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A viable tactic to effectively address the climate crisis is the production of renewable fuels via photocatalytic reactions using solar energy and available resources like carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. Organic polymer material-based photocatalytic materials are thought to be one way to convert solar energy into valuable chemicals and other solar fuels. The use of porous organic polymers (POPs) for CO2 fixation and capture and sequestration to produce beneficial compounds to reduce global warming is still receiving a lot of interest. Visible light-responsive organic photopolymers that are functionally designed and include a large number of heteroatoms and an extended π-conjugation allow for the generation of photogenerated charge carriers, improved absorption of visible light, increased charge separation, and decreased charge recombination during photocatalysis. Due to their rigid structure, high surface area, flexible pore size, permanent porosity, and adaptability of the backbone for the intended purpose, POPs have drawn more and more attention. These qualities have been shown to be highly advantageous for numerous sustainable applications. POPs may be broadly categorized as crystalline or amorphous according to how much long-range order they possess. In terms of performance, conducting POPs outperform inorganic semiconductors and typical organic dyes. They are light-harvesting materials with remarkable optical characteristics, photostability, cheap cost, and low cytotoxicity. Through cocatalyst loading and morphological tweaking, this review presents optimization options for POPs preparation techniques. We provide an analysis of the ways in which the preparative techniques will affect the materials' physicochemical characteristics and, consequently, their catalytic activity. An inventory of experimental methods is provided for characterizing POPs' optical, morphological, electrochemical, and catalytic characteristics. The focus of this review is to thoroughly investigate the photochemistry of these polymeric organic photocatalysts with an emphasis on understanding the processes of internal charge generation and transport within POPs. The review covers several types of amorphous POP materials, including those based on conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), inherent microporosity polymers, hyper-crosslinked polymers, and porous aromatic frameworks. Additionally, common synthetic approaches for these materials are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and organic materials have great research potential in the field of optoelectronic devices. In this paper, MEH-PPV/CsPbBr3 heterojunction photodetectors (PDs) are prepared by spin coating method based on the good photoelectric properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs and MEH-PPV. The MEH-PPV/CsPbBr3 heterojunction improves the energy level arrangement, and CsPbBr3 QDs can passivate the surface defects of MEH-PPV films to achieve effective charge separation and transfer, thus inhibiting the dark current and improving the photoelectric performance of the device. Under 532 nm laser irradiation, the responsivity (R) of MEH-PPV/CsPbBr3 heterojunction PD is 11.98 A W−1, the specific detectivity (D *) is 6.98 × 1011 Jones, and the response time is 15/16 ms. This work provides experience for the study of perovskite QDs and organic materials heterojunction optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Display omitted] Polycondensation of perfluorobiphenyl with 1,4-dihydroxy- thioxanthen-9-one resulted in the title highly thermally stable polyether containing the thioxanthenone-type electron acceptor in-chain blocks in its structure. Model resistive memory devices based on it as the active medium exhibited a bipolar switching memristive effect with a 4-order difference in resistance between the low and high resistance states. The charge transport in this polyether is quantitatively described by the Nasyrov–Gritsenko model of phonon-assisted electron tunneling between traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic bipolar polymer electrode called poly[anthraquinone‐alt‐dihydrophenazine] (PAD) is in situ synthesized between the two‐electron n‐type unit of dibromoanthraquinone and two‐electron p‐type unit of dihydrophenazine on the layered MXene nanosheets, leading to the formation of the material composition called PAD@MX. PAD@MX shows almost the same redox mechanism and electrode performance in Na/K‐based batteries. In Na/K‐based half cells, PAD@MX can show the peak discharge capacities of 240/255 mAh g−1 and peak energy densities of 511/597 Wh kg−1, respectively, which are among the top results for cathodes in the world. Furthermore, the Na/K‐based dual‐ion symmetric batteries can be simultaneously constructed by using PAD@MX as the single electrode material. Both symmetric batteries fulfill the "ready‐to‐charge" property without any pre‐activation. Therein, PAD@MX delivers the reversible discharge capacities of 86/104 mAh g−1cathode and energy densities of 54/64 Wh kg−1total mass, stably running for 500 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of organic bipolar electrodes simultaneously applied to the Na/K‐based dual‐ion symmetric batteries in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A viable tactic to effectively address the climate crisis is the production of renewable fuels via photocatalytic reactions using solar energy and available resources like carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. Organic polymer material-based photocatalytic materials are thought to be one way to convert solar energy into valuable chemicals and other solar fuels. The use of porous organic polymers (POPs) for CO2 fixation and capture and sequestration to produce beneficial compounds to reduce global warming is still receiving a lot of interest. Visible light-responsive organic photopolymers that are functionally designed and include a large number of heteroatoms and an extended π-conjugation allow for the generation of photogenerated charge carriers, improved absorption of visible light, increased charge separation, and decreased charge recombination during photocatalysis. Due to their rigid structure, high surface area, flexible pore size, permanent porosity, and adaptability of the backbone for the intended purpose, POPs have drawn more and more attention. These qualities have been shown to be highly advantageous for numerous sustainable applications. POPs may be broadly categorized as crystalline or amorphous according to how much long-range order they possess. In terms of performance, conducting POPs outperform inorganic semiconductors and typical organic dyes. They are light-harvesting materials with remarkable optical characteristics, photostability, cheap cost, and low cytotoxicity. Through cocatalyst loading and morphological tweaking, this review presents optimization options for POPs preparation techniques. We provide an analysis of the ways in which the preparative techniques will affect the materials’ physicochemical characteristics and, consequently, their catalytic activity. An inventory of experimental methods is provided for characterizing POPs’ optical, morphological, electrochemical, and catalytic characteristics. The focus of this review is to thoroughly investigate the photochemistry of these polymeric organic photocatalysts with an emphasis on understanding the processes of internal charge generation and transport within POPs. The review covers several types of amorphous POP materials, including those based on conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), inherent microporosity polymers, hyper-crosslinked polymers, and porous aromatic frameworks. Additionally, common synthetic approaches for these materials are briefly discussed.

