2.55 at 10 GHz, respectively. The “crankshaft-like” para-aromatic ester linkage (Ph–COO–Ph-OCO–Ph) in TPC-TAHQ and TPC-NAHQ restricted imide group deflection through interchain dipole–dipole interactions, thereby lowering Df to 0.0068 and 0.0051 at 10 GHz, respectively. In contrast, biphenyl ester dianhydride BAHQ-based PEI (TPC-BAHQ) promoted the formation of liquid–crystal-like ordered structure, achieving the lowest Df of 0.0047 and a relatively low Dk of 2.84 at 10 GHz. Moreover, TPC-BAHQ exhibited outstanding comprehensive properties, including a 5 wt% decomposition temperature (Td5%) of 502 ℃, a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 56.3 ppm/℃, a tensile strength (σmax) of 112.2 MPa, and a water absorption (Wa) of 0.24 %.
{"title":"Fluorine-free triptycene-based poly(ester imide) films: Role of mesogen units in balancing free volume and structural order for low Dk and low Df","authors":"Shiying Qi, Yuqing Lu, Chi Zhang, Zengjin Liu, Jiou Zhang, Jianchao Jiang, Yuanrong Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the rapid progress in high frequency and high speed communication technologies, there is an urgent demand for polyimide (PI) films that exhibit both low dielectric constant (<em>D</em><sub>k</sub>) and low dielectric loss (<em>D</em><sub>f</sub>) at high frequencies. Achieving a reduction in the <em>D</em><sub>k</sub> of PIs at high frequencies is relatively straightforward in accordance with the Clausius–Mossotti equation. However, the optimization of <em>D</em><sub>f</sub> is more complex and challenging than that of <em>D</em><sub>k</sub>. From the perspective of polarization mechanisms, suppressing dipolar orientational polarization (<em>P</em><sub>d</sub>) provides an effective way to lower <em>D</em><sub>f</sub>. Inspired by liquid crystalline polyesters (LCPs), poly(ester imide)s (PEIs) can achieve ultralow <em>D</em><sub>f</sub> (<em>D</em><sub>f</sub> < 0.0030) by reducing intermolecular friction, but they still exhibit relatively high <em>D</em><sub>k</sub> (<em>D</em><sub>k</sub> > 3.20). In this work, a high free volume triptycene-based diamine (TPC-NH<sub>2</sub>) was copolymerized with three ester-containing dianhydrides—phenyl ester (TAHQ), naphthalene ester (NAHQ), and biphenyl ester (BAHQ)—to prepare a series of PEI films with different mesogen units. The influence of the molecular conformations of the mesogen unit on aggregation structure, dielectric properties, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and moisture absorption was systematically evaluated. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that phenyl ester dianhydride (TAHQ) and naphthalene ester dianhydride (NAHQ) units yielded amorphous PEIs with low <em>D</em><sub>k</sub> values of 2.62 and 2.55 at 10 GHz, respectively. The “crankshaft-like” <em>para</em>-aromatic ester linkage (Ph–COO–Ph-OCO–Ph) in TPC-TAHQ and TPC-NAHQ restricted imide group deflection through interchain dipole–dipole interactions, thereby lowering <em>D</em><sub>f</sub> to 0.0068 and 0.0051 at 10 GHz, respectively. In contrast, biphenyl ester dianhydride BAHQ-based PEI (TPC-BAHQ) promoted the formation of liquid–crystal-like ordered structure, achieving the lowest <em>D</em><sub>f</sub> of 0.0047 and a relatively low <em>D</em><sub>k</sub> of 2.84 at 10 GHz. Moreover, TPC-BAHQ exhibited outstanding comprehensive properties, including a 5 wt% decomposition temperature (<em>T</em><sub>d5%</sub>) of 502 ℃, a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 56.3 ppm/℃, a tensile strength (<em>σ</em><sub>max</sub>) of 112.2 MPa, and a water absorption (<em>W</em><sub>a</sub>) of 0.24 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114516"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114507
Ana Trajcheva , Christina Gkountela , Justine Elgoyhen , Oihane Sanz , Stamatina Vouyiouka , Radmila Tomovska
This study explores a sustainable post-polymerization approach for waterborne methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate (MMA/BA) polymer dispersions (latexes) using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and acetylacetone to catalyze radical initiation at extremely low monomer concentrations (ppm level). In the heterogeneous latex system, where residual monomers are primarily confined within polymer particles, the initial monomer conversion was hindered by aqueous-phase radical generation via the enzymatic catalyst, limited monomer diffusion, and restricted penetration of growing oligomers into the particles. Extending the post-polymerization reaction time and supplying an additional fraction of initiator successfully overcame these constraints, enabling