{"title":"Intrinsically Conductive, Highly Compressible, Porous Hydrogel with Exceptional Sensitivity at Low Pressure.","authors":"Deyi Mi, Mingyu Guo","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conductive hydrogels have emerged as a promising material in the field of flexible sensing, holding great potential for advanced wearable devices and medical diagnostics, because of their unique conductivity, mechanical deformability, and tissue-like softness. However simultaneously achieving intrinsic conductivity, excellent compressibility and resilience remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel macroporous, highly compressive, resilient, and intrinsically conductive hydrogel (MPGEL) based on a newly developed easy, eco-friendly, and zero-waste strategy is reported. The MPGEL is prepared using nitrogen as the inert gas and foaming agent, polymerizable Pluronic F127 as a surfactant and crosslinker, and ionic conductive lithium acrylate (LiAA) as the monomer. The resulting MPGEL exhibits highly compressibility and resilience with a low compressive modulus (3.75 kPa), yielding an exceptional compressive sensitivity of 31.67 kPa<sup>-1</sup> at low pressure. Therefore, the MPGEL not only can monitor various human movements, but also can effectively detect human cardiac motion, and even precisely distinguish between central and peripheral arterial blood pressure waveforms. This highlights the immense potential of MPGEL for future medical diagnostic technologies and advanced wearable health-monitoring devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500150"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143954432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation of Anisotropic Trimeric Poly(Ionic Liquid) Microspheres via Microwave-Assisted Dual-Crosslinked Seed Emulsion Polymerization","authors":"Xufeng Hu, Jingyi Li, Liqin Xiang, Jianbo Yin","doi":"10.1002/marc.202570024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202570024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><b>Front Cover</b>: In article 2401154, Jianbo Yin and co-workers report the preparation of anisotropic trimeric poly(ionic liquid) microspheres via microwave-assisted dual-crosslinked seed emulsion polymerization. The formation trimeric morphology depends on the multiple local contraction forces in dual-crosslinked poly(ionic liquid)microspheres having a lowly crosslinked core and a highly crosslinked shell during swelling and the re-absorption of core for bulges during microwave polymerization.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":"46 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/marc.202570024","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143840937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sai Zhang, Qingzheng Xu, Qingkai Yuan, Shenghu Yan, Yue Zhang, Guigen Li
{"title":"Characterization of Chiral Thiophene Multilayer 3D Polymers with AIE Properties for Environmental Monitoring of Chromium Ions.","authors":"Sai Zhang, Qingzheng Xu, Qingkai Yuan, Shenghu Yan, Yue Zhang, Guigen Li","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study reports the synthesis and characterization of novel thiophene-based multilayer 3D chiral polymers incorporating methoxy and octyloxy functional groups. These polymers exhibit unique fluorescence properties, including a pronounced aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon at a lower excitation wavelength than previously reported thiophene systems. Additionally, the polymers demonstrate remarkable sensitivity in detecting hexavalent chromium ions (Cr<sup>6+</sup>), a significant environmental pollutant. The interaction between the chiral polymers and Cr<sup>6+</sup> ions leads to measurable changes in fluorescence, highlighting their potential for applications in environmental monitoring and biosensing. Importantly, these polymers are effective in actual environmental water, where they maintain their selectivity for Cr<sup>6+</sup> ions despite the presence of competing metal ions. This enhanced selectivity further underscores their suitability for real-world applications. This work contributes to the field of chiral polymers and emphasizes their versatility in advanced sensing applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500090"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143954105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Kinetically Frozen Rheology of Agar-agar Hydrogels Upon a Change of Anions in the Hofmeister Series.","authors":"Jordana Hirtzel, Vincent Ball","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogels are materials in which water is present as the major component in a network of macromolecules, inorganic colloids or low molecular weight organogelators. To tune their viscoelastic properties, they can be crosslinked, making use of their chemical moieties, but most often with cytotoxicity issues. Another approach consists in modifying the intermolecular interactions of the gelator or its interactions with water. In this framework, playing with the nature of the used electrolyte becomes a popular approach. Even if many reports describe the influence of anions or cations in the Hofmeister series on the mechanical properties of hydrogels, very few investigate the possibility of modifying those properties in a reversible manner between two states characteristic of each electrolyte. Herein, it is shown that agar-agar hydrogels prepared in the presence of high ionic strength NaCl or NaSCN display strongly different mechanical properties and that a change in the nature of the electrolyte in the presence of the gel does not significantly change its storage and loss moduli. This lack of reversibility in the time scale of one day or more is shown to be related to the high inaccessibility of the water and ions present in the porous volume after the gel formation.