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Six N-alkylpyridinium salts [CnPy](2)[MCl4] (n = 4 or 12 and M = Co, Cu, Zn) were synthesized, and their structure and thermal properties were studied. The [C4Py](2)[MCl4] compounds are monoclinic and crystallize in the space group P2(1)/n. The crystals of the longer chain analogues [C12Py](2)[MCl4] are triclinic and crystallize in the space group P (1) over bar. Above the melting temperature, all compounds are ionic liquids (ILs). The derivatives with the longer C12 chain exhibit liquid crystallinity and the shorter chain compounds only show a melting transition. Consistent with single-crystal analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy suggests that the [CuCl4](2-) ions in the Cu-based ILs have a distorted tetrahedral geometry.
Six N-alkylpyridinium salts [CnPy](2)[MCl4] (n = 4 or 12 and M = Co, Cu, Zn) were synthesized, and their structure and thermal properties were studied. The [C4Py](2)[MCl4] compounds are monoclinic and crystallize in the space group P2(1)/n. The crystals of the longer chain analogues [C12Py](2)[MCl4] are triclinic and crystallize in the space group P (1) over bar. Above the melting temperature, all compounds are ionic liquids (ILs). The derivatives with the longer C12 chain exhibit liquid crystallinity and the shorter chain compounds only show a melting transition. Consistent with single-crystal analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy suggests that the [CuCl4](2-) ions in the Cu-based ILs have a distorted tetrahedral geometry.
The title compound was prepared by the reaction of 1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclo-octadecane with 4-chloro-2-methyl-phenoxyacetic acid in a ratio of 1:2. The structure has been proved by the data of elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, NMR ( 1 H, 13 C) technique and by X-ray diffraction analysis. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the azonium protons and oxygen atoms of the carboxylate groups were found. Immunoactive properties of the title compound have been screened. The compound has the ability to suppress spontaneous and Con A-stimulated cell proliferation in vitro and therefore can be considered as immunodepressant.
Quality attributes of fruit determine its acceptability by the retailer and consumer. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of absorption (μa) and reduced scattering (μs’) coefficients of European pear to analyze its fruit flesh firmness and soluble solids content (SSC). The absolute reference values, μa* (cm−1) and μs’* (cm−1), of pear were invasively measured, employing multi-spectral photon density wave (PDW) spectroscopy at preselected wavelengths of 515, 690, and 940 nm considering two batches of unripe and overripe fruit. On eight measuring dates during fruit development, μa and μs’ were analyzed non-destructively by means of laser light backscattering imaging (LLBI) at similar wavelengths of 532, 660, and 830 nm by means of fitting according to Farrell’s diffusion theory, using fix reference values of either μa* or μs’*. Both, the μa* and the μa as well as μs’* and μs’ showed similar trends. Considering the non-destructively measured data during fruit development, μa at 660 nm decreased 91 till 141 days after full bloom (dafb) from 1.49 cm−1 to 0.74 cm−1 due to chlorophyll degradation. At 830 nm, μa only slightly decreased from 0.41 cm−1 to 0.35 cm−1. The μs’ at all wavelengths revealed a decreasing trend as the fruit developed. The difference measured at 532 nm was most pronounced decreasing from 24 cm−1 to 10 cm−1, while at 660 nm and 830 nm values decreased from 15 cm−1 to 13 cm−1 and from 10 cm−1 to 8 cm−1, respectively. When building calibration models with partial least-squares regression analysis on the optical properties for non-destructive analysis of the fruit SSC, μa at 532 nm and 830 nm resulted in a correlation coefficient of R = 0.66, however, showing high measuring uncertainty. The combination of all three wavelengths gave an enhanced, encouraging R = 0.89 for firmness analysis using μs’ in the freshly picked fruit.
We present a fluorescence excitation-emission-matrix spectrometer with superior data acquisition rates over previous instruments. Light from a white light emitting diode (LED) source is dispersed onto a digital micromirror array (DMA) and encoded using binary n-size Walsh functions ("barcodes"). The encoded excitation light is used to irradiate the liquid sample and its fluorescence is dispersed and detected using a conventional array spectrometer. After exposure to excitation light encoded in n different ways, the 2-dimensional excitation-emission-matrix (EEM) spectrum is obtained by inverse Hadamard transformation. Using this technique we examined the kinetics of the fluorescence of rhodamine B as a function of temperature and the acid-driven demetalation of chlorophyll into pheophytin-a. For these experiments, EEM spectra with 31 excitation channels and 2048 emission channels were recorded every 15 s. In total, data from over 3000 EEM spectra were included in this report. It is shown that the increase in data acquisition rate can be as high as [{n(n + 1)}/2]-fold over conventional EEM spectrometers. Spectral acquisition rates of more than two spectra per second were demonstrated.
Despite the myriad of organic donor:acceptor materials, only few systems have emerged in the life of organic solar cells to, exhibit considerable reduced bimolecular recombination, with respect to the random encounter rate given by the Langevin equation. Monte Carlo simulations have revealed that the rate constant of the formation of electron-hole bound states depends on the random encounter of opposite charges and is nearly given by the Langevin equation for the domain sizes relevant to efficient bulk heterojunction systems. Recently, three studies :suggested that charge transfer states dissociating much faster than their decay rate to the ground state, can result in reduced bimolecular recombination by lowering the recombination rate to the ground state as a loss pathway. A separate study identified another loss pathway and suggested that forbidden back electron transfer from triplet charge transfer states to triplet excitons is a key to achieving reduced recombination. Herein we further explain the reduced bimolecular recombination by investigating the limitations of these two proposals. By solving kinetic rate equations for a BHJ system with realistic rates, we show that both of these previously presented conditions must only be held at the same time fora system to exhibit non-Langevin behavior. We demonstrate that suppression of both of the parallel loss channels of singlet and triplet states can be achieved through increasing the dissociation rate of the charge transfer states; a crucial requirement to achieve a high charge carrier extraction efficiency.
