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Quantum dots (QDs) often exhibit unique behaviors because the reduction in lateral size leads to stronger quantum confinement effects and a higher surface-to-volume ratio in comparison with larger two-dimensional nanosheets. However, the preparation of homogeneous QDs remains a longstanding challenge. This work reports the preparation of high-yield and ultrasmall tin disulfide (SnS2) QDs by combining top–down and bottom–up approaches. The as-prepared SnS2 QDs have a uniform lateral size of 3.17 ± 0.62 nm and a thicknesses 2.39 ± 0.88 nm. A series of self-powered photoelectrochemical-type photodetectors (PDs) utilizing the SnS2 QDs as photoelectrodes are also constructed. Taking advantage of the tunable bandgaps and high carrier mobility of the SnS2, our PDs achieve a high photocurrent density of 16.38 μA cm−2 and a photoresponsivity of 0.86 mA W−1, and good long-term cycling stability. More importantly, the device can display obvious photoresponse, even at zero bias voltage (max), and greater weak-light sensitivity than previously reported SnS2-based PDs. Density functional theory calculation and optical absorption were employed to reveal the working mechanism of the SnS2 QDs-based PDs. This study highlights the prospective applications of ultrasmall SnS2 QDs and provides a new route towards future design of QDs-based optoelectronic devices.

Bioelectrode is critical to many biomedical researches. However, traditional materials (typically noble metals) and manufacturing techniques limit the large‐scale production of bioelectrodes. Herein, a fast electrochemical approach is proposed to deposit versatile MXene/polydopamine (PDA) composites on a metalized substrate. PDA coating can improve the adhesion between MXene and the substrate, while MXene provides rough surfaces with unique micro/nanostructure and outstanding electrical/optical/thermal performance. The impedance of the as‐prepared bioelectrode at 1 kHz is down to 8.48 Ω cm2. The corresponding cathodic charge storage capacity (CSCc) and charge injection capacity (CIC) are up to ≈250 and 6.59 mC cm−2 respectively, much superior to that of bare Pt and other conventional material‐based electrodes. The MXene/PDA composites also demonstrate robust stability under continuous electrostimulation for 1 × 108 pulse cycles and 1000 CV cycles. Moreover, MXene/PDA composites show a high and rapid photothermal response. Photoelectrochemical activity is also observed with high photocurrent, ≈40 folds larger than that of bare Pt. The utility of this new electrode in ascorbic acid sensing is demonstrated. Excellent biocompatibility is verified via neuron adhesion test and viability assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power supply is playing an increasingly important role in the rapidly developing era of the Internet of Things. Achieving a sustainable and clean power supply for electronic devices is an urgent and challenging task. In this study, we present a heat-triggered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and develop a self-powered fire alarm system to achieve an early warning without an external power supply. A TENG comprises a gear system that can utilize the elastic potential energy of a spring. A wax block was used as a heat trigger. When melted at high temperatures, the TENG will be triggered to work and generate considerable electric energy. Within a single operation cycle of approximately 6 s, a 22 μ F capacitor can be charged up to 3.7 V. Such electrical energy is sufficient to drive a wireless transmission module through an automatic switching circuit. Overall, this study provides a feasible approach for a self-powered wireless warning system in power-shortage areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Precise exfoliation and modification of nano-Tellurium was realized by adopting a room-temperature ionic liquid as the electrolyte. Nano-Tellurium with high-entropy morphology can offer greater solar absorption and more kinds of surface chemical groups, giving rise to superior photothermal properties. Nano-Tellurium-poly(vinyl alcohol)-based photothermal foam hydrogels, with high compressibility, excellent water transport rate and low evaporation enthalpy of water, combined with a new heat-supply model, achieve an evaporation rate of 4.11 kg m−2 h−1 with energy efficiencies up to 128% under 1 sun irradiation, which are the highest values for semiconductor-based nanocomposites reported so far. The development of tellurium (Te)-based semiconductor nanomaterials for efficient light-to-heat conversion may offer an effective means of harvesting sunlight to address global energy concerns. However, the nanosized Te (nano-Te) materials reported to date suffer from a series of drawbacks, including limited light absorption and a lack of surface structures. Herein, we report the preparation of nano-Te by electrochemical exfoliation using an electrolyzable room-temperature ionic liquid. Anions, cations, and their corresponding electrolytic products acting as chemical scissors can precisely intercalate and functionalize bulk Te. The resulting nano-Te has high morphological entropy, rich surface functional groups, and broad light absorption. We also constructed foam hydrogels based on poly (vinyl alcohol)/nano-Te, which achieved an evaporation rate and energy efficiency of 