Conducting polymers (CPs) are conductive materials composed of organic polymers. CPs have excellent properties such as easy synthesis and effortless fabrication, tunable electrical property, high environmental stability, high mechanical and optical properties. These unique properties have attracted researchers to discover a wide variety of uses, such as batteries, solar cells, sensors, supercapacitors, electrochromic devices, and biochemical applications. Although CPs have many limitations in their pristine form, hybridization with other materials overcomes these limitations. Here in this review article, we discuss different CPs based chemosensors for colorimetric and fluorimetric detection and determination of noble metal ions (Ag+, Pd2+, Pt2+/4+, and Au3+) in different environmental, agricultural, and biological samples. Further, the sensing performances of these chemosensors have been compared and discussed. We hope this article will help the readers with the future design of CPs based optical sensor (colorimetric and fluorescent) for detecting noble metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting polymers (CPs) are conductive materials composed of organic polymers. CPs have excellent properties such as easy synthesis and effortless fabrication, tunable electrical property, high environmental stability, high mechanical and optical properties. These unique properties have attracted researchers to discover a wide variety of uses, such as batteries, solar cells, sensors, supercapacitors, electrochromic devices, and biochemical applications. Although CPs have many limitations in their pristine form, hybridization with other materials overcomes these limitations. Here in this review article, we discuss different CPs based chemosensors for colorimetric and fluorimetric detection and determination of noble metal ions (Ag+, Pd2+, Pt2+/4+, and Au3+) in different environmental, agricultural, and biological samples. Further, the sensing performances of these chemosensors have been compared and discussed. We hope this article will help the readers with the future design of CPs based optical sensor (colorimetric and fluorescent) for detecting noble metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the growing concerns surrounding the ubiquitous prevalence of micro/nanoplastic pollution and the possible dangers and consequences on the global environment. While the environmental effects have been extensively studied, the extent of potential human health hazards and effects remains largely unexplored. This overview aims to shed light on the connection between plastics, human well-being and environment to extend current knowledge on this subject. The review covers the status of global micro/nanoplastics pollution, and the risks they present to human health encompass harmful chemical elements, contaminant carriers, and physical harm. Several key findings emerged: (1) Microplastics in the soil adhered to crop seeds and root surfaces or accumulated within their vascular systems, leading to the obstruction of water and nutrient uptake; (2) micro/nanoplastics induce oxidative damage to plants disrupting their metabolic processes; (3) Chemical additives released from microplastics triggered cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in plants; (4) Microplastics altered the biotic and abiotic conditions of the soil, thereby affecting the availability of water and nutrients to crops; and finally, (5) The combined toxicity of different microplastics in soil can have adverse effects on plants. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the repercussions of soil microplastics on plants and advocates, for further research to better understand their impact on the natural environment and human well-being.