In our search for new antiplasmodial agents, the CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) extract of the roots of Tephrosia aequilata was investigated, and observed to cause 100% mortality of the chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strain of Plasmodium falciparum at a 10 mg/mL concentration. From this extract three new chalconoids, E-2,6-dimethoxy-3,4-(2,2-dimethyl)pyranoretrochalcone (1, aequichalcone A), Z-2,6-dimethoxy-3,4-(2,2-dimethyl)pyranoretrochalcone (2, aequichalcone B), 4-ethoxy-3-hydroxypraecansone B (3, aequichalcone C) and a new pterocarpene, 3,4:8,9-dimethylenedioxy-6a,11a-pterocarpene (4), along with seven known compounds were isolated. The purified compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. Compound 1 slowly converts into 2 in solution, and thus the latter may have been enriched, or formed, during the extraction and separation process. The isomeric compounds 1 and 2 were both observed in the crude extract. Some of the isolated constituents showed good to moderate antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strain of Plasmodium falciparum.
Porous silicon single layer (PSM), bilayer (PSB) and pillar (PSP) structures have been evaluated as nucleation centers for vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) crystals. Deposition of vanadium precursor over different substrates (drop casting technique), followed by annealing treatment under Ar-H-2 (5% H-2) atmosphere, induced crystallization of vanadium oxide. With respect to c-Si/SiO2 substrate, V2O5 nanorods with relatively large aspect ratio were formed over and within PSP structures. On the other hand, pores in PSM and PSB were found to be filled with relatively smaller crystals. Additionally, PSB provided a nucleation substrate capable to align the nanocrystals in a preferential orientation, while V2O5 crystals grown on PSP were found to be randomly aligned around the nanoporous pillar microstructure. Nanorods and nanocrystals were identified as V2O5 by temperature-controlled XRD measurements and evidence of their crystalline nature was observed via transmission electron microscopy. A careful analysis of electronic microscopy images allows the identification of the facets composing the ends of the crystals and its corresponding surface free energy has been evaluated employing the Wulff theorem. Such high surface area composite structures have potential applications as cathode material in Lithium-ion batteries.
The decomposition of anthracene endoperoxides has been investigated under various conditions. Thermolyses proceed via radical intermediates and afford anthracenes and rearrangement products, depending on the substitution pattern. Interestingly, not only the O-O but also the C-O bond can be cleaved homolytically. Under basic conditions fragmentations take place, affording anthraquinone, and reactive oxygen species. This mechanism explains the often observed decomposition of endoperoxides during work-up. Finally, an acid-catalyzed cleavage has been observed under release of hydrogen peroxide. The results should be interesting for the mechanistic understanding of peroxide decomposition and the endoperoxides might serve as mild sources of reactive oxygen species for future applications. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reaction of oxygen-substituted naphthalenes with singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) has been investigated, and labile endoperoxides have been isolated and characterized at -78 degrees C for the first time. Low-temperature kinetics by UV spectroscopy revealed that alkoxy and silyloxy substituents remarkably increase the rate of photooxygenations compared to 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene, whereas acyloxy-substituted acenes are inert towards O-1(2). The reactivities nicely correlate with HOMO energies and free activation energies, which we determined by density functional theory calculations. The lability of the isolated endoperoxides is due to their very fast back reaction to the corresponding naphthalenes even at -20 degrees C under release of O-1(2), making them to superior sources of this reactive species under very mild conditions. Finally, a carbohydrate-substituted naphthalene has been synthesized, which reacts reversibly with O-1(2) and might be applied for enantioselective oxidations in future work.
Macrocycles based on L-cystine were synthesized by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and subsequently polymerized by entropy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ED-ROMP). Monomer conversion reached similar to 80% in equilibrium and the produced poly (ester-amine-disulfide-alkene)s exhibited apparent molar masses (M-w(app)) of up to 80 kDa and dispersities (D) of similar to 2. The polymers can be further functionalized with acid anhydrides and degraded by reductive cleavage of the main-chain disulfide.
The aqueous solution behavior of thermoresponsive-hydrophilic block copolypeptoids, i.e., poly(N-(n-propyl)glycine) (x) -block-poly(N-methylglycine) (y) (x = 70; y = 23, 42, 76), in the temperature range of 20-45 A degrees C is studied. Turbidimetric analyses of the 0.1 wt% aqueous solutions reveal two cloud points at T (cp)similar to 30 and 45 A degrees C and a clearing point in between at T (cl)similar to 42 A degrees C. Temperature-dependent dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggest that right above the first collapse temperature, single polymer molecules assemble into large structures which upon further heating, i.e., at the clearing point temperature, disassemble into micelle-like structures. Upon further heating, the aggregates start to grow again in size, as recognized by the second cloud point, through a crystallization process.
The valorization of carbohydrates is one of the most promising fields in green chemistry, as it enables to produce bulk chemicals and fuels out of renewable and abundant resources, instead of further exploiting fossil feedstocks. The focus in this thesis is the conversion of fructose, using dehydration and hydrodeoxygenation reactions. The main goal is to find an easy continuous process, including the solubility of the sugar in a green solvent, the conversion over a solid acid as well as over a metal@tungsten carbide catalyst.
At the beginning of this thesis, solid acid catalysts are synthesized by using carbohydrate material like glucose and starch at high temperatures (up to 600 °C). Additionally a third carbon is synthesized, using an activation method based on Ca(OH)2. After carbonization and further sulfonation, using fuming sulfuric acid, the three resulting catalysts are characterized together with sulfonated carbon black and Amberlyst 15 as references. In order to test all solid acid catalysts in reaction, a 250 mm x 4.6 mm stainless steel column is used as a fixed-bed continuous reactor. The temperature (110 °C to 250 °C) and residence time (2 to 30 minutes) is varied, and a direct relationship between contact time and selectivity is determined. The reaction mechanism, as well as the product distribution is showing a dehydration step of fructose towards 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). These furan-ring molecules are considered as “sleeping giants”, due to the possibility of using them as fuel, but also for upgrading them to chemicals like terephthalic acid or p-xylene. Consecutive reactions are producing levulinic acid, as well as condensation products with ethanol and formic acid. The activated carbon is additionally showing a 2 % yield of 2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) production, pointing towards the extraordinary properties of this catalyst. Without a metal catalyst present, what is normally necessary for hydrogenation reactions, a transferhydrogenation (with formic acid) is observed. The active catalyst was therefore carbon itself, what activated the hydrogen on its surface. This phenomenon was just very rarely observed so far. Expensive noble metals are the material of choice, when it comes to hydrogenation reactions nowadays and cheaper alternatives are necessary.
