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Polymer–protein bioconjugation offers a powerful strategy to alter the physical properties of proteins, and various synthetic polymer compositions and architectures have been investigated for this purpose. Nevertheless, conjugation of molecular bottlebrush polymers (BPs) to proteins remains an unsolved challenge due to the large size of BPs and a general lack of methods to transform the chain ends of BPs into functional groups suitable for bioconjugation. Here, we present a strategy to address this challenge in the context of BPs prepared by "graft-through" ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), one of the most powerful methods for BP synthesis. Quenching ROMP of PEGylated norbornene macromonomers with an activated enyne terminator facilitates the transformation of the BP Ru alkylidene chain ends into Pd oxidative addition complexes (OACs) for facile bioconjugation. This strategy is shown to be effective for the synthesis of two BP–protein conjugates (albumin and ERG), setting the stage for a new class of BP–protein conjugates for future therapeutic and imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron‐deficient ladder‐type π‐conjugated systems are highly desired for constructing polymer acceptors due to their unique electronic properties. Herein, two series of polymer acceptors PBTIn‐(F)T (n = 1–4) based on imide‐functionalized ladder‐type heteroarenes (BTIn) with tunable conjugation length are synthesized. Effects of their backbone configuration and electronic properties on film morphology and performance of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) are systematically investigated through theoretical computation, Raman spectroscopy, grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, etc. It is found that the ladder‐type heteroarene size extension and polymer backbone fluorination gradually lower the frontier molecular orbital energy levels, leading to progressive bandgap narrowing with more efficient exciton dissociation. Furthermore, the centrosymmetric and axisymmetric characteristics of BTIn result in distinct backbone configuration with varied self‐aggregation and crystalline phases, hence determining the blend film morphology. The highest efficiencies in these two series are attained from PBTI3‐T and PBTI3‐FT with a curved backbone configuration. PBTI4‐(F)T with further extended heteroarenes shows linear backbone, negatively affecting film morphology and efficiency. This study provides fundamental material structure‐device performance correlations for ladder‐type heteroarenes‐based polymer acceptors for the first time and demonstrates that more extended ladder‐type backbones do not necessarily improve the device performance, offering guidelines for designing polymer acceptors to maximize all‐PSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have received great interest from researchers in recent years. However, the solid-state photoluminescence quenching of CPDs is a big challenge owing to the resonance energy transfer or π–π* interaction. Herein, we report a new type of carbon dioxide (CO2) derived CPD exhibiting quantum yields of 46.2% in solution and 11.3% as a solid. These CPDs were prepared using ethylenediamine and trimethylolpropane tri(cyclic carbonate)ether synthesized from the reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether as precursors in ethanol. Gel permeation chromatography results revealed that the formation of CPDs involved the polymerization of small molecules and then the transformation of the polymers to CPDs. The solid-state fluorescence is attributed to the self-passivation of poly(hydroxyurethane) chains on the surface of the carbon core. Particularly, the synthesis of CPDs consumed nearly 26.7 wt% CO2, thus providing a new method for fixing CO2 to functional carbon materials. We have also demonstrated the application of CO2-derived CPDs by the fabrication of multicolor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and a warm white LED is obtained when CPDs are applied as single phosphors by changing the amount of CPDs and the type of chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonconjugated luminescent polymers with white light emission are promising for a wide range of applications in display and lighting devices, but their preparation remains a big challenge. Herein, a white‐light‐emitting nonconjugated poly(hydroxyurethane) microsphere (PHUM) synthesized from the crosslinking reaction of trimethylolpropane tri(cyclic carbonate) ether and 1,6‐hexanediamine in chloroform is reported. The resultant PHUMs possess uniform sizes ranging from 12.6 to 21.5 µm. It is proposed that a high crosslinking degree and various hydrogen‐bonding strengths induce the formation of carbamate clusters with different sizes and broad distributions, which result in a broad emission spectrum. The cluster‐size distribution effect leads to multiple n–π* transitions from various carbamate clusters via through‐space conjugation of carbamates, realizing white light emission. In addition, the application of PHUMs as single phosphor combined with a 365 nm UV chip is also demonstrated, with which a white‐light‐emitting diode with a high color rendering index of up to 95 is obtained. This work confirms that crosslinking can induce multiple emissions, which provides a new clusteroluminescence and polymerization‐induced emission system for tunable luminescence emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the dispersion stability of rod-like attapulgite (ATT) in polymers, a small amount of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were employed as a supporter to fix ATT before introducing into polymer. The ATT nanorods were found attached tightly and dispersed uniformly on the GO nanosheets from TEM images of GO-ATT hybrids. The dispersion stability of ATT in water was also improved after being attached on GO nanosheets due to the abundant hydrophilic groups of GO, which was paramount for introducing them into polymers through water blending method. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was then chosen to be reinforced by these GO-supported ATT via water blending method. Compared to the heavy aggregation of neat ATT in PVA, a homogeneous distribution of ATT nanorods in the matrix was achieved by introducing them in the form of GO-ATT, indicating a favorable assisted dispersion effect of GO nanosheets for ATT. Furthermore, PVA/GO-ATT nanocomposites containing only 2 wt% GO-ATT exhibited a significantly increase of 41.4 and 83.6 % in tensile strength and storage modulus, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) are macromolecules with highly delocalized π-conjugated backbones and charged side chains, which are unique types of active materials, with wide applications in optoelectronics, sensing, imaging, and therapy. By attaching specific groups (e.g., recognition elements, magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents, gene carriers, and drugs) to the side chain or backbone of CPEs, functionalized CPEs have been developed and used for specific biological applications. In this account, we summarize the recent progress of functionalized CPEs with respect to their synthesis and biomedical applications. Future perspectives are also discussed at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel rheological measuring apparatus was designed, which introduced an additional sinusoidal vibration in parallel on the extruding direction of melt polymer in this article. Melt rheology of polypropylene filled uncoated CaCO3 particles in 3 and 20 %wt amounts of filler during capillary melt-extrusion was investigated, respectively. A mathematical model of melt polymer under the action of vibration was set up. The effects of vibration parameters on rheological behaviors were studied. The apparent viscosity of filled system decreased remarkably with the increasing vibration frequency and amplitude. The apparent viscosity reached to minimum value when the vibration frequency was 8 Hz. