Metal Chelating Polymer Thin Films by Surface-Initiated ROMP and Modification
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Metal-chelating polymers are critical components in numerous applications. However, despite the known influence of polymer tacticity on both bulk and solution properties, most materials used in metal-chelation applications are atactic. Here, we investigate the relationship between polymer tacticity and polymer–lanthanide interactions in aqueous solution. We synthesized a series of five poly(methacrylic acid)s with systematic variations in tacticity (20–99% m diads) and used isothermal titration calorimetry to measure the thermodynamics of lanthanide binding to each material (ΔH, ΔG, ΔS, K a , and stoichiometry). We observed enthalpy–entropy compensation across this tacticity series, finding that both |ΔH| and |ΔS| decreased with decreasing m diad content while ΔG remained similar. Molecular dynamics simulations of the polymer–metal interactions revealed that the observed differences in binding thermodynamics may be largely ascribed to differences in polymer flexibility. Furthermore, these combined experimental and computational results demonstrate that metal binding can be influenced by altering the polymer stereochemistry, ultimately influencing the design of more efficient metal-chelating materials.
Chromatographic materials were developed to serve as the stationary phase of columns used in the separation of atmospheric gases. These materials consist of a crosslinked porous polymer matrix, e.g., a divinylbenzene polymer, into which has been embedded an inorganic complexed ion such as N,N'-ethylene-bis-(acetylacetoniminato)-cobalt (2). Organic nitrogenous bases, such as pyridine, may be incorporated into the chelate polymer complexes to increase their chromatographic utility. With such materials, the process of gas chromatography is greatly simplified, especially in terms of time and quantity of material needed for a gas separation.
The ability to tune material function through primary sequence is a defining feature of biological macromolecules, allowing precise control over structure and target interactions in complex aqueous environments. However, translating sequence–structure–function relationships to synthetic macromolecules is challenging due to their dispersity in sequence, conformation, and composition. Here, we report systematic studies of amphiphilic polymer chelators designed to probe how composition and patterning influence binding affinity and selectivity for rare earth elements (REEs), a series of technologically relevant metals with challenging separation profiles. A library of copolymers varying hydrophobic monomer composition and patterning was synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, spanning statistical, gradient, and block architectures. REE binding was quantified using a high-throughput colorimetric assay, and reconstruction of polymer ensembles using kinetic stochastic simulations enabled quantitative comparisons of sequence heterogeneity, linking local monomer colocalization to emergent REE binding. Further, we investigated the role of different hydrophobic comonomers in tuning metal coordination, with binding trends linked to structural features that influence binding site desolvation. Complementary dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements showed that both polymer and monomer architecture modulate metal-induced conformational changes, and that multichain assembly behavior emerges beyond critical hydrophobic thresholds. Sequence control also altered REE selectivity, with nonmonotonic differences observed across compositionally identical polymers with different sequence architectures. Together, these findings establish design principles that connect polymer sequence and structure to binding performance, guiding the design of macromolecular chelators with enhanced affinity and selectivity for applications in separations, sensing, and catalysis.
The prototypical chalcogenide perovskite, BaZrS 3 (BZS), with its direct bandgap of 1.7–1.8 eV, high chemical stability, and strong light–matter interactions, has garnered significant interest over the past few years. So far, attempts to grow BaZrS 3 films have been limited mainly to physical vapor deposition techniques. Here, we report the fabrication of BZS thin films via a facile aqueous solution route of polymer-assisted deposition (PAD), where the polymer-chelated cation precursor films were sulfurized in a mixed CS 2 and Ar atmosphere. The formation of a single-phase polycrystalline BZS thin film at a processing temperature of 900 °C was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The stoichiometry of the films was verified by Rutherford Backscattering spectrometry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The BZS films showed a photoluminescence peak at around 1.8 eV and exhibited a photogenerated current under light illumination at a wavelength of 530 nm. Temperature-dependent resistivity analysis revealed that the conduction of BaZrS 3 films under the dark condition could be described by the Efros–Shklovskii variable range hopping model in the temperature range of 60–300 K, with an activation energy of about 44 meV.
Titanium chelate polymer adhesive formulation for aluminum joint curing in high temperature applications
Structural adhesive consists of titanium chelate polymer, reactive plasticizer, and cure accelerator (phenylsilanetriol). Mixture polymerizes in situ in 65 hours at 170 C.