By postulating a similar electronic structure of tungsten carbide (WC) to platinum by Lewy and Boudart, research is focusing on the replacement of Pt. The production of nano-sized tungsten carbide particles (7.5 ± 2.5 nm, 70 m2 g-1) is enabled by the so called “urea glass route” and its catalytic performances are compared to commercial material. It is shown, that the activity is strongly dependent on the size of the particles as well as the surface area. Nano-sized tungsten carbide is showing activity for hydrogenation reactions under mild conditions (maximum 150 °C, 30 bar). This material therefore opens up new possibilities for replacing the rare and expensive platinum with tungsten carbide based catalysts.
Additionally different metal nanoparticles of palladium, copper and nickel are deposited on top of WC to further promote its reactivity. The nickel nanoparticles are strongly connected to WC and showed the best activity as well as selectivity for upgrading HMF with hydrodeoxygenation. The Ni@WC is not leaching and is showing very good hydrodeoxygenation properties with DMF yields up to 90 percent. Copper@WC is not showing good activity and palladium@WC enables undesired consecutive reactions, hydrogenating the furan ring system.
In order to enable the upgrade of fructose to DMF directly in a continuous system, the current H CUBE Pro TM hydrogenation system is customized with a second reaction column. A 250 mm x 4.6 mm stainless steel reactor column is connected ahead of the hydrogen insertion, enabling the dehydration of fructose to HMF derivatives, before pumping these products into the second column for hydrogenation. The overall residence time in the two column reactor system is 14 minutes. The overall results are an almost full conversion with a yield of 38.5 % DMF and 47 % yield of EL. The main disadvantage is the formation of higher mass products, so called humins, which start depositing on top of the catalysts, blocking their active sites.
In general it can be stated, that a two column system goes along with a higher investment as well as more maintenance costs, compared to a one column catalytic approach. To develop a catalyst, which is on the one hand able to dehydrate as well as hydrodeoxygenate the reactants, is aimed for at the last part of the thesis. The activated carbon however shows already activity for hydrodeoxygenation without any metal present and offers itself therefore as an alternative to overcome the temperature instability of Amberlyst 15 (max. 120 °C) for a combined DMF production directly from fructose. The activity for the upgrade to DMF is increased from 2 % to 12 % DMF yield in one mixed continuous column.
In order to scale up the entire one column approach, an 800 mm x 28.5 mm inner diameter column was planned and manufactured. The system is scaled up and assembled, whereas this flow reactor system is able to be run with 50 mL min-1 maximum flow rate, to stand a pressure of maximum 100 bar and be heated to around 500 °C. The tubing and connections, as well as the used devices are planned according to be safe and easy in use. The scaled-up approach offers a reaction column 120 times bigger (510 ml) then the first extension of the commercial system. This further extension offers the possibility of ranging between 1 and 1000 mL min-1, making it possible to use the approach in pilot plant applications.
Surfactants are required for the formation and stabilization of hydrophobic polymeric particles in aqueous environment. In order to form submicron particles of varying sizes from oligo[3-(S)-sec-butylmorpholine-2,5-dione]diols ((OBMD)-diol), different surfactants were investigated. As new surfactants, four-armed star-shaped oligo(ethylene glycol)s of molecular weights of 5-20 kDa functionalized with desamino-tyrosine (sOEG-DAT) resulted in smaller particles with lower PDI than with desaminotyrosyl tyrosine (sOEG-DATT) in an emulsion/solvent evaporation method. In a second set of experiments, sOEG-DAT of M-n= 10 kDa was compared with the commonly employed emulsifiers polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), and D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (VIT E-TPGS) for OBMD particle preparation. sOEG-DAT allowed to systematically change sizes in a range of 300 up to 900 nm with narrow polydispersity, while in the other cases, a lower size range (250-400 nm, PVA; 300 nm, Tween 20) or no effective particle formation was observed. The ability of tailoring particle size in a broad range makes sOEG-DAT of particular interest for the formation of oligodepsipeptide particles, which can further be investigated as drug carriers for controlled delivery. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This project was focused on generating ultra thin stimuli responsive membranes with an embedded transmembrane protein to act as the pore. The membranes were formed by crosslinking of transmembrane protein polymer conjugates. The conjugates were self assembled on air water interface and the polymer chains crosslinked using a UV crosslinkable comonomer to engender the membrane. The protein used for the studies reported herein was one of the largest transmembrane channel proteins, ferric hydroxamate uptake protein component A (FhuA), found in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The wild type protein and three genetic variants of FhuA were provided by the group of Prof. Schwaneberg in Aachen. The well known thermo responsive poly(N isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and the pH and thermo responsive polymer poly((2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) were conjugated to FhuA and the genetic variants via controlled radical polymerization (CRP) using grafting from technique. These polymers were chosen because they would provide stimuli handles in the resulting membranes. The reported polymerization was the first ever attempt to attach polymer chains onto a membrane protein using site specific modification.
The conjugate synthesis was carried out in two steps – a) FhuA was first converted into a macroinitiator by covalently linking a water soluble functional CRP initiator to the lysine residues. b) Copper mediated CRP was then carried out in pure buffer conditions with and without sacrificial initiator to generate the conjugates.
The challenge was carrying out the modifications on FhuA without denaturing it. FhuA, being a transmembrane protein, requires amphiphilic species to stabilize its highly hydrophobic transmembrane region. For the experiments reported in this thesis, the stabilizing agent was 2 methyl 2,4-pentanediol (MPD). Since the buffer containing MPD cannot be considered a purely aqueous system, and also because MPD might interfere with the polymerization procedure, the reaction conditions were first optimized using a model globular protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). The optimum conditions were then used for the generation of conjugates with FhuA.
The generated conjugates were shown to be highly interfacially active and this property was exploited to let them self assemble onto polar apolar interfaces. The emulsions stabilized by particles or conjugates are referred to as Pickering emulsions. Crosslinking conjugates with a UV crosslinkable co monomer afforded nano thin micro compartments. Interfacial self assembly at the air water interface and subsequent UV crosslinking also yielded nano thin, stimuli responsive membranes which were shown to be mechanically robust. Initial characterization of the flux and permeation of water through these membranes is also reported herein. The generated nano thin membranes with PNIPAAm showed reduced permeation at elevated temperatures owing to the resistance by the hydrophobic and thus water-impermeable polymer matrix, hence confirming the stimulus responsivity.