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:630-634, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four CPs have been designed and successfully synthesized. The magnetic properties of 1 – 4 are studied. Different carboxylate-bridge modes and unidentate oxygen-bridge angles have important influence on their magnetic properties. [Display omitted] • Four CPs have been synthesized and characterized. • The magnetic properties of 1 – 4 are studied. • Different carboxylate-bridge modes and unidentate oxygen-bridge angles have important influence on their magnetic properties. Based on asymmetric lithium salts of 1-(2-pyridinylmethyl)-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate (2-Li 2 pmpd) or 1-(4-pyridinylmethyl)-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate (4-Li 2 pmpd), four polymers [Mn(2-pmpd)(H 2 O)] n (1), {[Mn 2 (4-pmpd)(pd)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O} n (2), [Co(4-pmpd)(H 2 O)] n (3) and [Co(2-pmpd)(H 2 O) 2 ] n (4) [pd = pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate] have been hydrothermally prepared and characterized structurally. 1 displays three-dimensional (3D) network with (44.84) topology, 2 and 3 show 2D framework with (42·5·63)(42·52·64·72)(52·8) and (43) 2 (46·66·83) topologies, respectively. 4 is a 1D chain structure. Magnetization data of 1 with the 1D carboxylate bridges chain structure, fitted by the 1D model, suggests the antiferromagnetic coupling with J = −2.07 cm−1. The carboxylate bridges in 1 adopt common syn - syn and unidentate oxygen-bridge modes. 2 with the Mn 4 unit, exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling with J = −0.68 cm−1 and z J ′ = −0.317 cm−1. The carboxylate bridges in 2 adopt common syn - anti and the unidentate oxygen-bridge modes. In the Co 2 units, magnetization data for 3 shows the weak antiferromagnetic coupling. Variable temperature magnetic studies of 4 reveal ferromagnetic intrachain interactions and antiferromagnetic interchain magnetization interactions. The M (H) curves for 3 and 4 are consistent with their antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic natures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of flexible optoelectronic devices, intrinsic flexible fully π‐conjugated polymers (FπCPs) assume a pivotal role owing to their concurrent intrinsic viscoelasticity and robust optoelectronic properties. As flexible devices are destined to encounter diverse stress environments, the selection of functional materials based on mechanical requirements becomes imperative. Here, VPERD assessment system is introduced to scrutinize the mechanical properties of side‐chain plasticizing FπCPs. The acronym VPERD encapsulates five key aspects of mechanical characteristics, namely viscidity (V), plasticity (P), elasticity (E), rigidity (R), and ductility (D). The mechanical characteristics of FπCPs are tuned through the control of flexible chain density (FCD). Enhancing FCD induces superior chain softness, favorable solubility, and heightened viscoplasticity. Through precise regulation of FCD and thoughtful structural design, freestanding FπCPs nano‐films exhibit a remarkable maximum fracture strain of ≈50%. Deep‐blue flexible polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) reveal that maintaining FCD at ≈50% achieves a balance between mechanical and optoelectronic properties. The stretched films after strain fatigue both show that mild strain is conducive to enhancing the efficiency of FπCPs films and devices. According to VPERD assessment system, the prerequisite for achieving intrinsically flexible FπCPs lies in controlling the degree of side‐chain internal plasticization through the tuning of FCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) (PEGDMA) shell was used as a protective layer for the sandwiched gold nanoparticles, which were prepared through the in situ reduction in the HAuCl4 precursor in the presence of (aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APS) modified silica/PEGDMA core–shell microspheres. In this process, the silica/PEGDMA core–shell microspheres were afforded by the distillation-precipitation polymerization of the EGDMA monomer on the APS-modified silica particles with the aid of hydrogen-bonding interaction. The gold nanoparticles were formed at the interface between the silica core and the PEGDMA outer layer through the strong coordinate interaction between the gold nanoparticles and the amino groups on the surface of the silica during the reduction in HAuCl4. The sandwiched gold nanoparticles exhibited highly catalytic efficiency and facile recovery with good stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tri-layer CdS/SiO/polymer hybrid nanospheres were synthesized by distillation precipitation polymerization of either ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or EGDMA together with comonomers having different functional groups, such as methacrylic acid, 4-vinylpyridine and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, in the presence of 3-(methacryloxy)propyl trimethoxysilane (MPS)-modified CdS/SiO nanoparticles as seeds in acetonitrile with 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. In this approach, MPS-modified inorganic seeds were prepared by the modification of CdS/SiO nanoparticles via the self-condensation reaction between the hydroxyl groups of sinaols, in which the CdS/SiO nanoparticles were afforded by a reverse microemulsion technique for the synthesis of CdS core nanoparticles with the subsequent coating of silica layer. The polymer shell-layers encapsulated over the MPS-modified CdS/SiO inorganic seeds via the efficient capture of the monomers and oligomers from the solution with the aid of the vinyl groups incorporated by the MPS modification, in which the polymer shell-thickness and functional groups including carboxyl, pyridyl and hydroxyl, were facilely controlled by the feed of EGDMA as well as the types of comonomers used for the polymerization. These nanospheres were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fluorescence spectroscopy and zeta potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel asymmetric N-heterocyclic ligand, 1·H2O [1= (E)-1-methyl-4-nitro-N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbohydrazide], was generated by a facile route, and some closed shell metal complexes of the ligand were also synthesized. These complexes include [Zn(1)Cl2] (2), [Cd(1)(μ-Cl)2]n(3), [Hg(1)Cl2] (4) and [K(μ-1)(μ-NO3)]n(5), which were characterized by X-ray crystallography, IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The structural studies indicate that ligand 1, with its different conformations and new coordination modes, is an important building block for designing and constructing supramolecular structures viaππ stacking, hydrogen bonding, ClCl and d10–d10interactions. These interactions not only reinforce the stability of structures, but also correlate with the physical properties of complexes. The UV and fluorescence spectral properties were investigated in solution. The titration experiments by d10metal ions imply that ligand 1forms stable complexes at a 1 : 1 ratio and exhibits enhanced fluorescence. Moreover, compared with the solution fluorescence spectra, the solid-state spectra show more significant red-shifts, suggesting that complexes 2–4have possible applications as light emission materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An