4.11 kg m−2 h−1 and 128%, respectively, under 1 sun irradiation. Furthermore, the evaporation rate was maintained in the range 2.5–3.0 kg m−2 h−1 outdoors under 0.5–1.0 sun, providing highly efficient evaporation under low light conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoantigens derived from mutant proteins in tumour cells could elicit potent personalized anti‐tumour immunity. Nevertheless, the layout of vaccine vehicle and synthesis of neoantigen are pivotal for stimulating robust response. The power of synthetic biology enables genetic programming bacteria to produce therapeutic agents under contol of the gene circuits. Herein, we genetically engineered bacteria to synthesize fusion neoantigens, and prepared bacteria derived vesicles (BDVs) presenting the neoantigens (BDVs‐Neo) as personalized therapeutic vaccine to drive systemic antitumour response. BDVs‐Neo and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were inoculated subcutaneously within hydrogel (Gel), whereas sustaining release of BDVs‐Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and GM‐CSF recruited the dendritic cells (DCs). Virtually, Gel‐BDVs‐Neo combined with the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) antibody intensively enhanced proliferation and activation of tumour‐infiltrated T cells, as well as memory T cell clone expansion. Consequently, BDVs‐Neo combining with checkpoint blockade therapy effectively prevented tumour relapse and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dots (QDs) often exhibit unique behaviors because the reduction in lateral size leads to stronger quantum confinement effects and a higher surface-to-volume ratio in comparison with larger two-dimensional nanosheets. However, the preparation of homogeneous QDs remains a longstanding challenge. This work reports the preparation of high-yield and ultrasmall tin disulfide (SnS2) QDs by combining top–down and bottom–up approaches. The as-prepared SnS2 QDs have a uniform lateral size of 3.17 ± 0.62 nm and a thicknesses 2.39 ± 0.88 nm. A series of self-powered photoelectrochemical-type photodetectors (PDs) utilizing the SnS2 QDs as photoelectrodes are also constructed. Taking advantage of the tunable bandgaps and high carrier mobility of the SnS2, our PDs achieve a high photocurrent density of 16.38 μA cm−2 and a photoresponsivity of 0.86 mA W−1, and good long-term cycling stability. More importantly, the device can display obvious photoresponse, even at zero bias voltage (max), and greater weak-light sensitivity than previously reported SnS2-based PDs. Density functional theory calculation and optical absorption were employed to reveal the working mechanism of the SnS2 QDs-based PDs. This study highlights the prospective applications of ultrasmall SnS2 QDs and provides a new route towards future design of QDs-based optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of wearable electronic devices, there has been extensive research interest in portable energy supply systems. In this study, traditional cotton fabrics are finished with a water repellent coating and a single‐sided polyurethane (PU) coating to impart hydrophobicity. The hydrophobic lightweight cotton fabric can float on the surface of the pyrrole polymerization system solution. With increasing polymerization time, the pyrrole continues to polymerize and deposit on the side in contact with the fabric, resulting in a one‐sided conductive fabric. The highest doping level was obtained for the polypyrrole (PPy) coating for polymerization time of 12 h. For PPy coating thickness of 18 μm, the square resistance was as low as 220 Ω/sq. The PPy‐12 fabric electrode showed excellent electrochemical performance and cycling stability. An interdigitated pattern was etched on the surface of the one‐sided conductive fabric (PPy‐12) using a N, N‐dimethylformamide solution. Fabric micro‐supercapacitors were obtained by assembling with a H2SO4/PVA gel electrolyte. The fabric micro‐supercapacitor exhibited good flexibility and electrochemical energy storage properties. For current density of 0.08 mA/cm2 and power density of 19.1 μW/cm2, the energy density of the device was 0.09 μWh/cm2. After 3000 cycles, the micro‐supercapacitor retained approximately 85% of the capacitance. Thus, fabric‐based flexible micro‐supercapacitors have excellent application potential in the field of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to improve the energy harvesting efficiency under low wind speed, we propose a dual auxiliary beam galloping triboelectric nanogenerator (GTENG) in this work. The structural design of a single main beam and a pair of auxiliary beams enables the device to work under a higher vibration frequency when triggered by wind. A stable and improved working frequency of about 4.6 Hz was observed at various wind speeds. The device started to vibrate at a wind speed of 1.7 m/s and generated an output voltage of about 100 V. The outputs of this GTENG approach to saturation at a wind speed of around 5 m/s. The output voltage and short-circuit current reached 260 V and 20 μA, respectively. A maximum power of about 1 mW was obtained under a wind speed of 5.7 m/s with a load of 33 MΩ. Moreover, the effectivity and long-term stability of the device were demonstrated under low wind speeds. A digital watch is powered for 45 s after charging a 47 μF capacitor for 120 s at