Additionally, as a part of collaborative work with Dr. Changzhu Wu, TU Dresden, conjugates of three enzymes with current/potential industrial relevance (candida antarctica lipase B, benzaldehyde lyase and glucose oxidase) with stimuli responsive polymers were synthesized. This work aims at carrying out cascade reactions in the Pickering emulsions generated by self assembled enzyme polymer conjugate.
The high interfacial activity of protein-polymer conjugates has inspired their use as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions, resulting in many interesting applications such as synthesis of templated micro-compartments and protocells or vehicles for drug and gene delivery. In this study we report, for the first time, the stabilization of Pickering emulsions with conjugates of a genetically modified transmembrane protein, ferric hydroxamate uptake protein component A (FhuA). The lysine residues of FhuA with open pore (FhuA Delta CVFtev) were modified to attach an initiator and consequently controlled radical polymerization (CRP) carried out via the grafting-from technique. The resulting conjugates of FhuA Delta CVFtev with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), the so-called building blocks based on transmembrane proteins (BBTP), have been shown to engender larger structures. The properties such as pH-responsivity, temperature-responsivity and interfacial activity of the BBTP were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and pendant drop tensiometry. The BBTP were then utilized for the synthesis of highly stable Pickering emulsions, which could remain non-coalesced for well over a month. A new UV-crosslinkable monomer was synthesized and copolymerized with NIPAAm from the protein. The emulsion droplets, upon crosslinking of polymer chains, yielded micro-compartments. Fluorescence microscopy proved that these compartments are of micrometer scale, while cryo-scanning electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy analysis yielded a thickness in the range of 11.1 +/- 0.6 to 38.0 +/- 18.2 nm for the stabilizing layer of the conjugates. Such micro-compartments would prove to be beneficial in drug delivery applications, owing to the possibility of using the channel of the transmembrane protein as a gate and the smart polymer chains as trigger switches to tune the behavior of the capsules.
Porous polyelectrolyte membranes stable in a highly ionic environment are obtained by covalent crosslinking of an imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid). The crosslinking reaction involves the UV light-induced thiol-ene (click) chemistry, and the phase separation, occurring during the crosslinking step, generates a fully interconnected porous structure in the membrane. The porosity is on the order of the micrometer scale and the membrane shows a gradient of pore size across the membrane cross-section. The membrane can separate polystyrene latex particles of different size and undergoes actuation in contact with acetone due to the asymmetric porous structure.
A new isoflavone, 8-prenylmilldrone (1), and four new rotenoids, oblarotenoids A-D (2-5), along with nine known compounds (6-14), were isolated from the CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) extract of the leaves of Millettia oblata ssp. teitensis by chromatographic separation. The purified compounds were identified by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses, whereas the absolute configurations of the rotenoids were established on the basis of chiroptical data and in some cases by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Maximaisoflavone J (11) and oblarotenoid C (4) showed weak activity against the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 with IC50 values of 33.3 and 93.8 mu M, respectively.
In this work, a sensor system based on thermoresponsive materials is developed by utilizing a modular approach. By synthesizing three different key monomers containing either a carboxyl, alkene or alkyne end group connected with a spacer to the methacrylic polymerizable unit, a flexible copolymerization strategy has been set up with oligo ethylene glycol methacrylates. This allows to tune the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymers in aqueous media. The molar masses are variable thanks to the excurse taken in polymerization in ionic liquids thus stretching molar masses from 25 to over 1000 kDa. The systems that were shown shown to be effective in aqueous solution could be immobilized on surfaces by copolymerizing photo crosslinkable units. The immobilized systems were formulated to give different layer thicknesses, swelling ratios and mesh sizes depending on the demand of the coupling reaction.
The coupling of detector units or model molecules is approached via reactions of the click chemistry pool, and the reactions are evaluated on their efficiency under those aspects, too. These coupling reactions are followed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) to judge efficiency. With these tools at hand, Salmonella saccharides could be selectively detected by SPR. Influenza viruses were detected in solution by turbidimetry in solution as well as by a copolymerized solvatochromic dye to track binding via the changes of the polymers’ fluorescence by said binding event. This effect could also be achieved by utilizing the thermoresponsive behavior. Another demonstrator consists of the detection system bound to a quartz surface, thus allowing the virus detection on a solid carrier.
The experiments show the great potential of combining the concepts of thermoresponsive materials and click chemistry to develop technically simple sensors for large biomolecules and viruses.
Nowadays, the need to protect the environment becomes more urgent than ever. In the field of chemistry, this translates to practices such as waste prevention, use of renewable feedstocks, and catalysis; concepts based on the principles of green chemistry. Polymers are an important product in the chemical industry and are also in the focus of these changes. In this thesis, more sustainable approaches to make two classes of polymers, polypeptoids and polyesters, are described.
Polypeptoids or poly(alkyl-N-glycines) are isomers of polypeptides and are biocompatible, as well as degradable under biologically relevant conditions. In addition to that, they can have interesting properties such as lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior. They are usually synthesized by the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxy anhydrides (NCAs), which are produced with the use of toxic compounds (e.g. phosgene) and which are highly sensitive to humidity. In order to avoid the direct synthesis and isolation of the NCAs, N-phenoxycarbonyl-protected N-substituted glycines are prepared, which can yield the NCAs in situ. The conditions for the NCA synthesis and its direct polymerization are investigated and optimized for the simplest N-substituted glycine, sarcosine. The use of a tertiary amine in less than stoichiometric amounts compared to the N-phenoxycarbonyl--sarcosine seems to accelerate drastically the NCA formation and does not affect the efficiency of the polymerization. In fact, well defined polysarcosines that comply to the monomer to initiator ratio can be produced by this method. This approach was also applied to other N-substituted glycines.