effective bead–spring model combining the advantages of large time steps of traditional bead–rod models and computational rigor of traditional bead–spring models is proposed to simulate the dynamic behaviors of flexible polymer chains with arbitrary longitudinal stiffness. The proposed model can be used to simulate many types of polymer chains or networks with different chain elasticity via a unified integration scheme with reasonably large time steps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new family of heteropolytungstate complexes (NH4)21[Ln(H2O)5{Ni(H2O)}2As4W40O140]·xH2O(Ln=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were prepared by the reaction of Na27[NaAs4W40O140]·60H2O with NiCl2·6H2O and Ln(NO3)3·xH2O at pH≈4.5. The crystal structures of (NH4)21[Gd(H2O)5{Ni(H2O)}2As4W40O140]·51H2O was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and element analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a=19.754(3), b=24.298(4), c=39.350(6) A˚, β=100.612(3)°, V=18564(5) A˚3, Z=2, R1(wR2)=0.0544(0.0691). The central site S1 and two opposite sites S2 of the big cyclic ligand [As4W40O140]28− are occupied by one Ln3+and two Ni2+, respectively, each site supply four Od coordinating to metal ion, another one water molecule and other five water molecules coordinate, respectively, to Ni2+and Ln3+. Polyanion [Ln(H2O)5{Ni(H2O)}2As4W40O140]21− has C2v symmetry. IR and UV–vis spectra of [NaAs4W40O140]27− of the title compounds are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High‐performing n‐type polymers are crucial for the advance of organic electronics field, however strong electron‐deficient building blocks with optimized physicochemical properties for constructing them are still limited. The imide‐functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with extended π‐conjugated framework, high electron deficiency and good solubility serve as promising candidates for developing high‐performance n‐type polymers. Among the PAHs, phenanthrene (PhA) features a well‐delocalized aromatic π‐system with multiple modifiable active sites. However, the PhA‐based imides are seldom studied, mainly attributed to the synthetic challenge. Herein, we report two functionalized PhAs, CPOI and CPCNI, by simultaneously incorporating imide with carbonyl or dicyanomethylene onto PhA. Notably, the dicyanomethylene‐modified CPCNI exhibits a well stabilized LUMO energy level (−3.84 eV), attributed to the synergetic inductive effect from imide and cyano groups. Subsequently, based on CPOI and CPCNI, two polymers PCPOI‐Tz and PCPCNI‐Tz were developed. Applied to organic thin‐film transistors, owing to the strong electron‐deficiency of CPCNI, polymer PCPCNI‐Tz shows an improved electron mobility and largely decreased threshold voltage compared with PCPOI‐Tz. This work affords two structurally novel electron‐deficient building blocks and highlights the effectiveness of dual functionalization of PhAs with strong electron‐withdrawing groups for devising n‐type polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐performing n‐type polymers are crucial for the advance of organic electronics field, however strong electron‐deficient building blocks with optimized physicochemical properties for constructing them are still limited. The imide‐functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with extended π‐conjugated framework, high electron deficiency and good solubility serve as promising candidates for developing high‐performance n‐type polymers. Among the PAHs, phenanthrene (PhA) features a well‐delocalized aromatic π‐system with multiple modifiable active sites. However, the PhA‐based imides are seldom studied, mainly attributed to the synthetic challenge. Herein, we report two functionalized PhAs, CPOI and CPCNI, by simultaneously incorporating imide with carbonyl or dicyanomethylene onto PhA. Notably, the dicyanomethylene‐modified CPCNI exhibits a well stabilized LUMO energy level (−3.84 eV), attributed to the synergetic inductive effect from imide and cyano groups. Subsequently, based on CPOI and CPCNI, two polymers PCPOI‐Tz and PCPCNI‐Tz were developed. Applied to organic thin‐film transistors, owing to the strong electron‐deficiency of CPCNI, polymer PCPCNI‐Tz shows an improved electron mobility and largely decreased threshold voltage compared with PCPOI‐Tz. This work affords two structurally novel electron‐deficient building blocks and highlights the effectiveness of dual functionalization of PhAs with strong electron‐withdrawing groups for devising n‐type polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing low‐cost and high‐performance n‐type polymer semiconductors is essential to accelerate the application of organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). To achieve this objective, it is critical to design strong electron‐deficient building blocks with simple structure and easy synthesis, which are essential for the development of n‐type polymer semiconductors. Herein, we synthesized two cyano‐functionalized highly electron‐deficient building blocks, namely 3,6‐dibromopyrazine‐2‐carbonitrile (CNPz) and 3,6‐Dibromopyrazine‐2,5‐dicarbonitrile (DCNPz), which feature simple structures and facile synthesis. CNPz and DCNPz can be obtained via only one‐step reaction and three‐step reactions from cheap raw materials, respectively. Based on CNPz and DCNPz, two acceptor–acceptor (A–A) polymers, P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz) are successfully developed, featuring deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels, which are beneficial to n‐type organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) and OTEs performance. An optimal unipolar electron mobility of 0.85 and 1.85 cm2 V−1 s−1 is obtained for P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz), respectively. When doped with N‐DMBI, P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz) show high n‐type electrical conductivities/power factors of 25.3 S cm−1/41.4 μW m−1 K−2, and 33.9 S cm−1/30.4 μW m−1 K−2, respectively. Hence, the cyano‐functionalized pyrazine CNPz and DCNPz represent a new class of structurally simple, low‐cost and readily accessible electron‐deficient building block for constructing n‐type polymer semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing low‐cost and high‐performance n‐type polymer semiconductors is essential to accelerate the application of organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). To achieve this objective, it is critical to design strong electron‐deficient building blocks with simple structure and easy synthesis, which are essential for the development of n‐type polymer semiconductors. Herein, we synthesized two cyano‐functionalized highly electron‐deficient building blocks, namely 3,6‐dibromopyrazine‐2‐carbonitrile (CNPz) and 3,6‐Dibromopyrazine‐2,5‐dicarbonitrile (DCNPz), which feature simple structures and facile synthesis. CNPz and DCNPz can be obtained via only one‐step reaction and three‐step reactions from cheap raw materials, respectively. Based on CNPz and DCNPz, two acceptor–acceptor (A–A) polymers, P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz) are successfully developed, featuring deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels, which are beneficial to n‐type organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) and OTEs performance. An optimal unipolar electron mobility of 0.85 and 1.85 cm2 V−1 s−1 is obtained for P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz), respectively. When doped with N‐DMBI, P(DPP‐CNPz) and P(DPP‐DCNPz) show high n‐type electrical conductivities/power factors of 25.3 S cm−1/41.4 μW m−1 K−2, and 33.9 S cm−1/30.4 μW m−1 K−2, respectively. Hence, the cyano‐functionalized pyrazine CNPz and DCNPz