a wind speed of 3.1 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) mainly consists of two stages: infiltration and solidification, which have a significant influence on the properties of MMCs. The present study is primarily focused on the simulation of the solidification process and the effect of the active cooling of fibers with and without nickel coating for making the continuous carbon fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The thermomechanical finite element model was established to investigate the effects of different cooling conditions on the temperature profile and thermal stress distributions based on the simplified physical model. The predicted results of the temperature distribution agree well with the results of the references. Additionally, a three-dimensional cellular automata (CA) finite element (FE) model is used to simulate the microstructure evolution of the solidification process by using ProCAST software. The results show that adding a nickel coating can make the heat flux smaller in the melt, which is favorable for preventing debonding at the coating/fiber and alloy interface and obtaining a finer microstructure. In the presence of the nickel coating, the number of grains increases significantly, and the average grain size decreases, which can improve the properties of the resultant composite materials. Meanwhile, the predicting results also show that the interfaces of fiber–coating, fiber–melt, and coating–melt experience higher temperature gradients and thermal stresses. These results will lead to the phenomenon of stress concentration and interface failure. Thus, it was demonstrated that these simulation methods could be helpful for studying the solidification of fiber-reinforced MMCs and reducing the number of trial-and-error experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for flexible tactile sensors with both contact and contactless sensing capabilities is growing rapidly in the fields of smart robotics and prosthesis. However, it is still a challenge to integrate high performance proximity and pressure sensing functions in one sensor through simple fabrication process. Here, we propose a textile-based dual-mode sensor that can work on both magneto-straining mode (proximity) and piezoresistive mode (pressure). The sensor is simply fabricated by coating two functional materials in a concentric pattern, i.e., a magnetic layer followed by a conductive layer made of 2D MXene composite, on spandex substrate. As the dual-mode sensor approaches to a magnetic object, the attractive magnetic force will stretch the magnetic layer, along with the conductive layer. The strained conductive layer causes an increase of the resistance. Upon contact, the magnetic force reaches its maximum, while the pressure force works against the magnetic force and starts to reduce the strain of the conductive layer, leading to a decrease of the resistance. The turning point of the resistance can be used to identify the contact moment, and as an indicator of the switching of the two working modes of the sensor. Benefitting from the superior conductivity of the MXene material in the conductive layer, high sensitivity for both proximity sensing (13.76 mm−1) and pressure sensing (0.7 kPa−1) was achieved. The proposed dual-mode sensing methodology has great potential in human-machine interaction (HMI) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and structural control of particulate carriers for imaging agents and therapeutics are constant themes in designing smart delivery systems. This is motivated by the causal relationship between geometric parameters and functionalities of delivery vehicles. Here, both in vitro and in vivo, the controlling factors for cytotoxicity, photothermal, and anti‐tumor effects of biodegradable magnesium@poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (Mg@PLGA) particulate carriers with different sizes and shell thicknesses are investigated. Mg@PLGA microspheres fabricated by microfluidic emulsification are shown to have higher Mg encapsulation efficiency, 87%, than nanospheres by ultrasonic homogenization, 50%. The photothermal and anti‐tumor effects of Mg@PLGA spheres are found to be dictated by their Mg content, irrelevant to size and structural features, as demonstrated in both in vitro cell assays and in vivo mice models. These results also provide important implications for designing and fabricating stimuli‐responsive drug delivery vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wonderful black phosphorus (BP) and some BP analogs (BPAs) have been increasingly studied for their biomedical applications owing to their fascinating properties and biodegradability, but opportunities and challenges have always coexisted in their study. Poor stability upon exposure to the natural environment is the major obstacle hampering their in vivo applications. BP/polymer and BPAs/polymer nanocomposites can not only efficiently prevent their oxidation and aggregation but also exhibit "biological activity" due to synergistic effects. In this review, we briefly describe the synthesis methods and stability strategies of BP/polymer and BPAs/polymer. Then, advances pertaining to their exciting therapeutic applications in various fields are systematically introduced, such as cancer therapy (phototherapy, drug delivery, and synergistic immunotherapy), bone