very high conversion at 22 °C (>95 % for MMA and ∼ 90 % for BA). As a result, the biocatalytic latex treatment at 22 °C reduced the residual monomer content in the latex from 2345 to 114 ppm. Polymer films prepared from the treated latexes contained MMA/BA oligomers formed during post-polymerization and traces of the enzyme, which reduced mechanical strength but did not affect water uptake. However, the films exhibited improved thermal stability, likely due to enhanced char formation from residual HRP that delayed thermal degradation. Overall, this work demonstrates that HRP-mediated post-polymerization provides a greener strategy for eliminating residual monomers in waterborne polymers, with minimal adverse impact on polymer performance. Traditional polymerization methods, especially chemical ones, often require relatively high monomer concentrations to drive chain propagation efficiently. Demonstrating enzymatic polymerization in very dilute systems reveals previously unexplored operational regimes, providing enhanced mechanistic understanding under these conditions.
{"title":"Enzyme biocatalyst for removal of residual monomer fractions in waterborne polymers","authors":"Ana Trajcheva , Christina Gkountela , Justine Elgoyhen , Oihane Sanz , Stamatina Vouyiouka , Radmila Tomovska","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores a sustainable post-polymerization approach for waterborne methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate (MMA/BA) polymer dispersions (latexes) using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and acetylacetone to catalyze radical initiation at extremely low monomer concentrations (ppm level). In the heterogeneous latex system, where residual monomers are primarily confined within polymer particles, the initial monomer conversion was hindered by aqueous-phase radical generation via the enzymatic catalyst, limited monomer diffusion, and restricted penetration of growing oligomers into the particles. Extending the post-polymerization reaction time and supplying an additional fraction of initiator successfully overcame these constraints, enabling very high conversion at 22 °C (>95 % for MMA and ∼ 90 % for BA). As a result, the biocatalytic latex treatment at 22 °C reduced the residual monomer content in the latex from 2345 to 114 ppm. Polymer films prepared from the treated latexes contained MMA/BA oligomers formed during post-polymerization and traces of the enzyme, which reduced mechanical strength but did not affect water uptake. However, the films exhibited improved thermal stability, likely due to enhanced char formation from residual HRP that delayed thermal degradation. Overall, this work demonstrates that HRP-mediated post-polymerization provides a greener strategy for eliminating residual monomers in waterborne polymers, with minimal adverse impact on polymer performance. Traditional polymerization methods, especially chemical ones, often require relatively high monomer concentrations to drive chain propagation efficiently. Demonstrating enzymatic polymerization in very dilute systems reveals previously unexplored operational regimes, providing enhanced mechanistic understanding under these conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114507"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114517
Yichen Tian , Yanan Li , Mengyuan Xu , Wenjie Li , Hailin Cong , Bing Yu
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels constitute a fundamental material platform in biomedical engineering, distinguished by their inherent hydrophilicity, exceptional biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity. Their unique molecular architecture, featuring abundant hydroxyl groups, serves as reactive sites for diverse chemical modifications. Strategies such as blending, graft copolymerization, and nanocomposite formation enable the effective incorporation of functional polymers, bioactive molecules, and nanomaterials into the PVA matrix. These strategies mitigate the intrinsic limitations of PVA while introducing tailored functionalities, facilitating the design of advanced hydrogels with enhanced performance. This review presents a systematic overview of modification strategies for PVA hydrogels, with the goal of enhancing their antibacterial properties, mechanical strength, and cell adhesion. It further explores their applications in wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, strain sensors, and biomedical detection. Finally, the review concludes by summarizing the application prospects and key challenges of PVA hydrogels, aiming to provide new insights for related biomedical applications.