represent a new class of structurally simple, low‐cost and readily accessible electron‐deficient building block for constructing n‐type polymer semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plasma A2MG and AAT levels are inversely associated in PiMM and PiZZ subjects. • Independent of AAT genotype AAT/A2MG ratio correlates with DLCO% • Plasma Z-AAT polymer levels are unaffected by AAT augmentation. • Plasma Z-AAT polymers are directly associated with A2MG levels in PiZZ subjects. • Plasma Z-AAT polymers inversely correlate with FEV1/FVC ratio in PiZZ subjects. Compared to normal PiMM, individuals with severe α1-antitrypsin (AAT) PiZZ (Glu342Lys) genotype deficiency are at higher risk of developing early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema associated with Z-AAT polymers and neutrophilic inflammation. We aimed to investigate putative differences in plasma levels of acute phase proteins (APP) between PiMM and PiZZ subjects and to determine plasma Z-AAT polymer levels in PiZZ subjects. Nephelometric analysis of seven plasma APPs was performed in 67 PiMM and 44 PiZZ subjects, of whom 43 and 42, respectively, had stable COPD. Of the PiZZ-COPD patients, 21 received and 23 did not receive intravenous therapy with human AAT preparations (IV-AAT). Plasma levels of Z-AAT polymers were determined by Western blotting using specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (2C1 and LG96). In addition to lower plasma AAT, PiZZ patients had higher α2-macroglobulin (A2MG) levels than PiMM patients. In contrast, PiZZ who received IV-AAT had higher AAT values but lower A2MG values than PiZZ without IV-AAT. Regardless of the AAT genotype, AAT levels were inversely correlated with A2MG, and the AAT/A2MG ratio was correlated with lung diffusion capacity (DCLO%). All PiZZ patients had circulating Z-AAT polymer levels that correlated directly with A2MG. In PiZZ without IV-AAT therapy polymer levels correlated inversely with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). Combined measurement of plasma AAT and A2MG levels may be of clinical value in assessing the progression of COPD and requires further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of biobased polymers from renewable resources offers a solution to the growing environmental concerns and scarcity of fossil feedstock. The synthesized biobased polymers, especially for biobased elastomers, are mechanically weak, which greatly restricts their applications. In the present work, we demonstrate that the integration of transient and sacrificial quadruple H-bonding motifs into as-synthesized biobased elastomer can enhance the mechanical properties and bestow it with adaptive performance. Specially, the biobased elastomer was synthesized through melting poly-condensation using biobased di-acids and diols as the starting materials. The biobased elastomer is covalently crosslinked and grafted with ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) containing acrylate through thiol-ene click reaction by using pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) as the linkers. Under external load, UPy aggregations based on H-bonding can function as sacrificial units through reversible rupture and re-formation events, leading to significant improvements on the modulus and strength of the biobased elastomer while maintaining the extensibility. In addition, the dissociation and re-formation of H-bonding under thermal stimuli impart the elastomer with thermo-activated shape memory behavior. The incorporation of transient and sacrificial quadruple H-bonding motifs into bio-based elastomer that is synthesized from bio-based di-acids and diols can enhance the mechanical properties and bestow it with adaptive recovery. Image 1 • Quadruple H-bonding motifs are introduced into as-synthesized biobased elastomer through thiol-ene click reaction. • UPy aggregations based on H-bonding can act in sacrificial manner to improve modulus and tensile strength of the elastomer while maintaining the extensibility. • Dynamic nature of H-bonding allows the elastomer to access thermo-activated shape memory behavior. • The structure-property relationships of the resulted elastomer materials are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high‐performance but low‐cost n‐type polymers remains a significant challenge in the commercialization of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). To achieve this objective, it is essential to design the key electron‐deficient units with simple structures and facile preparation processes, which can facilitate the production of low‐cost n‐type polymers. Herein, by sequentially introducing fluorine and cyano functionalities onto trans‐1,3‐butadiene, we developed a series of structurally simple but highly electron‐deficient building blocks, namely 1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDE), 3‐fluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNFDE), and 2,3‐difluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDFDE), featuring a highly coplanar backbone and deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels (−3.03–4.33 eV), which render them highly attractive for developing n‐type semiconducting polymers. Notably, all these electron‐deficient units can be easily accessed by a two‐step high‐yield synthetic procedure from low‐cost raw materials, thus rendering them highly promising candidates for commercial applications. Upon polymerization with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), three copolymers were developed that demonstrated unipolar n‐type transport characteristics in OFETs with the highest electron mobility of >1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Hence, CNDE, CNFDE, and CNDFDE represent a class of novel, simple, and efficient electron‐deficient units for constructing low‐cost n‐type polymers, thereby providing valuable insight for OFET applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high‐performance but low‐cost n‐type polymers remains a significant challenge in the commercialization of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). To achieve this objective, it is essential to design the key electron‐deficient units with simple structures and facile preparation processes, which can facilitate the production of low‐cost n‐type polymers. Herein, by sequentially introducing fluorine and cyano functionalities onto trans‐1,3‐butadiene, we developed a series of structurally simple but highly electron‐deficient building blocks, namely 1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDE), 3‐fluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNFDE), and 2,3‐difluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDFDE), featuring a highly coplanar backbone and deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels (−3.03–4.33 eV), which render them highly attractive for developing n‐type semiconducting polymers. Notably, all these electron‐deficient units can be easily accessed by a two‐step high‐yield synthetic procedure from low‐cost raw materials, thus rendering them highly promising candidates for commercial applications. Upon polymerization with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), three copolymers were developed that demonstrated unipolar n‐type transport characteristics in OFETs with the highest electron mobility of >1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Hence, CNDE, CNFDE, and CNDFDE represent a class of novel, simple, and efficient electron‐deficient units for constructing low‐cost n‐type polymers, thereby providing valuable insight for OFET applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green‐processable printed large‐area light‐emitting diode (LED) is the crucial component of the high quality