regeneration, and neurogenesis. Some challenges for future clinical trials and possible directions for further study are finally discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exfoliation of phosphorene from black phosphorus to afford mono-elemental two-dimensional (2D) materials (Xenes) has caused a boom in various fields since 2014. Among the Xenes, an emerging class of material, 2D pnictogens, which includes phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, and bismuthene, has drawn a great deal of attention in the field of catalysis owing to their high specific surface area, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and optical and electrical performance. With the development of interdisciplinary research, it has become a new trend of scientific research, especially the application of catalysis in medicine, to break the barriers between disciplines and achieve multidisciplinary joint investigation. Herein, firstly, the structures, general properties, and synthetic methods of 2D pnictogen (group VA) materials are reviewed. Then, we summarize the various state-of-the-art catalytic applications of the 2D pnictogen family, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and medical catalysis, especially in terms of strategies to improve their catalytic performance, such as doping, functionalization, and heterostructures. We also shed some light on the cross-subject of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes for biomedical applications. Finally, we summarize the research progress, outlooks, and challenges for these 2D catalysts in terms of their catalytic performance, characterization, reaction mechanisms, exploration of new systems, and commercial applications. This review aims to highlight the catalytic effects of 2D pnictogen materials in enhancing the performance of reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage is one of the most concerning global challenges in the 21st century. Solar‐inspired vaporization employing photothermal nanomaterials is considered to be a feasible and green technology for addressing the water challenge by virtue of abundant and clean solar energy. 2D nanomaterials aroused considerable attention in photothermal evaporation‐induced water production owing to their large absorption surface, strong absorption in broadband solar spectrum, and efficient photothermal conversion. Herein, the recent progress of 2D nanomaterials‐based photothermal evaporation, mainly including emerging Xenes (phosphorene, antimonene, tellurene, and borophene) and binary‐enes (MXenes and transition metal dichalcogenides), is reviewed. Then, the optimization strategies for higher evaporation performance are summarized in terms of modulation of the intrinsic photothermal performance of 2D nanomaterials and design of the complete evaporation system. Finally, the challenges and prospective of various kinds of 2D photothermal nanomaterials are discussed in terms of the photothermal performance, stability, environmental influence, and cost. One important principle is that solutions for water challenges should not introduce new environmental and social problems. This Review aims to highlight the role of 2D photothermal nanomaterials in solving water challenges and provides a viable scheme toward the practical use in photothermal materials selection, design, and evaporation systems building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage and the energy crisis are two major global challenges in this century. The solution for water crisis should be based on a sustainable energy source. Solar‐inspired water purification is an efficient and green technology for tackling the water challenge using abundant and clean solar energy through photothermal evaporation‐induced water production, photoinduced antimicrobial treatment, and photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants. 2D nanomaterials draw significant attention for their use these three water‐purification methods because of their large surface area, broadband and strong absorption in the solar spectral range, and efficient photothermal and photocatalytic transformation. Herein, the recent development of 2D nanomaterials applied in photothermal evaporation, photoinduced antimicrobial treatment, and photocatalytic capability is comprehensively overviewed. Various strategies in enhancing the light‐absorption and light‐conversion efficiency for different 2D nanomaterials are presented. The challenges and perspectives of these 2D nanomaterials are further discussed for practical water purification. This Review highlights these green energy–driven water‐purification methods based on emerging 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic cancer therapy, such as those combining chemotherapeutic and photothermal methods, has stronger treatment effect than that of individual ones. However, it is challenging to efficiently deliver nanocarriers into tumor cells to elevate intracellular drug concentration. Herein, we developed an effective pH-responsive and dual drug co-delivery platform for combined chemo/photothermal therapy. An anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was first loaded onto the surface of black phosphorus (BP). With poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOz) ligand conjugated onto the polydopamine (PDA) coated BP nanosheets, targeted