{"title":"Polyvinyl alcohol Hydrogels: Structure, Preparation, Modification Strategies and Biomedical Applications","authors":"Yichen Tian , Yanan Li , Mengyuan Xu , Wenjie Li , Hailin Cong , Bing Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels constitute a fundamental material platform in biomedical engineering, distinguished by their inherent hydrophilicity, exceptional biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity. Their unique molecular architecture, featuring abundant hydroxyl groups, serves as reactive sites for diverse chemical modifications. Strategies such as blending, graft copolymerization, and nanocomposite formation enable the effective incorporation of functional polymers, bioactive molecules, and nanomaterials into the PVA matrix. These strategies mitigate the intrinsic limitations of PVA while introducing tailored functionalities, facilitating the design of advanced hydrogels with enhanced performance. This review presents a systematic overview of modification strategies for PVA hydrogels, with the goal of enhancing their antibacterial properties, mechanical strength, and cell adhesion. It further explores their applications in wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, strain sensors, and biomedical detection. Finally, the review concludes by summarizing the application prospects and key challenges of PVA hydrogels, aiming to provide new insights for related biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114517"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114527
Rongli Zhang , Na Wang , Chunhui Luo
Conductive hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for wearable sensors in recent years. However, most of them have single ability to detect visual or conductive signals and exclude adhesion in water. To address these issues, polymethacrylamide/polyacrylic acid/zirconium ion/carbon quantum dots (PMAm/PAA/Zr4+/CQDs) hydrogels were adopted as the conductive matrix, followed by coating a gelatin-tannic acid adhesive layer at the bottom to obtain a Janus hydrogel. The Janus structure endowed the hydrogel with high strength (414 kPa) and strain (150 %), low swelling ratio (4 %), robust wet adhesion (30 N/m), and good sensing performances (with a conductivity of 5.6 S/m, and a gauge factor of 1.77), even after soaking in aqueous environments for a month. The incorporation of Zr4+ and CQDs endowed dual visual and electrical sensing, which synchronously converted mechanical deformations into resistance variations and high-contrast optical signals. Consequently, it simultaneously provided dual-mode feedbacks for various human motions both underwater and on land. Therefore, the present work opened new avenues for the development of flexible devices for underwater sensing.
{"title":"Dual-mode, selective-adhesive and conductive hydrogel for underwater sensing","authors":"Rongli Zhang , Na Wang , Chunhui Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conductive hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for wearable sensors in recent years. However, most of them have single ability to detect visual or conductive signals and exclude adhesion in water. To address these issues, polymethacrylamide/polyacrylic acid/zirconium ion/carbon quantum dots (PMAm/PAA/Zr<sup>4+</sup>/CQDs) hydrogels were adopted as the conductive matrix, followed by coating a gelatin-tannic acid adhesive layer at the bottom to obtain a Janus hydrogel. The Janus structure endowed the hydrogel with high strength (414 kPa) and strain (150 %), low swelling ratio (4 %), robust wet adhesion (30 N/m), and good sensing performances (with a conductivity of 5.6 S/m, and a gauge factor of 1.77), even after soaking in aqueous environments for a month. The incorporation of Zr<sup>4+</sup> and CQDs endowed dual visual and electrical sensing, which synchronously converted mechanical deformations into resistance variations and high-contrast optical signals. Consequently, it simultaneously provided dual-mode feedbacks for various human motions both underwater and on land. Therefore, the present work opened new avenues for the development of flexible devices for underwater sensing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114527"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114520
Hyun Ji Jang , Hyun-Moon Jo , Seungil Park, Jong Hyun An, Kyung-Won Park, Beom-Goo Kang
Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are key components in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) and require both high ionic conductivity and long-term durability. In this study, a quaternization-based crosslinking strategy was employed using 4,4′-trimethylenebis(1-methylpiperidine) (TMBMP), a chemically stable crosslinker under alkaline conditions, to enhance the ion exchange capacity (IEC), suppress membrane swelling, and improve alkaline stability. Polystyrene-b-poly(6-bromohexyl acrylate)-b-polystyrene (PSBHAS) block copolymers with various polystyrene contents (30, 44, 50, and 60 wt%) were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and four types of crosslinked PSBHAS membranes (CPSBHAS30, CPSBHAS44, CPSBHAS50, and CPSBHAS60) were prepared to investigate the correlation between the degree of crosslinking and membrane properties. As the degree of crosslinking increased, both IEC and microphase separation improved. As a result, CPSBHAS30, with the highest degree of crosslinking, exhibited the highest hydroxide ion conductivity of 67.4 mS/cm at 80 °C. However, considering the core properties required for long-term durability, CPSBHAS50 exhibited the most balanced performance. CPSBHAS50 exhibited a low swelling ratio (22.6 % at 80 °C), high tensile strength (17.6 MPa), and excellent alkaline stability, retaining 86.7 % of its initial hydroxide ion conductivity after 720 h of immersion in 1 M KOH at 60 °C. Furthermore, under AEMWE operating conditions (1 M KOH, 60 °C, 2.0 V), it achieved a higher current density (0.926 A/cm2) than the commercial FAA-3–50 membrane (0.854 A/cm2) and maintained stable voltage operation for over 100 h at a constant current of 0.2 A/cm2, demonstrating significant practical performance.
阴离子交换膜（AEMs）是阴离子交换膜水电解（AEMWE）的关键部件，需要高离子导电性和长期耐用性。在本研究中，采用在碱性条件下化学稳定的交联剂4,4 ' -三亚甲基双（1-甲基哌啶）（TMBMP），采用季铵盐为基础的交联策略，提高离子交换容量（IEC），抑制膜膨胀，提高碱性稳定性。采用可逆加成-破碎链转移（RAFT）聚合法制备了聚苯乙烯含量（30、44、50、60 wt%）不同的聚苯乙烯-b-聚（6-溴己基丙烯酸酯）-b-聚苯乙烯（PSBHAS）嵌段共聚物，并制备了4种交联PSBHAS膜（CPSBHAS30、CPSBHAS44、CPSBHAS50、CPSBHAS60），研究了交联度与膜性能的关系。随着交联度的增加，IEC和微相分离都得到了改善。结果表明，交联度最高的CPSBHAS30在80℃时氢氧化物离子电导率最高，为67.4 mS/cm。然而，考虑到长期耐用性所需的核心性能，CPSBHAS50表现出最平衡的性能。CPSBHAS50在80°C时溶胀率低（22.6%），抗拉强度高（17.6 MPa），碱性稳定性好，在60°C、1 M KOH中浸泡720 h后，其氢氧化物离子电导率仍保持86.7%。此外，在AEMWE工作条件（1 M KOH, 60°C, 2.0 V）下，该膜的电流密度（0.926 a /cm2）高于商用FAA-3-50膜（0.854 a /cm2），并在0.2 a /cm2的恒定电流下保持100 h以上的稳定电压运行，具有显著的实用性能。
{"title":"Piperidinium-crosslinked block copolymer anion exchange membranes: Effect of crosslinking degree on membrane properties and water electrolysis performance","authors":"Hyun Ji Jang , Hyun-Moon Jo , Seungil Park, Jong Hyun An, Kyung-Won Park, Beom-Goo Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are key components in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) and require both high ionic conductivity and long-term durability. In this study, a quaternization-based crosslinking strategy was employed using 4,4′-trimethylenebis(1-methylpiperidine) (TMBMP), a chemically stable crosslinker under alkaline conditions, to enhance the ion exchange capacity (IEC), suppress membrane swelling, and improve alkaline stability. Polystyrene-<em>b</em>-poly(6-bromohexyl acrylate)-<em>b</em>-polystyrene (PSBHAS) block copolymers with various polystyrene contents (30, 44, 50, and 60 wt%) were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and four types of crosslinked PSBHAS membranes (CPSBHAS30, CPSBHAS44, CPSBHAS50, and CPSBHAS60) were prepared to investigate the correlation between the degree of crosslinking and membrane properties. As the degree of crosslinking increased, both IEC and microphase separation improved. As a result, CPSBHAS30, with the highest degree of crosslinking, exhibited the highest hydroxide ion conductivity of 67.4 mS/cm at 80 °C. However, considering the core properties required for long-term durability, CPSBHAS50 exhibited the most balanced performance. CPSBHAS50 exhibited a low swelling ratio (22.6 % at 80 °C), high tensile strength (17.6 MPa), and excellent alkaline stability, retaining 86.7 % of its initial hydroxide ion conductivity after 720 h of immersion in 1 M KOH at 60 °C. Furthermore, under AEMWE operating conditions (1 M KOH, 60 °C, 2.0 V), it achieved a higher current density (0.926 A/cm<sup>2</sup>) than the commercial FAA-3–50 membrane (0.854 A/cm<sup>2</sup>) and maintained stable voltage operation for over 100 h at a constant current of 0.2 A/cm<sup>2</sup>, demonstrating significant practical performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114520"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114511