solid lighting and flat‐panel display. Accelerating the replacement from fossil‐based solvents to sustainable ecofriendly solvent is desirable for solution‐based printed organic electronics. Herein, by simple introducing methyl to the benzene groups of polydiarylfluorene‐based polymer, this work realizes the solution processing of blue polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) with a bio‐based solvent of limonene toward large‐area printed display. Film processed from this solvent exhibits satisfactory morphology and remarkable photophysical performances, even though the polymer chains show more serious aggregation in solution. What's more, devices fabricated with spin‐coated films present higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) and better spectra repeatability. Encouraged by the good film‐forming ability of this polymer in limonene, this work realizes the fabrication of printed large‐area films (5 × 5 cm2) with uniform emission and surface morphology by blade coating. Furthermore, this work develops passive matrix (PM) PLEDs arrays with 20 × 20 pixels that can dynamically display monochrome letters and numbers, demonstrating the potential application of cost‐effective printing techniques in large‐area display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerized small molecule acceptors have recently greatly facilitated the development of all‐polymer solar cells (All‐PSCs) with respect to the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, high‐performance and low‐cost polymer donors for All‐PSCs are still lacking, limiting further large‐scale manufacturing of All‐PSCs. Herein, this work designs and synthesizes a new thiophene derivative, FETVT, featuring vinyl‐bridged fluorine and ester‐substituted monothiophene. Incorporation of FETVT into a polymer yields a high‐performance polythiophene derivative PFETVT‐T, which exhibits deep‐lying HOMO level, suitable solution pre‐aggregation ability, finely‐tuned polymer crystallinity, and appropriate thermodynamic miscibility with the polymer acceptor L15. As a result, binary based on PFETVT‐T achieves a record PCE of 11.81% with agood stability, representing a breakthrough for polythiophenes and their derivatives‐based All‐PSCs, which is also significantly higher than that (1.92%) of All‐PSCs based on its isomerized analog. Remarkably, PFETVT‐T achieves an impressive PCE exceeding 16% via the implementation of a ternary blend design. These findings offer a hopeful pathway toward attaining high‐performance, stable, and cost‐effective PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles dealing with the chemistry and physics of polymer science is presented.

• Triblock copolymer RAMs was prepared can enrich fluoroquinolones but exclude proteins. • Zwitterionic polymer on the external surface was for protein exclusion. • Internal surface grafted mixed monomers formed multiple interactions of adsorption sites. • The RAMs shows the preponderance in the detection of fluoroquinolones from chicken. High-selectivity and high-exclusion restricted access materials (RAMs) benefit the analysis of biological samples. Herein, triblock copolymer–functionalized poly(4-vinylbenzyl chloride- co -divinylbenzene) (P VBC/DVB) microspheres were prepared via the sequential surface-initiated atom radical polymerization of hydrophobic styrene (St), ionic vinylimidazole (VIm), and zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), affording RAMs with multiple interaction–adsorption sites and zwitterionic polymer exclusion sites on the internal and external surfaces of P VBC/DVB. The preferential extraction of fluoroquinolones (FQs) is realized based on the hydrophobic/π–π/ion exchange interactions due to the grafted poly-St–VIm, and the zwitterionic poly-SBMA block in the triblock copolymers can efficiently exclude various proteins. A sensitive detection method for FQs in chicken was established by solid phase extraction with RAMs as adsorbent combined with UPLC-MS/MS, achieving wide linearity (2.0–200.0 ng mL−1), low limit of detection (0.5 μg kg−1) and limit of quantification (1.5 μg kg−1), and good inter- and intraday precision with satisfactory recoveries (104.1%–117.7% and 115.3%–121.2% with RSDs < 12%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐area polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) manufactured by printing are required for flat‐panel lighting and displays. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to fabricate large‐area and stable deep‐blue PLEDs with narrowband emission due to the difficulties in precisely tuning film uniformity and obtaining single‐exciton emission. Herein, efficient and stable large‐area deep‐blue PLEDs with narrowband emission are prepared from encapsulated polydiarylfluorene. Encapsulated polydiarylfluorenes presented an efficient and stable deep‐blue emission (peak: 439 nm; full width at half maximum (FWHM): 39 nm) in the solid state due to their single‐chain emission behavior without inter‐backbone chain aggregation. Large‐area uniform blade‐coated films (16 cm2) are also fabricated with excellent smoothness and morphology. Benefitting from efficient emission and excellent printed capacity, the blade‐coated PLEDs with a device area of 9 mm2 realized uniform deep‐blue emission (FWHM: 38 nm; CIE: 0.153, 0.067), with a corresponding maximum external quantum efficiency and the brightness comparable to those of devices based on spin‐coated films. Finally, considering the essential role of deep‐blue LEDs, a preliminary patterned PLED array with a pixel size of 800 × 1000 µm2 and a monochrome display is fabricated, highlighting potential full‐color display applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on shape-adaptable water-soluble conjugated polymers. Benefits of using conjugated polymers as the responsive basis for chemical and biological detection schemes; Synthetic method for producing cationic conjugated polymers with a range of backbone regiochemistries; Optical properties of the polymers.

The reservoir characteristics and fluid property of Daqing reservoir were taken as the research platform. For simulating the emulsifying process in the reservoir, injecting different concentrations of emulsifier solution into the core after water flooding, the viscoelasticity of the emulsion was measured. According to the value of the emulsion viscoelasticity, the numerical model of emulsion displacing oil film was established. Elastic stress acting on the oil film was calculated when the emulsion migrates. The deformation and transportation of the oil film were analyzed at bearing the elastic stress. The results show that the emulsion has favorable viscoelasticity. When the emulsifier concentration is higher, the emulsion elasticity is favorably increased. The oil film can deform and transport forward by the elastic stress. The elastic stress increases as the emulsion elasticity increases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Control of the secondary conformational behavior of light‐emitting conjugated polymers (LCPs) is essential to obtain deep‐blue emission with a narrowband and stable color purity. Naturally π–π interactions induced by the planar aromatic segments may be easily observed in liner‐type LCPs, which lead to reduced emission efficiency, color purity, and energy bandgap. Herein, an alternating copolymerization strategy is proposed to obtain the singlet exciton behavior of a planar conformational segment from polydiarylfluorenes‐copolymers (P7‐6DPF, P7‐8DPF, and P7‐9DPF) toward deep‐blue polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). Compared to the highly crystalline capacity of P7DPF, P7‐8DPF, and P8DPF, alternative P7‐6DPF and P7‐9DPF present a feature and well‐resolved