long circulation and cellular uptake in vivo was significantly improved. With another anticancer drug bortezomib (BTZ) loaded onto the surface of the nanocapsule, the platform can co-deliver two different drugs. The surface charge of the nanocapsule was reversed from negative to positive at the tumor extracellular pH (∼6.8), ionizing the tertiary amide groups along the PEOz chain, thus facilitating the cell internalization of the nanocarrier. The cytotoxicity therapeutic effect of this nanoplatform was further augmented under near-infrared laser irradiation. As such, our DOX-loaded BP@PDA-PEOz-BTZ platform is very promising to synergistic cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanomaterials for biomedical applications still face the challenge of simultaneously offering a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE), efficient drug delivery, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Herein, cancer treatment using tin sulfide nanosheet (SnS NS)-based dual therapy nano-platforms (SDTNPs), including photothermal- and chemo-therapy, is demonstrated. SnS, a black phosphorus (BP) analogue binary IV–VI compound, was synthesized using liquid phase exfoliation. SnS NSs comprising 2–4 layers exhibited good biocompatibility and a high PTCE of 39.3%, which is higher than other popular 2D materials. The SnS NSs showed a stable photothermal performance over 2 h of laser irradiation and exhibited ∼14% degradation after 10 h of irradiation. It was also found that SnS NSs show high loading of small molecules such as doxorubicin (DOX) (up to ∼200% in weight). Consequently, the SDTNPs achieved notable tumor therapy through the combination of photothermal- and chemo-therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Our study may pave the way for the biomedical application of SnS and other IV–VI compound-based 2D nanomaterials. Compared with traditional therapies, SnS NS-based laser therapy is green and efficient, due to its biocompatibility, photo-degradability, high efficiency photothermal properties and high drug loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nonlayered materials are constructed with chemical covalent bonds in all three dimensions, distinct from layered materials, which contain evident structural differences in the horizontal and vertical directions. As a consequence, liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE), a widely explored technique to obtain 2D layered nanoarchitectures, has not yet been fully characterized for the realization of 2D nonlayered nanostructures. Herein, by virtue of a typical chain‐like structure of crystalline bulk Te with strong TeTe covalent bonds in intrachains and weak Van der Waals forces in interchains, ultrathin 2D nonlayered Te nanosheets are realized by means of an LPE method. The resultant 2D Te nanosheets possess a broad lateral dimension ranging from 41.5 to 177.5 nm and a thickness ranging from 5.1 to 6.4 nm, and its photoresponse properties are evaluated using photoelectrochemical measurements. The 2D Te nanosheets exhibit excellent photoresponse behaviors from the UV to the visible regime in association with strong time and cycle stability for the on/off switching behaviors. The fabrication approach of 2D Te nanosheets would arouse interest in exfoliating other nonlayered 2D materials, which would expand the family of 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Investigations into 2D nanomaterials are of considerable significance from both an academic and industrial point of view. The present work addresses, for the first time, the fabrication of 2D nonlayered ultrathin selenium through a facile liquid‐phase exfoliation method. The results reveal that the as‐prepared 2D Se nanosheets are 40–120 nm in lateral dimension and 3–6 nm in thickness. The nanosheets exhibit a trigonal crystalline phase similar to their bulk counterpart, indicating the conservation of the crystalline features during the exfoliation procedure. The successful preparation of 2D Se nanosheets from nonlayered bulk Se can be ascribed to two kinds of anisotropy: (1) that of crystalline bulk Se with chain‐like structures, where strong intrachain SeSe covalent bonds coexist with weak interchain van der Waals forces, and (2) that of probe sonication in the vertical direction. The results also show that the 2D Se nanosheets possess a size‐dependent band gap (Eg), strong photoluminescence effect and robust, chemical stability under ambient conditions. Furthermore, a 2D Se‐nanosheet‐based optical modulation device is demonstrated that allows for excellent ultrashort pulse generation of an optical communication band. It is therefore anticipated that 2D Se nanosheets may find significant applications in both photoluminescence and ultrafast photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based nanostructures can be generally created by self-assembly of block copolymers that are commonly synthesized by living radical polymerization. In this study, a new strategy is proposed to fabricate block-like copolymers by using the template of binary phase structure of semicrystalline polymers. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is thermodynamically miscible with an unsaturated ionic liquid (IL) (1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) in the melt and IL molecules are expelled out from the crystalline parts during the crystallization of PVDF. Therefore, the IL molecules are only located at the amorphous region of PVDF crystals. The electron beam irradiation of the IL incorporated PVDF leads to the local grafting of IL molecules onto the PVDF molecular chains in the amorphous region, so block-like grafting polymer chains of crystalline PVDF- b-(amorphous PVDF- g-IL)- b-crystalline PVDF can be achieved. The subsequent heating of the irradiated sample induces the microphase separation of PVDF- g-IL from the ungrafted PVDF chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tactile sensors can enable a robotic manipulator to identify the object in contact. However, due to the dynamics and diversity of target objects, as well as the complexity of real environment, accurate recognition of objects by existing tactile sensors has been very challenging. This paper proposes a hybrid tactile sensor that integrates a triboelectric active sensing unit with an electromagnetic inductance transducer. The triboelectric signal relates strongly to the specific charge condition of the surface material of a target object, while the inductive signal manifests the electromagnetic characteristics at a certain depth inside the object. With the help of machine learning, the triboelectric signals and inductive signals can be used for object identification. We demonstrate a robotic gripper with random operation settings can recognize eight different fruits with an accuracy as high as 98.75%. Furthermore, the hybrid sensor can recognize objects packaged in different ways. The recognition accuracy of four different fruits in three different packages can reach 95.93%. This study demonstrates the potential of hybrid tactile sensor to improve the artificial intelligence of robots, in particular their ability to distinguish objects in complex settings and sorting them effectively. [Display omitted] • A hybrid tactile sensor was developed based on the effects of triboelectrification and electromagnetic induction. • An object recognition strategy was exploit based on this hybrid tactile sensor with the aid of machine learning. • As a demonstration, the recognition accuracy among several kinds of fruits with different packages reaches over 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent polymeric materials withhigh ductility and antistaticproperties have attracted much attention. A room temperature ionicliquid (IL), tributyl(methyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide([tbmam+][Tf2N–]), was integratedinto polycarbonate (PC), to fabricate optically transparent antielectrostaticcomposites by melt processing. The morphology and physical propertiesof the composites were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetryand dynamic mechanical analysis indicated the depression of the glasstransition temperatures of the PC/IL composites, compared with thatof neat PC. This indicated the interaction between PC and the IL.Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the IL was highlycompatible with PC, at low IL loadings. This resulted in enhancedantielectrostatic properties, and significantly improved elongationat break of the PC/IL composites. The PC/IL composites maintainedthe high transmittance of PC. In addition, the PC/IL composites withhigh clearance and antielectrostatic properties could be achievedby large-scale continuous melt extrusion, indicating that the methodto fabricate both optically transparent and antielectrostatic compositeis feasible for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poly(l-lactic acid)/poly(oxymethylene)(PLLA/POM)blends have been prepared by simply melt blending. The phase diagram,miscibility, glass transition temperatures, and physical propertieshave been investigated systematically. The PLLA/POM blends exhibittypical lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behaviors. PLLAand POM are miscible in the melt state at low temperature and becomephase-separated at elevated temperatures. It was found that the weakinteractions between the carboxyl groups of PLLA and methylene groupsof POM (weak C–H...O hydrogen bonding) account forthe miscibility of the two components. Although the PLLA/POM blendsare homogeneous at the melt state in the miscible temperature region,two distinct glass transition temperatures are observed for the allblends when quenched from the homogeneous state. More surprisingly,both POM and PLLA exhibit the apparent glass transition temperature(Tg) depression in the blends, comparedwith Tgs of the neat polymers. The behaviorsare totally different from other reported miscible or partially misciblepolymer blends, in which Tgs shift toeach other or merge into one glass transition temperature. The investigationindicates that the crystallization of POM in the blend induces thephase separation of PLLA/POM blends and forms novel morphologies withthe interpenetrated (cocontinuous) PLLA and POM phases. The doubleglass transition temperature depression of both PLLA and POM in theblends originates from the mismatch thermal shrinkage during coolingdown from the high temperature. Moreover, we observed the improvedductility of the PLLA/POM blends as compared with the neat PLLA andPOM, which has been attributed to higher molecular mobility due tothe glass transition temperature depression for both PLLA and POMin the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]