Dihydroxyacetone is a sustainable diol produced from glycerol, and has already been used for the synthesis of polycarbonates. Here, it was used as a comonomer for the synthesis of polyesters. However, the polymerization of dihydroxyacetone presented difficulties, probably due to the insolubility of the macromolecular chains. To circumvent the problem, the dimethyl acetal protected dihydroxyacetone was polymerized with terephthaloyl chloride to yield a soluble polymer. When the carbonyl was recovered after deprotection, the product was insoluble in all solvents, showing that the carbonyl in the main chain hinders the dissolution of the polymers. The solubility issue can be avoided, when a 1:1 mixture of dihydroxyacetone/ ethylene glycol is used to yield a soluble copolyester.
Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) simulations based on the conventional configuration interaction singles (CIS) lead to excitation energies, which are systematically blue shifted. Using a (restricted) open shell core hole reference instead of the Hartree Fock (HF) ground state orbitals improves (Decleva et al., Chem. Phys., 1992, 168, 51) excitation energies and the shape of the spectra significantly. In this work, we systematically vary the underlying SCF approaches, that is, based on HF or density functional theory, to identify best suited reference orbitals using a series of small test molecules. We compare the energies of the K edges and NEXAFS spectra to experimental data. The main improvement compared to conventional CIS, that is, using HF ground state orbitals, is due to the electrostatic influence of the core hole. Different SCF approaches, density functionals, or the use of fractional occupations lead only to comparably small changes. Furthermore, to account for bigger systems, we adapt the core-valence separation for our approach. We demonstrate that the good quality of the spectrum is not influenced by this approximation when used together with the non-separated ground state wave function. Simultaneously, the computational demands are reduced remarkably. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A series of new fluorescent dye bearing monomers, including glycomonomers, based on maleamide and maleic esteramide was synthesized. The dye monomers were incorporated by radical copolymerization into thermo-responsive poly(N-vinyl-caprolactam) that displays a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solution. The effects of the local molecular environment on the polymers' luminescence, in particular on the fluorescence intensity and the extent of solvatochromism, were investigated below as well as above the phase transition. By attaching substituents of varying size and polarity in the close vicinity of the fluorophore, and by varying the spacer groups connecting the dyes to the polymer backbone, we explored the underlying structure-property relationships, in order to establish rules for successful sensor designs, e.g., for molecular thermometers. Most importantly, spacer groups of sufficient length separating the fluorophore from the polymer backbone proved to be crucial for obtaining pronounced temperature regulated fluorescence responses.
Reversible movements of current polymeric actuators stem from the continuous response to signals from a controlling unit, and subsequently cannot be interrupted without stopping or eliminating the input trigger. Here, we present actuators based on cross-linked blends of two crystallizable polymers capable of pausing their movements in a defined manner upon continuous cyclic heating and cooling. This noncontinuous actuation can be adjusted by varying the applied heating and cooling rates. The feasibility of these devices for technological applications was shown in a 140 cycle experiment of free-standing noncontinuous shape shifts, as well as by various demonstrators.
Synthesis of Pyridylanthracenes and Their Reversible Reaction with Singlet Oxygen to Endoperoxides
(2017)
The ortho, meta, and para isomers of 9,10-dipyridylanthracene 1 have been synthesized and converted into their endoperoxides 1-O-2 upon oxidation with singlet oxygen. The kinetics of this reaction can be controlled by the substitution pattern and the solvent: in highly polar solvents, the meta isomer is the most reactive, whereas the ortho isomer is oxidized fastest in nonpolar solvents. Heating of the endoperoxides affords the parent anthracenes by release of singlet oxygen.
Carbohydrates carrying thiol groups at the C-2 position have been attached to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with stereocenters in close proximity to the surface for the first time. Their configurations can be clearly distinguished by the tendency of particle aggregation. AuNP surface plasmon resonance (SPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and IR spectroscopy indicate that the thiocarbohydrates replace citrate molecules at different rates, causing aggregation and eventually precipitation. A quantitative formulation of this aggregation process shows that reactivities can vary by several magnitudes. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics also demonstrate that the number of thiocarbohydrates varies by a factor of two. Molecular mechanics force field (MMFF) calculations reveal their relative orientations. Based on these models, the different binding behavior can be ascribed to attractive van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Such interactions occur either between the carbohydrate and AuNPs, by lateral intermolecular forces at the surface, or by interparticle attraction, in analogy to cell-surface carbohydrates of biological recognition systems. Aggregation of NPs therefore act as an indicator to differentiate between various carbohydrates with defined configurations.
Magnetosome Organization in Magnetotactic Bacteria Unraveled by Ferromagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
(2017)
Magnetotactic bacteria form assemblies of magnetic nanoparticles called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes are typically arranged in chains, but other forms of assemblies such as clusters can be observed in some species and genetic mutants. As such, the bacteria have developed as a model for the understanding of how organization of particles can influence the magnetic properties. Here, we use ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the magnetic anisotropies in different strains of Magnetosprillum gtyphiswaldense MSR-1, a bacterial species that is amendable to genetic mutations. We combine our experimental results with a model describing the spectra. The model includes chain imperfections and misalignments following a Fisher distribution function, in addition to the intrinsic magnetic properties of the magnetosomes. Therefore, by applying the model to analyze the ferromagnetic resonance data, the distribution of orientations in the bulk sample can be retrieved in addition to the average magnetosome arrangement. In this way, we quantitatively characterize the magnetosome arrangement in both wild-type cells and Delta mamJ mutants, which exhibit differing magnetosome organization.
A variety of azobenzenes were synthesized to study the behavior of their E and Z isomers upon electrochemical reduction. Our results show that the radical anion of the Z isomer is able to rapidly isomerize to the corresponding E configured counterpart with a dramatically enhanced rate as compared to the neutral species. Due to a subsequent electron transfer from the formed E radical anion to the neutral Z starting material the overall transformation is catalytic in electrons; i.e., a substoichiometric amount of reduced species can isomerize the entire mixture. This pathway greatly increases the efficiency of (photo)switching while also allowing one to reach photostationary state compositions that are not restricted to the spectral separation of the individual azobenzene isomers and their quantum yields. In addition, activating this radical isomerization pathway with photoelectron transfer agents allows us to override the intrinsic properties of an azobenzene species by triggering the reverse isomerization direction (Z -> E) by the same wavelength of light, which normally triggers E -> Z isomerization. The behavior we report appears to be general, implying that the metastable isomer of a photoswitch can be isomerized to the more stable one catalytically upon reduction, permitting the optimization of azobenzene switching in new as well as indirect ways.