emission from a planar conformational segment of polyfluorene without obvious polaron features and charge transfer states. More interestingly, P7‐6DPF and P7‐9DPF show thickness‐independent electroluminescence (EL) behavior with a stable deep‐blue color purity, which is the precondition to fabricate large‐scale and high‐quality PLEDs. Finally, compared to control devices, PLEDs based on the P7‐6DPF and P7‐9DPF planar (β) conformational films present a well‐resolved and narrowband emission, stable EL spectra, high brightness (two‐ to threefold), and high current efficiency (1.3‐fold). Therefore, optimizing hierarchical structure via alternating copolymerization is an effective strategy to improve the performance and stability of deep‐blue PLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two N-containing hydrocarbon based polymers polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyaniline (PANI) were found to be able to destabilize LiBH 4 , a potential hydrogen storage material, resulting in larger hydrogen capacities of more than 10 wt% with peak dehydrogenation temperatures around 344 °C. The results suggest that a co-destabilization effect was achieved through the interaction of B H and C H bonds, which was further enhanced due to the presence of nitrogen atoms in polymers. After rehydrogenation of the dehydrogenated products, LiBH 4 was found to be regenerated to a large extent in both of the LiBH 4 +polymer composites. Detailed analysis including XRD, FTIR, DSC-TG-MS, HRTEM, Raman, XPS and solid-state 11 B MAS NMR was performed to elucidate the dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation mechanisms in these composites. The results provide considerable information about interaction mechanisms among B H, C H, N H and C N bonds and also shed lights on the enhancement of LiBH 4 dehydrogenation and reversibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endo/lysosomal escape of gene vectors and the subsequent unpacking of nucleic acids in cytosol are two major challenges for efficient gene delivery. Herein, we report a polymeric gene delivery vector, which consists of a photosensitizer (PS) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics and oligoethylenimine (OEI) conjugated via an aminoacrylate (AA) linker that can be cleaved by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In aqueous media, the polymer could self-assemble into bright red fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs), which can efficiently bind to DNA through electrostatic interaction for gene delivery. Upon visible light irradiation, the generated ROS can break the endo/lysosomal membrane and the polymer, resulting in light-controlled endo/lysosomal escape and unpacking of DNA for efficient gene delivery. The smart polymer represents the first successful gene vector to simultaneously address both challenges with a single light excitation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Present a new polymer-based (Locatite3525) microbottle resonator fabricated by UV light irradiation and thermal reflow technology. • By optimizing the concentration of the dip impregnation GO solution, the microbottle resonator exhibited high RH sensitivity and figure of merit of 0.161 nm/%RH and 2.01/%RH. • After high-temperature annealing at 300 °C, temperature sensitivity of the microbottle resonator decreased by an order of magnitude, which significantly reduces the cross-sensitivity between humidity and temperature. A polymer-based micro-bottle resonator coated with graphene oxide (GO) film is presented to improve the relative humidity (RH) sensing performance. Polymeric material Loctite 3525 was coated onto a quartz fiber and cured by using UV light irradiation and thermal reflow technology. A layer of GO film was prepared on the micro-bottle resonator by the dip impregnation method, which realized a high Q-factor (>104) transmission of energy by appropriately designing a wave-guide resonator coupling. By optimizing the concentration of GO dip impregnation solution, high sensitivity and figure of merit (FoM) of 0.161 nm /%RH and 2.01/%RH were achieved in the RH range of 22–81%. In addition, after high-temperature annealing at 300 °C, the temperature sensitivity decreased by an order of magnitude from 0.793 nm /°C to 0.068 nm /°C, which significantly reduces the cross-sensitivity between humidity and temperature. The proposed resonator has the advantages of being compact in size, low in cost, high sensitivity, and low in temperature crosstalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of non‐conjugated polymers with long‐wavelength emission and high quantum yield (QY) is still a huge challenge. Herein, we report the first example of linear non‐conjugated polyester exhibiting yellow–green clusteroluminescence (CL) and a high QY of 38 %. We discovered that the polyester P3 with balanced flexibility and rigidity showed the longest CL wavelength and highest QY. Systematically photophysical characterization unravel the key role of ester cluster in the CL and the cluster formation via the aggregate of ester units was visualized. Moreover, P3 was demonstrated to be a highly selective, quick‐responsive (ca. 1.2 min) and sensitive detector (detection limit is 0.78 μM) for irons owing to the fast disassociation of clusters by irons. This work not only gains further mechanistic insight into CL but also provides a new strategy to design high‐efficiency and long‐wavelength CL, meanwhile, enlightens the glorious application prospect of luminescent polyester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of non‐conjugated polymers with long‐wavelength emission and high quantum yield (QY) is still a huge challenge. Herein, we report the first example of linear non‐conjugated polyester exhibiting yellow–green clusteroluminescence (CL) and a high QY of 38 %. We discovered that the polyester P3 with balanced flexibility and rigidity showed the longest CL wavelength and highest QY. Systematically photophysical characterization unravel the key role of ester cluster in the CL and the cluster formation via the aggregate of ester units was visualized. Moreover, P3 was demonstrated to be a highly selective, quick‐responsive (ca. 1.2 min) and sensitive detector (detection limit is 0.78 μM) for irons owing to the fast disassociation of clusters by irons. This work not only gains further mechanistic insight into CL but also provides a new strategy to design high‐efficiency and long‐wavelength CL, meanwhile, enlightens the glorious application prospect of luminescent polyester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of side-group regulation is utilized to manipulate the properties of poly(β-hydroxyvinyl N-substituted carbamate)s (PHNCs), thereby achieving the synthesis of PHNCs with single-molecule white-light emission. The combination of hydrogen bonding and rigid molecular structures can trigger the aggregation of hydroxyurethane and further enhance the stability of the TSIs among hydroxyurethane groups. [Display omitted] • Achieving the synthesis of poly(β-hydroxyvinyl N-substituted carbamate)s with single-molecule white-light emission. • Hydrogen bonding can trigger the aggregation of hydroxyurethane to generate oxygen clusters. • Through-space n-n interactions originating from oxygen clusters is confirmed by experimental evidence and theoretical calculations. • Rigid molecular structures can stabilize the through-space interactions. White-light-emitting polymers have attracted considerable attention in the fields of solid-state lighting and flexible displays. However, achieving white light emission from single-component polymers, particularly in clusteroluminescence (CL) polymers, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we