A p-type transparent conductive oxide (TCO) mixed metal oxide material layer formed upon a substrate has a formula M1xM2yOz generally, CaxCoyOz more specifically, and Ca3Co4O9 most specifically. Embodiments provide that the p-type TCO mixed metal oxide material may be formed absent an epitaxial crystalline relationship with respect to the substrate while using a sol-gel synthesis method that uses a chelating polymer material and not a block copolymer material.
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Chain dynamics govern the intricate behaviors of proteins, underpinning functions such as catalysis, recognition, and stimulus response, and are an increasingly appreciated aspect of structure–function relationships. Analogously, manipulating chain dynamics and structure in abiotic polymers via sequence control is an exciting, yet underexplored, strategy for improving material functions. In this work, we report a systematic study relating the sequence of polymeric sequestrants to their structure and dynamics, as well as to their binding affinity and selectivity for model substrates, rare earth elements (REEs). A series of sequence-controlled polymers with metal chelating, solubilizing, and structure forming monomers was synthesized via multiblock polymerization, yielding compositionally identical polymers with spectroscopically resolved domains and distinct morphologies. Using a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering and 19 F NMR relaxometry measurements, we connected differences in polymer structure and dynamics to polymer sequence variables such as the patchiness (density) of the structure forming monomer and the location of the chelating monomer. Furthermore, we found that, relative to calcium, all polymers in the series collapse more and have slower dynamics when binding REEs (lanthanum and lutetium) , though the extent of these effects were sequence-dependent and localized to specific domains within the polymer. Notably, sequence-controlled polymers that exhibited the largest conformational and dynamic changes upon binding REEs also bound REEs with the greatest affinity and modest selectivity. Collectively, these results correlate monomer patterning with dynamics, morphology, and REE binding performance en route to the development of efficient and selective macromolecular chelators.
A material includes a porous particle that includes a metal ion imprinted polymer. The metal ion imprinted polymer is formed from a hydrophilic co-monomer, a metal containing polymerizable compound, and a cross-linking agent. The metal containing polymerizable compound includes at least one metal chelating ligand. The metal ion imprinted polymer includes a plurality of metal ion selective binding sites. A method includes flowing brine containing a metal ion through a reactor that includes the material. The method further includes discharging the brine from the reactor, contacting the porous particles with water, and pressurizing the reactor with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide reacts with the adsorbed metal ions to form a metal carbonate solution. The method further includes depressurizing the reactor to precipitate metal carbonate from the metal carbonate solution and discharging the metal carbonate solution from the reactor.
Organic linkers play a crucial role in constructing lanthanide (Ln) coordination polymers (CPs), influencing structural topologies and physicochemical properties. Herein, we introduce 6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,5-H 3 PODC) as a new ligand for constructing lanthanide coordination polymers that integrates the structural features of terephthalic acid with the chelation capabilities of pyridinone-based functional groups. Six lanthanide-based coordination polymers were synthesized with 2,5-H 3 PODC, forming two types of CPs – type 1: [Ln(HPODC)(Ox) 0.5 (H 2 O) 2 ] (where (Ox) = oxalic acid and Ln = Pr 3+ (1), Nd 3+ (2)) and type 2: [Ln(H 2 PODC)(HPODC)(H 2 O)] (Ln = Eu 3+ (3), Gd 3+ (4), Dy 3+ (5), Er 3+ (6)). All compounds were structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, and both compound types are 2D ladder-like networks with cem topologies where the trivalent metal centers are bridged via HPODC 2− and Ox 2− ligands in type 1 structures and H 2 PODC − and HPODC 2− linkers in type 2 structures. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the metal–organic networks of type 1 and type 2 compounds exhibit distinct decomposition patterns, and the photoluminescent properties of 3 were also examined, revealing efficient ligand based sensitization and characteristic emission bands for Eu(III).