Lignin valorization
(2017)
The topic of this project is the use of lignin as alternative source of aromatic building blocks and oligomers to fossil feedstocks. Lignin is known as the most abundant aromatic polymer in nature and is isolated from the lignocellulosic component of plants by different possible extraction treatments. Both the biomass source and the extraction method affect the structure of the isolated lignin, therefore influencing its further application. Lignin was extracted from beech wood by two different hydrothermal alkaline treatments, which use NaOH and Ba(OH)2 as base and by an acid-catalyzed organosolv process. Moreover, lignin was isolated from bamboo, beech wood and coconut by soda treatment of the biomasses. A comparison of the structural features of such isolated lignins was performed through the use of a wide range of analytical methods. Alkaline lignins resulted in a better candidate as carbon precursor and macromonomers for the synthesis of polymer than organosolv lignin. In fact, alkaline lignins showed higher residual mass after carbonization and higher content of the reactive hydroxy functionalities. In contrast, the lignin source turned out to slightly affect the lignin hydroxyl content.
One of the most common lignin modifications is its deconstruction to obtain aromatic molecules, which can be used as starting materials for the synthesis of fine chemicals. Lignin deconstruction leads to a complex mixture of aromatic molecules. A gas chromatographic analytical method was developed to characterize the mixture of products obtained by lignin deconstruction via heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenolysis. The analytical protocol allowed the quantification of three main groups of molecules by means of calibration curves, internal standard and a preliminary silylation step of the sample. The analytical method was used to study the influence of the hydrogenolysis catalyst, temperature and system (flow and batch reactor) on the yield and selectivity of the aromatic compounds.
Lignin extracted from beech wood by a hydrothermal process using Ba(OH)2 as base, was functionalized by aromatic nitration in order to add nitrogen functionalities. The final goal was the synthesis of a nitrogen doped carbon. Nitrated lignin was reduced to the amino form in order to compare the influence of different nitrogen functionalities on the porosity of the final carbon. The carbons were obtained by ionothermal treatment of the precursors in the presence of the eutectic salt mixture KCl/ZnCl2 Such synthesized carbons showed micro-, macro- and mesoporosity and were tested for their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction. Mesoporous carbon derived from nitro lignin displayed the highest electrocatalytic activity.
Lignins isolated from coconut, beech wood and bamboo were used as macromonomers for the synthesis of biobased polyesters. A condensation reaction was performed between lignin and a hyper branched poly(ester-amine), previously obtained by condensation of triethanolamine and adipic acid. The influence of the lignin source and content on the thermochemical and mechanical properties of the final material was investigated. The prepolymer showed adhesive properties towards aluminum and its shear strength was therefore measured. The gluing properties of such synthesized glues turned out to be independent from the lignin source but affected by the amount of lignin in the final material.
This work shows that, although still at a laboratory scale, the valorization of lignin can overcome the critical issues of lignin´s structure variability and complexity.
Deprotonation of ligand-appended alkoxyl groups in mononuclear copper(II) complexes of N,O ligands L-1 and L-2, gave dinuclear complexes sharing symmetrical Cu2O2 cores. Molecular structures of these mono-and binuclear complexes have been characterized by XRD, and their electronic structures by UV/Vis, H-1 NMR, EPR and DFT; moreover, catalytic performance as models of catechol oxidase was studied. The binuclear complexes with anti-ferromagnetically coupled copper(II) centers are moderately active in quinone formation from 3,5-di-tert-butyl-catechol under the estab-lished conditions of oxygen saturation, but are strongly activated when additional dioxygen is administered during catalytic turnover. This unforeseen and unprecedented effect is attributed to increased maximum reaction rates v(max), whereas the substrate affinity KM remains unaffected. Oxygen administration is capable of (partially) removing limitations to turnover caused by product inhibition. Because product inhibition is generally accepted to be a major limitation of catechol oxidase models, we think that our observations will be applicable more widely.
Noninvasive imaging in the root soil compartment is mandatory for improving knowledge about root soil interactions and uptake processes which eventually control crop growth and productivity. Here we propose a method of MRI T-1 relaxation mapping to investigate water uptake patterns, and as second example, in combination with neutron tomography (NT), property changes in the rhizosphere. The first part demonstrates quantification of solute enrichment by advective transport to the roots due to water uptake. This accumulation is counterbalanced by net downward flow and dispersive spreading. One can furthermore discriminate between zones of high accumulation patterns and zones with much less enrichment. This behavior persists over days. The second part presents the novel combination of MRI with neutron tomography to couple static, proton density information of roots and their interface to the surrounding soil with information about the local water dynamics, reflected by NMR relaxation times. The root soil interface of a broad bean plant is characterized by slightly increasing MRI and NT signal intensity but decreasing T-1 relaxation time indicating locally changed soil properties.
Materials based on biodegradable polyesters, such as poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) or poly(butylene terephthalate-co-poly(alkylene glycol) terephthalate) (PBTAT), have potential application as pro-regenerative scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Herein, the preparation of films composed of PBT or PBTAT and an engineered spider silk protein, (eADF4(C16)), that displays multiple carboxylic acid moieties capable of binding calcium ions and facilitating their biomineralization with calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate is reported. Human mesenchymal stem cells cultured on films mineralized with calcium phosphate show enhanced levels of alkaline phosphatase activity suggesting that such composites have potential use for bone tissue engineering.
Photonic sensing in highly concentrated biotechnical processes by photon density wave spectroscopy
(2017)
Photon Density Wave (PDW) spectroscopy is introduced as a new approach for photonic sensing in highly concentrated biotechnical processes. It independently quantifies the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient calibration-free and as a function of time, thus describing the optical properties in the vis/NIR range of the biomaterial during their processing. As examples of industrial relevance, enzymatic milk coagulation, beer mashing, and algae cultivation in photo bioreactors are discussed.