synthesize three non-conjugated luminescent poly(β-hydroxyvinyl N-substituted carbamate)s (PHNCs): PHNCs-C with steric cyclohexyl groups, PHNCs-E with side hydroxyethyl groups, and PHNCs-H with flexible n-hexyl carbon chains. All PHNCs show excitation-independent emission, which transitions to excitation-dependent emission as the excitation wavelengths increase. It is proposed that these emissions originate from the π*→n transition of carbamate in hydroxyurethane and CL of hydroxyurethane, respectively. PHNCs-C exhibits the strongest CL and possesses the highest quantum yield (17.9 %) in solution, a performance that surpasses both PHNCs-E and PHNCs-H. This finding implies that a rigid structure can enhance and stabilize the through-space interactions (TSIs) of hydroxyurethane groups, resulting in a wide cluster-size distribution and white-light emission. Theoretical calculations corroborate these experimental results, further revealing that TSIs occur between the oxygen atoms of hydroxyurethane groups, namely, through-space n-n interactions of oxygen atoms. This work not only provides valuable insights into the nature of CL and TSIs, but also offers a novel approach to preparing single-component white-light-emitting CL polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of n‐type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) lags far behind their p‐type counterparts. In order to address this dilemma, we report here two new fused bithiophene imide dimer (f‐BTI2)‐based n‐type polymers with a branched methyl end‐capped glycol side chain, which exhibit good solubility, low‐lying LUMO energy levels, favorable polymer chain orientation, and efficient ion transport property, thus yielding a remarkable OECT electron mobility (μe) of up to ≈10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and volumetric capacitance (C*) as high as 443 F cm−3, simultaneously. As a result, the f‐BTI2TEG‐FT‐based OECTs deliver a record‐high maximum geometry‐normalized transconductance of 4.60 S cm−1 and a maximum μC* product of 15.2 F cm−1 V−1 s−1. The μC* figure of merit is more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the state‐of‐the‐art n‐type OECTs. The emergence of f‐BTI2TEG‐FT brings a new paradigm for developing high‐performance n‐type polymers for low‐power OECT applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of n‐type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) lags far behind their p‐type counterparts. In order to address this dilemma, we report here two new fused bithiophene imide dimer (f‐BTI2)‐based n‐type polymers with a branched methyl end‐capped glycol side chain, which exhibit good solubility, low‐lying LUMO energy levels, favorable polymer chain orientation, and efficient ion transport property, thus yielding a remarkable OECT electron mobility (μe) of up to ≈10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and volumetric capacitance (C*) as high as 443 F cm−3, simultaneously. As a result, the f‐BTI2TEG‐FT‐based OECTs deliver a record‐high maximum geometry‐normalized transconductance of 4.60 S cm−1 and a maximum μC* product of 15.2 F cm−1 V−1 s−1. The μC* figure of merit is more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the state‐of‐the‐art n‐type OECTs. The emergence of f‐BTI2TEG‐FT brings a new paradigm for developing high‐performance n‐type polymers for low‐power OECT applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel 3d–4f heterometallic coordination polymer, namely, {[Sm2(PBDA)2·2H2O][Zn2(PBDA)2(Cl)2]}n (1), (H2PBDA=3 -(pyridin-3-yl-oxy) benzene −1,2-dicarboxylic acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized by using samarium(III) nitrate, H2PBDA acid and zinc chloride as raw materials, and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TG analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Polymer 1 possesses two-dimensional (2D) network containing the original 1D heterometallic chain composed of [Sm2Zn2(PBDA)2] moieties. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that 1 displays possible weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the neighboring Sm(III) ions, and the photoluminescent properties of polymer 1 as well as free H2PBDA ligand were also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Surface functional modification of nanosized α-alumina is an effective way to improve its dispersion in polymer and to enhance interfacial agglutinate force between particles and polymer. In this paper, diphenylmathane-4,4''-diisocyanate(MDI) was used as a surface grafting agent to react with the hydroxyl group on the surface of nanosized α-alumina. The surface properties of the grafted α-alumina were studied by FT-IR spectra X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), surface tensiometer and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It was found that the reaction between the isocyanate group and the hydroxyl group on the surface of α-alumina nanoparticles was attribute to additional reaction of the double bond between C and N in the isocyanate group. The surface of MDI grafted α-alumina nanoparticles showed an extremely hydrophobic property and good dispersibility in ethanol. The most important influence was that there was a quantity of isocyanate groups with an active chemical property on the surface of the grafted particles, which could readily react with compounds containing –OH, –NH2 or –COOH groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Mn-N-C catalysts were developed by a newly designed bis(imino)-pyridine precursor. • The structures of Mn-N-C are dependent on the growth of the precursor with NaCl. • The Mn-N-C nanosheets with short Mn-N length shows excellent ORR performance. • This work provides new understanding for the rational design of M−N−C. Revealing the correlation between the micro–macro structures and active sites of transition metal-nitrogen-carbon (M−N−C) for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential to develop non-precious metal catalyzed fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Herein, Mn-N-C catalysts with various morphologies and microstructures were prepared using Mn2+ coordinated bis(imino)-pyridine-based polymer with N-rich content as a new platform of precursor, which was synthesized via a condensation reaction of 1H-1, 2, 4-Triazole-3, 5-Diamine and 2, 6-Diacetylpyridine. Results demonstrate that morphologies and fine structures (pore structure, N dopants, surface area, and atomic Mn-N bond length, etc.) of Mn-N-C catalysts are strongly dependent on the growth of the specific precursor with and without NaCl as a template and the secondary calcination temperature can further optimize the bond length of Mn-Nx moieties, resulting in significant activity differences between correspondingly derived Mn-N-C catalysts for ORR. Compared to Mn-N-C derived from the synthesized precursor without NaCl, Mn-N-C obtained by the precursor grown directly on NaCl features an ultra-thin nanosheet-like structure with a hierarchical pore distribution and a shorter Mn-N bond, presenting high ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.88 V in 0.1 M KOH and a tiny potential loss of 11 mV after 30 K cycles, which is also proved by high-performance practical single Zn-Air battery (139 mW·cm−2) and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (400 mW·cm−2). This work provides a new understanding of the critical role of morphology and Mn-N bonding length of M−N−C for enhancing ORR and a new route of developing non-Fe/Co-based M−N−C catalysts for electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first article on polymerization, published by Hermann Staudinger. It is Staudinger who realized that polymers consist of long chains of covalently linked building