Jia-Le Lu , Jiawei Wang , Jingjing Ning, Rong Chen, Haixia Shen, Guo-Xing Li, Qing Li, Su Chen
Conventional microfluidic chips, fabricated from rigid polymers like polydimethylsiloxane, fail to recapitulate the dynamic and compliant nature of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), limiting their broader applications in biomedicine. In contrast, hydrogel-based microfluidic chips offer a promising alternative. However, their fabrication remains challenging due to the structural fragility, often requiring multi-step processes and secondary bonding. Here, we report a paradigm-shifting strategy for the monolithic fabrication of hydrogel-based microfluidic chips by leveraging the unique spatiotemporal control of aqueous frontal polymerization (FP). We employ 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a sacrificial template, which is encapsulated and preserved within a propagating polymerization front. The Transient reaction zone rapidly solidifies the hydrogel matrix within minutes, enabling the sacrificial template in its pristine state without significant deformation. Subsequent removal of the template yields complex, high-fidelity, and leak-free microchannels, avoiding post-fabrication bonding. The resulting hydrogel chip exhibits robust mechanical properties, anti-swelling capacity, antibacterial activity, and superior biocompatibility, providing great potentials for biomedical applications. This FP-directed fabrication method provides great convenience for precise control over channel geometries and sizes, paving a new avenue for creating next-generation all- hydrogel biomimetic microfluidic platforms.
{"title":"Frontal polymerization enabled monolithic fabrication of hydrogel microfluidic chips","authors":"Jia-Le Lu , Jiawei Wang , Jingjing Ning, Rong Chen, Haixia Shen, Guo-Xing Li, Qing Li, Su Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional microfluidic chips, fabricated from rigid polymers like polydimethylsiloxane, fail to recapitulate the dynamic and compliant nature of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), limiting their broader applications in biomedicine. In contrast, hydrogel-based microfluidic chips offer a promising alternative. However, their fabrication remains challenging due to the structural fragility, often requiring multi-step processes and secondary bonding. Here, we report a paradigm-shifting strategy for the monolithic fabrication of hydrogel-based microfluidic chips by leveraging the unique spatiotemporal control of aqueous frontal polymerization (FP). We employ 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a sacrificial template, which is encapsulated and preserved within a propagating polymerization front. The Transient reaction zone<!--> <!-->rapidly solidifies the hydrogel matrix within minutes,<!--> <!-->enabling the sacrificial template in its pristine state<!--> <!-->without significant deformation. Subsequent removal of the template yields complex, high-fidelity, and leak-free microchannels, avoiding post-fabrication bonding. The resulting hydrogel chip exhibits robust mechanical properties, anti-swelling capacity, antibacterial activity, and superior biocompatibility, providing great potentials for biomedical applications. This FP-directed fabrication method provides great convenience for precise control over channel geometries and sizes, paving a new avenue for creating next-generation all- hydrogel biomimetic microfluidic platforms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114511"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-20Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114512
Cynthia Verduyckt , Hanne Broux , Julien De Winter , Pascal Gerbaux , Guy Koeckelberghs
In recent years, the controlled nature of catalyst transfer polymerizations (CTP) has been significantly investigated and enhanced. Recent studies on Suzuki-Miyaura CTP (SMCTP) revealed that water converts the process into a chain-growth polymerization, while additional Buchwald ligands, particularly RuPhos, further enhance control. This improvement is attributed to the formation of Pd(RuPhos)2 upon catalyst detachment, a bulky species with no affinity for water, which limits catalyst diffusion and suppresses transfer reactions. Despite extensive research on SMCTP, Buchwald ligands remain unexplored in other CTPs, except for RuPhos in Negishi-mediated polymerization, where transfer steps occur, even in a large extent. Kumada CTP (KCTP) has not been investigated in this context.