Nanolenses are linear chains of differently-sized metal nanoparticles, which can theoretically provide extremely high field enhancements. The complex structure renders their synthesis challenging and has hampered closer analyses so far. Here, the technique of DNA origami was used to self-assemble DNA-coated 10 nm, 20 nm, and 60 nm gold or silver nanoparticles into gold or silver nanolenses. Three different geometrical arrangements of gold nanolenses were assembled, and for each of the three, sets of single gold nanolenses were investigated in detail by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dark-field scattering and Raman spectroscopy. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capabilities of the single nanolenses were assessed by labelling the 10 nm gold nanoparticle selectively with dye molecules. The experimental data was complemented by finite-difference time-domain simulations. For those gold nanolenses which showed the strongest field enhancement, SERS signals from the two different internal gaps were compared by selectively placing probe dyes on the 20 nm or 60 nm gold particles. The highest enhancement was found for the gap between the 20 nm and 10 nm nanoparticle, which is indicative of a cascaded field enhancement. The protein streptavidin was labelled with alkyne groups and served as a biological model analyte, bound between the 20 nm and 10 nm particle of silver nanolenses. Thereby, a SERS signal from a single streptavidin could be detected. Background peaks observed in SERS measurements on single silver nanolenses could be attributed to amorphous carbon. It was shown that the amorphous carbon is generated in situ.
Nanolenses are self-similar chains of metal nanoparticles, which can theoretically provide extremely high field enhancements. Yet, the complex structure renders their synthesis challenging and has hampered closer analyses so far. Here, DNA origami is used to self-assemble 10, 20, and 60 nm gold nanoparticles as plasmonic gold nanolenses (AuNLs) in solution and in billions of copies. Three different geometrical arrangements are assembled, and for each of the three designs, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capabilities of single AuNLs are assessed. For the design which shows the best properties, SERS signals from the two different internal gaps are compared by selectively placing probe dyes. The highest Raman enhancement is found for the gap between the small and medium nanoparticle, which is indicative of a cascaded field enhancement.
Cholesteryl Hemisuccinate Monolayers Efficiently Control Calcium Phosphate Nucleation and Growth
(2017)
The article describes the phase behavior of cholesteryl hemisuccinate at the air-liquid interface and its effect on calcium phosphate (CP) mineralization. The amphiphile forms stable monolayers with phase transitions at the air-liquid interface from a gas to a tilted liquid-condensed (TLC) and finally to an untilted liquid-condensed (ULC) phase. CP mineralization beneath these monolayers leads to crumpled CP layers made from individual plates. The main crystal phase is octacalcium phosphate (OCP) along with a minor fraction of hydroxyapatite (HAP), as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, bright field transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction.
A series of new sulfobetaine methacrylates, including nitrogen-containing saturated heterocycles, was synthesised by systematically varying the substituents of the zwitterionic group. Radical polymerisation via the RAFT (reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer) method in trifluoroethanol proceeded smoothly and was well controlled, yielding polymers with predictable molar masses. Molar mass analysis and control of the end-group fidelity were facilitated by end-group labeling with a fluorescent dye. The polymers showed distinct thermo-responsive behaviour of the UCST (upper critical solution temperature) type in an aqueous solution, which could not be simply correlated to their molecular structure via an incremental analysis of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements incorporated within them. Increasing the spacer length separating the ammonium and the sulfonate groups of the zwitterion moiety from three to four carbons increased the phase transition temperatures markedly, whereas increasing the length of the spacer separating the ammonium group and the carboxylate ester group on the backbone from two to three carbons provoked the opposite effect. Moreover, the phase transition temperatures of the analogous polyzwitterions decreased in the order dimethylammonio > morpholinio > piperidinio alkanesulfonates. In addition to the basic effect of the polymers’ precise molecular structure, the concentration and the molar mass dependence of the phase transition temperatures were studied. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of added low molar mass salts on the aqueous-phase behaviour for sodium chloride and sodium bromide as well as sodium and ammonium sulfate. The strong effects evolved in a complex way with the salt concentration. The strength of these effects depended on the nature of the anion added, increasing in the order sulfate < chloride < bromide, thus following the empirical Hofmeister series. In contrast, no significant differences were observed when changing the cation, i.e. when adding sodium or ammonium sulfate.
The tissue integration of synthetic polymers can be promoted by displaying RGD peptides at the biointerface with the objective of enhancing colonization of the material by endogenous cells. A firm but flexible attachment of the peptide to the polymer matrix, still allowing interaction with receptors, is therefore of interest. Here, the covalent coupling of flexible physical anchor groups, allowing for temporary immobilization on polymeric surfaces via hydrophobic or dipole-dipole interactions, to a RGD peptide was investigated. For this purpose, a stearate or an oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) was attached to GRGDS in 51-69% yield. The obtained RGD linker constructs were characterized by NMR, IR and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, revealing that the commercially available OEG and stearate linkers are in fact mixtures of similar compounds. The RGD linker constructs were co-electrospun with poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO). After electrospinning, nitrogen could be detected on the surface of the PPDO fibers by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nitrogen content exceeded the calculated value for the homogeneous material mixture suggesting a pronounced presentation of the peptide on the fiber surface. Increasing amounts of RGD linker constructs in the electrospinning solution did not lead to a detection of an increased amount of peptide on the scaffold surface, suggesting inhomogeneous distribution of the peptide on the PPDO fiber surface. Human adipose-derived stem cells cultured on the patches showed similar viability as when cultured on PPDO containing pristine RGD. The fully characterized RGD linker constructs could serve as valuable tools for the further development of tissue-integrating polymeric scaffolds. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Four metal organic frameworks with similar topology but different chemical environment inside the pore structure, namely, IFP-1, IFP-3, IFP-5, and IFP-7, have been investigated with respect to the separation potential for olefin paraffin mixtures as well as the influence of the different linkers on adsorption properties using experiments and Monte Carlo simulations. All IFP structures show a higher adsorption of ethane compared to ethene with the exception of IFP-7 which shows no selectivity in breakthrough experiments. For propane/propane separation, all adsorbents show a higher adsorption for the olefin. The experimental results agree quite well with the simulated values except for the IFP-7, which is presumably due to the flexibility of the structure. Moreover, the experimental and simulated isotherms were confirmed with breakthrough experiments that render IFP-1, IFP-3, and IFP-5 as suitable for the purification of ethene from ethane.