Perovskite solar cells, as an emerging high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic technology face challenges on their way towards commercialization. Substantial improvements have been made to device stability but potential issues with lead toxicity and leaching from devices remain relatively unexplored. The potential for lead leakage could be perceived as an environmental and public health risk when using perovskite solar cells in building-integrated photovoltaics. Here we present a chemical approach for on-device sequestration of more than 96 per cent of lead leakage caused by severe device damage. A coating of lead-absorbing material is applied to the front and back sides of the device stack. On the glass side of the front transparent conducting electrode, we use a transparent lead-absorbing molecular film containing phosphonic acid groups that bind strongly to lead. On the back (metal) electrode side, we place a polymer film blended with lead-chelating agents between the metal electrode and a standard photovoltaic packing film. The lead-absorbing films on both sides swell to absorb the lead, rather than dissolve, when subjected to water soaking, thus retaining structural integrity for easy collection of lead after damage.
The formation, degree of crystallinity and adherence of dense titania (TiO2) thin film coatings on a high-temperature polyimide resin (PMR-15) can be influenced by the chemical composition of the polymer surface. Furthermore, solution deposition conditions can be adjusted to provide additional control over the morphology and crystallinity of the titania films. Recipes for solution-based titania deposition that used a slowly-hydrolyzing titanium fluoride salt in the presence of boric acid as a fluoride scavenger allowed growth of films up to 750 nm thick in 22 h. By adjusting solution pH and temperature, either amorphous titania or oriented crystalline anatase films could be formed. Surface sulfonate groups enhance the adhesion of solution-deposited oxide thin film coatings. While most sulfonation procedures severely damaged the PMR-15 surface, the use of chlorosulfonic acid followed by hydrolysis of the installed chlorosulfonyl groups provided effective surface sulfonation without significant surface damage. In some cases, the oxide deposition solution caused partial hydrolysis of the polymer surface, which itself was sufficient to allow adhesion of the titania film through chelation of titanium ions by exposed benzoic acid groups on the polymer surface.
Complexing or chelating agents that offer strong, selective bonding with uranium as well as a broad pH range of effectiveness, specifically including the pH range around 8.2, together with the acrylic double bonds required for radiation-induced grafting on polymers to remove uranium from a solution such as seawater. The novel adsorbing species are phosphorus-containing molecules, in particular organic phosphates, phosphonates and phosphoric acids. Organic phosphorus compounds, for example, organic phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphoric acids, are attached to polymer fibers to form fibers, fiber fabrics or membranes that are effective, or show activity, in uranium adsorption.
Structured metal oxide films have promise in optoelectronics, sensing, energy storage, and catalysis but their uptake is predominately limited due to their long and high‐temperature syntheses. Here, in this study, a self‐assembling polymer is used which can act as a chelating fuel source in a solution combustion reaction to generate highly structured mesoporous aluminum oxide films at <250 °C in a matter of minutes through a process termed porogen‐integrated rapid oxidation (PiRO). The resulting films with thicknesses up to 500 nm show an open‐cell, face‐centered cubic structure of spheroidal pores. Further, an additional ligand can be included to control the self‐assembly step to yield both through‐film ordering or tunable disordering for increased pore volume as confirmed by both grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering and ellipsometry. Finally, roll‐to‐roll manufacturing with PiRO is demonstrated on flexible polymeric substrates. The method offers a tunable, scalable, low‐temperature, and lower‐cost method to generate large‐area structured mesoporous metal oxide films.
Abstract Rare‐earth elements (REEs) are critical components of many modern technologies, but their efficient separation and purification continue to pose significant challenges. Metal‐binding polymers may enable the development of promising alternative approaches to conventional separation techniques (e.g., solvent extraction), and insights into the interactions between the metal ions and polymers in solution are crucial to such development. In this work, the effect of ionic strength on the chelation of REEs by poly(acrylic acid) is investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure the metal‐binding thermodynamics. ITC experiments revealed that when ionic strength increases from increasing the sodium acetate buffer strength, polymer‐REE binding becomes increasingly disfavored. However, when ionic strength is increased by the addition of sodium chloride, binding again becomes increasingly disfavored, but to a lesser extent than when ionic strength increases from increasing the buffer strength. Additionally, the reduction in binding affinity is enthalpically driven when ionic strength is raised with sodium chloride, while it is entropically driven when raised with sodium acetate buffer, suggesting competive binding by the acetate ions. These results highlight the importance of ionic strength in polymer‐metal binding thermodynamics and will guide the development of new processes for the purification of critical metals.