Here, we report the first KCTP using a Buchwald ligand-based external palladium initiator, 4-methyl benzoate-Pd(RuPhos)-iodine. First, the controlled nature of the polymerization was investigated and chain transfer and some termination was found. Second, the influence of extra equivalents of ligand severely worsens the controlled nature of the polymerization. These findings elucidate the mechanism of CTP and the role of additional ligand. It is shown that, if the catalysts detaches from the growing polymer chain, the controlled nature of CTP depends on Pd(RuPhos)2 (de)formation and its diffusion. Poor solvent affinity to the ligated Pd-catalyst, as in aqueous mixtures (SMCTP), restricts diffusion and maintains control. In contrast, other (dry) organic solvents allow diffusion, reducing control despite inactive species formation. This work offers a mechanistic framework that may be extended to other catalyst–ligand–polymer combinations, although its broader generalization will require further experimental validation.
{"title":"The role of RuPhos in a Kumada polymerization: revealing the control in catalyst transfer polymerization","authors":"Cynthia Verduyckt , Hanne Broux , Julien De Winter , Pascal Gerbaux , Guy Koeckelberghs","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2026.114512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the controlled nature of catalyst transfer polymerizations (CTP) has been significantly investigated and enhanced. Recent studies on Suzuki-Miyaura CTP (SMCTP) revealed that water converts the process into a chain-growth polymerization, while additional Buchwald ligands, particularly RuPhos, further enhance control. This improvement is attributed to the formation of Pd(RuPhos)<sub>2</sub> upon catalyst detachment, a bulky species with no affinity for water, which limits catalyst diffusion and suppresses transfer reactions. Despite extensive research on SMCTP, Buchwald ligands remain unexplored in other CTPs, except for RuPhos in Negishi-mediated polymerization, where transfer steps occur, even in a large extent. Kumada CTP (KCTP) has not been investigated in this context.</div><div>Here, we report the first KCTP using a Buchwald ligand-based external palladium initiator, 4-methyl benzoate-Pd(RuPhos)-iodine. First, the controlled nature of the polymerization was investigated and chain transfer and some termination was found. Second, the influence of extra equivalents of ligand severely worsens the controlled nature of the polymerization. These findings elucidate the mechanism of CTP and the role of additional ligand. It is shown that, if the catalysts detaches from the growing polymer chain, the controlled nature of CTP depends on Pd(RuPhos)<sub>2</sub> (de)formation and its diffusion. Poor solvent affinity to the ligated Pd-catalyst, as in aqueous mixtures (SMCTP), restricts diffusion and maintains control. In contrast, other (dry) organic solvents allow diffusion, reducing control despite inactive species formation. This work offers a mechanistic framework that may be extended to other catalyst–ligand–polymer combinations, although its broader generalization will require further experimental validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"244 ","pages":"Article 114512"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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