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500067"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143954111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dong Luo, Yinghao Xia, Xiangyi Ye, Dejian Cheng, Qiangqiang Zhang, Chaoyang Wang
{"title":"Functionalized Cellulose-Based Binders for Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathodes: Improving Stability and Lithium-Ion Transport Under High Voltage.","authors":"Dong Luo, Yinghao Xia, Xiangyi Ye, Dejian Cheng, Qiangqiang Zhang, Chaoyang Wang","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) is a key material for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, but its application at high voltages is hindered by structural instability and interfacial side reactions. This study introduces a functionalized cellulose-based binder designed to address these challenges. By grafting polar groups onto cellulose, the material's crystallinity is reduced, solubility is improved, and strong adhesion with enhanced ion transport is achieved. The binder enables LCO cathodes to retain 95.9% of their capacity after 200 cycles at 4.6 V, significantly outperforming conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binders. Furthermore, the binder reduces polarization and facilitates lithium-ion diffusion, contributing to improved electrode stability and electrochemical performance. These results highlight the potential of functionalized cellulose-based binders as sustainable and effective solutions for stabilizing high-voltage LCO cathodes, paving the way for next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500074"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Philipp J Welscher, Ulrich Ziener, Alexander J C Kuehne
{"title":"Liquid Crystalline Fluorene-2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole Oligomers with Amplified Spontaneous Emission.","authors":"Philipp J Welscher, Ulrich Ziener, Alexander J C Kuehne","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conjugated fluorene-based molecules are a powerful class of materials for optoelectronic applications, known for their outstanding photoluminescence quantum yields and easily tunable optical properties. While conjugated polymers like poly(fluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) have been extensively studied, their performance is often hindered by product inhomogeneity and morphological constraints. By contrast, well-defined oligofluorenes offer precise molecular structures and better morphological control, making them an attractive alternative to conjugated polymers. Among them, benzothiadiazole (BT)-centered oligofluorenes exhibit strong yellow emission with remarkably high photoluminescence quantum yields, yet their morphological properties remain largely unexplored. In this study, a straightforward synthesis of BT-cored pentafluorenes is reported, where the alkyl side chains are systematically varied to investigate their impact on the morphology. These pentamers demonstrate amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with thresholds as low as 1.64 µJ cm⁻<sup>2</sup>. By fine-tuning the alkyl chains, crystalline, amorphous, and liquid crystalline morphologies are achieved, while maintaining consistent optical properties, paving the way for defined materials in advanced optoelectronic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500189"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Janet Sheung, Christopher Gunter, Katarina Matic, Mehrzad Sasanpour, Jennifer L Ross, Parag Katira, Megan T Valentine, Rae M Robertson-Anderson
{"title":"Kinesin-Driven De-Mixing of Cytoskeleton Composites Drives Emergent Mechanical Properties.","authors":"Janet Sheung, Christopher Gunter, Katarina Matic, Mehrzad Sasanpour, Jennifer L Ross, Parag Katira, Megan T Valentine, Rae M Robertson-Anderson","doi":"10.1002/marc.202401128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202401128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cytoskeleton is an active composite of filamentous proteins that dictates diverse mechanical properties and processes in eukaryotic cells by generating forces and autonomously restructuring itself. Enzymatic motors that act on the comprising filaments play key roles in this activity, driving spatiotemporally heterogeneous mechanical responses that are critical to cellular multifunctionality, but also render mechanical characterization challenging. Here, we couple optical tweezers microrheology and fluorescence microscopy with simulations and mathematical modeling to robustly characterize the mechanics of active composites of actin filaments and microtubules restructured by kinesin motors. It is discovered that composites exhibit a rich ensemble of force response behaviors-elastic, yielding, and stiffening-with their propensity and properties tuned by motor concentration and strain rate. Moreover, intermediate kinesin concentrations elicit emergent mechanical stiffness and resistance while higher and lower concentrations exhibit softer, more viscous dissipation. It is further shown that composites transition from well-mixed interpenetrating double-networks of actin and microtubules to de-mixed states of microtubule-rich aggregates surrounded by relatively undisturbed actin phases. It is this de-mixing that leads to the emergent mechanical response, offering an alternate route that composites can leverage to achieve enhanced stiffness through coupling of structure and mechanics.