In virtue of the rising demand for metal-free polymeric materials, organocatalytic polymerization has emerged and blossomed unprecedentedly in the past 15 years into an appealing research area and a powerful arsenal for polymer synthesis. In addition to the inherent merits as being metal-free, small molecule organocatalysts have also provided opportunities to develop alternative and, in many cases, more expedient synthetic approaches toward macromolecular architectures, that play a crucial role in shaping the properties of the obtained polymers. A majority of preliminary studies exploring for new catalysts, catalytic mechanisms and optimized polymerization conditions are extended to application of the catalytic systems on rational design and controlled synthesis of various macromolecular architectures. Such endeavors are described in this review, categorized by the architectural elements including chain structure (types, sequence and composition of monomeric units constituting the polymer chains), topological structure (the fashion different polymer chains are covalently attached to each other within the macromolecule) and functionality (position and amount of functional groups that endow the entire macromolecule with specific chemical, physico-chemical or biological properties). (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Editorial
(2017)
Among modern functional materials, the class of nitrogen-containing carbons combines non-toxicity and sustainability with outstanding properties. The versatility of this materials class is based on the opportunity to tune electronic and catalytic properties via the nitrogen content and –motifs: This ranges from the electronically conducting N-doped carbon, where few carbon atoms in the graphitic lattice are substituted by nitrogen, to the organic semiconductor graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), with a structure based on tri-s-triazine units.
In general, composites can reveal outstanding catalytic properties due to synergistic behavior, e.g. the formation of electronic heterojunctions. In this thesis, the formation of an “all-carbon” heterojunction was targeted, i.e. differences in the electronic properties of the single components were achieved by the introduction of different nitrogen motives into the carbon lattice. Such composites are promising as metal-free catalysts for the photocatalytic water splitting. Here, hydrogen can be generated from water by light irradiation with the use of a photocatalyst. As first part of the heterojunction, the organic semiconductor g-C₃N₄ was employed, because of its suitable band structure for photocatalytic water splitting, high stability and non-toxicity. The second part was chosen as C₂N, a recently discovered semiconductor. Compared to g-C₃N₄, the less nitrogen containing C₂N has a smaller band gap and a higher absorption coefficient in the visible light range, which is expected to increase the optical absorption in the composite eventually leading to an enhanced charge carrier separation due to the formation of an electronic heterojunction.
The aim of preparing an “all-carbon” composite included the research on appropriate precursors for the respective components g-C₃N₄ and C₂N, as well as strategies for appropriate structuring. This was targeted by applying precursors which can form supramolecular pre-organized structures. This allows for more control over morphology and atom patterns during the carbonization process.
In the first part of this thesis, it was demonstrated how the photocatalytic activity of g-C₃N₄ can be increased by the targeted introduction of defects or surface terminations. This was achieved by using caffeine as a “growth stopping” additive during the formation of the hydrogen-bonded supramolecular precursor complexes. The increased photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was demonstrated with dye degradation experiments.
The second part of this thesis was focused on the synthesis of the second component C₂N. Here, a deep eutectic mixture from hexaketocyclohexane and urea was structured using the biopolymer chitosan. This scaffolding resulted in mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon monoliths and beads. CO₂- and dye-adsorption experiments with the obtained monolith material revealed a high isosteric heat of CO₂-adsorption and showed the accessibility of the monolithic pore system to larger dye molecules. Furthermore, a novel precursor system for C₂N was explored, based on organic crystals from squaric acid and urea. The respective C₂N carbon with an unusual sheet-like morphology could be synthesized by carbonization of the crystals at 550 °C. With this precursor system, also microporous C₂N carbon with a BET surface area of 865 m²/g was obtained by “salt-templating” with ZnCl₂.
Finally, the preparation of a g-C₃N₄/C₂N “all carbon” composite heterojunction was attempted by the self-assembly of g-C₃N₄ and C₂N nanosheets and tested for photocatalytic water splitting. Indeed, the composites revealed high rates of hydrogen evolution when compared to bulk g-C₃N₄. However, the increased catalytic activity was mainly attributed to the high surface area of the nanocomposites rather than to the composition. With regard to alternative composite synthesis ways, first experiments indicated N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidon to be suitable for higher concentrated dispersion of C₂N nanosheets. Eventually, the results obtained in this thesis provide precious synthetic contributions towards the preparation and processing of carbon/nitrogen compounds for energy applications.
The Marangoni contraction of sessile drops of a binary mixture of a volatile and a nonvolatile liquid has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The origin of the contraction is the locally inhomogeneous evaporation rate of sessile drops. This leads to surface tension gradients and thus to a Marangoni flow. Simulations show that the interplay of Marangoni flow, capillary flow, diffusive transport, and evaporative losses can establish a quasistationary drop profile with an apparent nonzero contact angle even if both liquid components individually wet the substrate completely. Experiments with different solvents, initial mass fractions, and gaseous environments reveal a previously unknown universal power-law relation between the apparent contact angle and the relative undersaturation of the ambient atmosphere: theta(app) similar to (RHeq - RH)(1/3). This experimentally observed power law is in quantitative agreement with simulation results. The exponent can also be inferred from a scaling analysis of the hydrodynamic-evaporative evolution equations of a binary mixture of liquids with different volatilities.
Fluorinating conjugated polymers is a proven strategy for creating high performance materials in polymer solar cells, yet few studies have investigated the importance of the fluorination method. We compare the performance of three fluorinated systems: a poly(benzodithieno-dithienyltriazole) (PBnDT-XTAZ) random copolymer where 50% of the acceptor units are difluorinated, PBnDT-mFTAZ where every acceptor unit is monofluorinated, and a 1:1 physical blend of the difluorinated and nonfluorinated polymer. All systems have the same degree of fluorination (50%) yet via different methods (chemically vs physically, random vs regular). We show that these three systems have equivalent photovoltaic behavior:,similar to 5.2% efficiency with a short-circuit current (J(sc)) at,similar to 11 mA cm(-2), an open-circuit voltage (v(oc)) at 0.77 V, and a fill factor (FF) of similar to 60%. Further investigation of these three systems demonstrates that the charge generation, charge extraction, and charge transfer state are essentially identical for the three studied systems. Transmission electron microscopy shows no significant differences in the morphologies. All these data illustrate that it is possible to improve performance not only via regular or random fluorination but also by physical addition via a ternary blend. Thus, our results demonstrate the versatility of incorporating fluorine in the active layer of polymer solar cells to enhance device performance.