blocks. Polymers have had a tremendous impact on the society ever since this initial publication. People live in a world that is almost impossible to imagine without synthetic polymers. But what does the future hold for polymer science? In this article, the editors and advisory board of Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics reflect on this question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition and inactivation of specific pathogenic bacteria remain an enormous scientific challenge and an important therapeutic goal. Therefore, materials that can selectively target and kill specific pathogenic bacteria, without harming beneficial strains are highly desirable. Here, a material platform is reported that exploits bacteria as a template to synthesize polymers with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic by copper‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization for self‐selective killing of the bacteria that templates them with no antimicrobial resistance. The bacteria‐templated polymers show very weak fluorescence in aqueous media, however, the fluorescence is turned on upon recognition of the bacteria used as the template to synthesize the polymer even at a low concentration of 600 ng mL−1. Moreover, the incorporated AIE fluorogens (AIEgens) can act as an efficient photosensitizer for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after bacteria surface binding, which endows the templated polymers with the capability for selective bacterial killing. The bacterium‐templated synthesis is generally applicable to a wide range of bacteria, including clinically isolated multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains. It is envisioned that the bacterium‐templated method provides a new strategy for bacteria‐specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare attention has been paid to the comparison between a monomer and its corresponding polymer in terms of the optoelectronic characteristics. In this article, a model H-shaped molecule and its corresponding polymer, both of which exhibited similar properties including blue emission and solution processing, were designed and synthesized. Optoelectronic properties and various kinds of stability features, including the thermostabilities, spectral stabilities and amplified spontaneous emission characteristic of the monomer and polymer were investigated. In general, the corresponding polymer PH exhibited similar optoelectronic properties but deteriorated stabilities compared with its H-shaped monomer H-1 probably owing to the similar chemical structure but the wider molecular weight distribution and metal catalyst residue. Importantly, monomer H-1 displayed a comparable ASE threshold value with its polymer PH, suggesting that H-shaped fluorene-based small molecules may be more promising optical gain media in solid state amplifers and lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five one-dimensional (1D) lanthanide dicarboxylate coordination polymers (CPs) have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, namely, [Ln 2 (1,3-adc) 3 (H 2 O) 4 ]· x H 2 O [Ln = Eu ( 1 , x = 1), Tb ( 2 , x = 1), Dy ( 3 , x = 2), and Er ( 4 , x = 1), 1,3-H 2 adc = 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid] and [Yb(1,3-adc)(1,3-Hadc)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O ( 5 ). Structural characterization reveals that CPs 1 – 4 exhibit isostructural 1D chain formed by 1,3-adc linking alternately two mononuclear Ln(COO) 4 units and one dinuclear Ln 2 (COO) 4 cluster. CP 5 shows a 1D zigzag chain constructed from 1,3-adc connecting Yb(III), and the 1,3-Hadc anions are regularly arranged on two sides of the 1D chain. In 1 – 5 , the neighboring 1D chains are extended into a two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular layer by hydrogen-bonding interactions. Property investigation indicates that CPs 1 – 3 and 5 display characteristic luminescence of the Eu(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), and Yb(III) ions, respectively. CP 3 shows a field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of copper-lanthanide heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs), [LnCu(2,3-pydc)2(suc)0.5(H2O)3] ·H2O [Ln = La ( 1), Pr ( 2), Nd ( 3), Sm ( 4), Gd ( 5), and Eu ( 6), 2,3-H2pydc = pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, H2suc = succinic acid], [Ln2Cu3(2,3-pydc)6(H2O)10] ·8H2O [Ln = Eu ( 7), Tb ( 8), Dy ( 9), and Er ( 10)], and [Ln2Cu(2,3-pydc)2(suc)(µ2-OH)2(H2O)2] ·2H2O [Ln = Er ( 11), Yb ( 12), and Lu ( 13)], were synthesized by the hydrothermal reactions of LnCl3 · nH2O, Cu(NO3)2 ·3H2O, pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (2,3-H2pydc), and N, N′-di(4 H-1,2,4-triazole)butanamide (dtb). CPs 1- 13 possess three types of three-dimensional (3D) frameworks. In 1- 6, the dinuclear Cu2(2,3-pydc)4 and Ln2(COO)2 units link to each other to form two-dimensional (2D) layers, which are extended by the suc anions into a 3D framework. In 7- 10, the lanthanide ions connect the trinuclear Cu3(2,3-pydc)6 units into a 3D framework. In 11- 13, the mononuclear Cu(2,3-pydc)2 units bridge the one-dimensional (1D) lanthanide chains into 2D layers, which are linked by the suc anions into a 3D framework. CP 9 shows a field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior with a Ueff value of 83.7 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origami is used beyond purely aesthetic pursuits to design responsive and customizable mechanical metamaterials. However, a generalized physical understanding of origami remains elusive, owing to the challenge of determining whether local kinematic constraints are globally compatible and to an incomplete understanding of how the folded sheet's material properties contribute to the overall mechanical response. Here, we show that the traditional square twist, whose crease pattern has zero degrees of freedom (DOF) and therefore should not be foldable, can nevertheless be folded by accessing bending deformations that are not explicit in the crease pattern. These hidden bending DOF are separated from the crease DOF by an energy gap that gives rise to a geometrically driven critical bifurcation between mono- and bistability. Noting its potential utility for fabricating mechanical switches, we use a temperature-responsive polymer-gel version of the square twist to demonstrate hysteretic folding dynamics at the sub-millimetre scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inserting polymers into a crystalline inorganic matrix to understand the structure, position, and the structure-property relationships of the resulting composites is important for designing new inorganic-organic materials and tuning their properties. Single crystals of polymer-chalcogenide composites were successfully prepared by trapping polyethyleneglycol within a selenidostannate matrix under surfactant-thermal conditions. This work might provide a new strategy for preparing novel crystalline polymer-inorganic composites through encapsulating polymer chains within inorganic matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inserting polymers into a crystalline inorganic matrix to understand the structure, position, and the structure-property relationships of the resulting composites is important for designing new inorganic-organic materials and tuning their properties. Single crystals of polymer-chalcogenide composites were successfully prepared by trapping polyethyleneglycol within a selenidostannate matrix under surfactant-thermal conditions. This work might provide a new strategy for preparing novel crystalline polymer-inorganic composites through encapsulating polymer chains within inorganic matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]