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2401128"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qiuying Gou, Liqiang Lu, Shengxuan Lin, Wei Zhang, Yael Rodriguez Ayllon, Zhe Zhou, Liping Zhu, Yan Lu
{"title":"Multifunctional Chitosan-Covalent Bonded Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite Binder for Enhanced Electrochemical Performances of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.","authors":"Qiuying Gou, Liqiang Lu, Shengxuan Lin, Wei Zhang, Yael Rodriguez Ayllon, Zhe Zhou, Liping Zhu, Yan Lu","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered as one of the most promising next-generation energy-storage devices because of their high energy density. However, the long-term use of LSBs is mainly limited by polysulfide shuttling and cathode structural degradation caused by volume changes during charging and discharging. To address these issues, a multifunctional, high-performance aqueous binder is developed by modifying a natural polysaccharide with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Specifically, the catechol-conjugated chitosan (CCS) acts as the binder, showing strong polysulfide adsorption, while the MWCNTs covalently bonded to CCS enhance the mechanical toughness and electronic conductivity. The resulting CCS-MWCNTs composite binder exhibits a tensile strength of 40 MPa and a strain at break of 300%, which are higher than those of CCS. As a binder for sulfur cathodes, the CCS-MWCNTs binder demonstrates superior cyclic stability and rate capability. At a sulfur loading of 2.0 mg cm⁻<sup>2</sup>, it delivers an initial capacity of 1016 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C and retains 690 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, significantly outperforming commercial polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), sodium carboxymethylcellulose/styrene butadiene rubber (CMC/SBR), and CCS binders. This study demonstrates the potential applications of polysaccharide binders in metal-sulfur batteries by innovatively incorporating carbon nanotubes into the biopolymer binder, providing a promising alternative for environmentally friendly energy storage.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500155"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143954050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yajie Wang, Jinnan Liu, Mengfan Yang, Yingxue Wang, Li Jiang, Yang Wang, Liang Hu
{"title":"A Recent Review on Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel Photonic Materials.","authors":"Yajie Wang, Jinnan Liu, Mengfan Yang, Yingxue Wang, Li Jiang, Yang Wang, Liang Hu","doi":"10.1002/marc.202500002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The unique optical properties of structural colors found in nature garner significant attention. Inspired by these natural phenomena, scientists develop a variety of stimuli-responsive hydrogel photonic materials with periodic structures that can adjust their structural colors in response to environmental changes. In recent years, the emergence of these materials continue to grow, showcasing potential in various advanced applications. This article reviews the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive hydrogel photonic materials, focusing on their classification, manufacturing methods, and practical applications. It provides detailed descriptions of photonic materials across different dimensions and highlights the unique optical properties derived from their periodic microstructures. Additionally, the article outlines innovative technologies that are employed in creating diverse photonic structures. These materials demonstrate sensitivity to a range of external stimuli, including temperature, humidity, pH, light exposure, and mechanical force, allowing for dynamic adjustments in both structure and performance. Furthermore, the article discusses typical applications of stimuli-responsive hydrogel photonic materials in areas such as visual sensing, anti-counterfeiting technology, and drug delivery. Last, it examines the current challenges faced in the field and offers forward-looking insights regarding the future manufacturing and application of stimuli-responsive hydrogel photonic materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":205,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Rapid Communications","volume":" ","pages":"e2500002"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143953219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}