Analyzing phase transitions using the inherent geometrical attributes of a system has garnered enormous interest over the past few decades. The usual candidate often used for investigation is graphene—the most celebrated material among the family of tri‐coordinated graphed lattices. We show in this report that other inhabitants of the family demonstrate equally admirable structural and functional properties that at its core are controlled by their topology. Two interesting members of the family are cyclooctatrene (COT) and COT‐based polymer: poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene, both in one and two dimensions that have been investigated by polymer chemists over a period of 50 years for its possible application in batteries exploiting its conducting properties. A single COT unit is demonstrated herein to exhibit topological solitons at sites of a broken bond similar to an open one‐dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chain. We observe that poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene in one dimension mimics two coupled SSH chains in the weak coupling limit, thereby showing the presence of topological edge modes. In the strong coupling limit, we investigate the different parameter values of our system for which we observe zero‐energy modes. Further, the application of an external magnetic field and its effects on the band flattening of the energy bands has also been studied. In two dimensions, poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene forms a square‐octagon lattice which upon breaking time‐reversal symmetry goes into a topological phase forming noise‐resilient edge modes. We hope our analysis would pave the way for synthesizing such topological materials and exploiting their properties for promising applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and renewable energy sources. Key Points: We show in this paper tri‐coordinated lattice systems: cylooctatrene (COT) and COT‐based polymer: poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene exhibit exotic topological properties.Flat bands are generated upon application of tailored magnetic flux for poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene in one dimension.Insights from this paper open the possibility of using these polymers as an experimental ground to observe many flat‐band and topology‐related phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, thermoelectric materials have gained a significant attention due to their ability to directly convert waste heat into electricity. While extensive research has been focused on enhancing the thermoelectric properties of inorganic bulk materials, a new frontier has emerged in this area as flexible thermoelectric materials. These flexible thermoelectrics are driven by the limitations posed by the rigidity, less functional and toxicity of conventional inorganic thermoelectric materials. Despite notable achievements in the development of high-performance flexible thermoelectric materials, they still pose inferior figure of merit (zT) in comparison to their inorganic counterparts. This review encompasses various aspects of flexible thermoelectric materials including theoretical foundations which highlight the principles that explain the concepts and parameters of thermoelectricity to enhance the overall performance, serving as a foundation for understanding the subsequent developments. Further it is overviewed in detail the corresponding state of the art in development of conducting thermoelectric polymers, inorganic-polymer composites, carbon-based thermoelectric and inorganic thermoelectrics on flexible substrates to enhance their thermoelectric performances. Finally, it includes the overlook to the future of flexible thermoelectric for wearable thermoelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Analyzing phase transitions using the inherent geometrical attributes of a system has garnered enormous interest over the past few decades. The usual candidate often used for investigation is graphene—the most celebrated material among the family of tri‐coordinated graphed lattices. We show in this report that other inhabitants of the family demonstrate equally admirable structural and functional properties that at its core are controlled by their topology. Two interesting members of the family are cyclooctatrene (COT) and COT‐based polymer: poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene, both in one and two dimensions that have been investigated by polymer chemists over a period of 50 years for its possible application in batteries exploiting its conducting properties. A single COT unit is demonstrated herein to exhibit topological solitons at sites of a broken bond similar to an open one‐dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chain. We observe that poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene in one dimension mimics two coupled SSH chains in the weak coupling limit, thereby showing the presence of topological edge modes. In the strong coupling limit, we investigate the different parameter values of our system for which we observe zero‐energy modes. Further, the application of an external magnetic field and its effects on the band flattening of the energy bands has also been studied. In two dimensions, poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene forms a square‐octagon lattice which upon breaking time‐reversal symmetry goes into a topological phase forming noise‐resilient edge modes. We hope our analysis would pave the way for synthesizing such topological materials and exploiting their properties for promising applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and renewable energy sources. Key Points We show in this paper tri‐coordinated lattice systems: cylooctatrene (COT) and COT‐based polymer: poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene exhibit exotic topological properties. Flat bands are generated upon application of tailored magnetic flux for poly‐bi‐[8]‐annulenylene in one dimension. Insights from this paper open the possibility of using these polymers as an experimental ground to observe many flat‐band and topology‐related phenomena.

Epoxy, a typical thermosetting resin, exhibits excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, it can cause environmental pollution when discarded prior to decomposition. In this study, a novel oxime epoxy based on 1,4‐benzoquinone dioxime was developed. It decomposes quickly under mild conditions and without requiring organic solvents, thus is environmentally friendly. The optimal curing temperature for benzoquinone oxime epoxy (BOE) with a curing agent was 85°C as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the BOE/1,6‐hexanediamine (HMDA) resin are 20 and 400 MPa, respectively, and Tg is 76°C. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the BOE resin was thermally stable. Interestingly, BOE/HMDA degraded in 8 h under mild conditions. This rapid degradation will facilitate the development of new chemically degradable epoxy molecules with embedded oximes and provide insights into solving the environmental problems caused by discarded epoxy resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Fe-N conjugated organic polymer (SMP-Fr-Py) was prepared from ferrocene and pyrrole using a Scholl coupling reaction, which significantly improved the performance of Cr(VI) removal compared to the polymer (HCP-Fr-Py) prepared by adding the cross-linker formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (FDA). The results showed that at a pH of 2 and at 25 °C, the removal of Cr(VI) reached 90% for SMP-Fr-Py and only 58% for HCP-Fr-Py after 20 min of reaction. Subsequently, 99% and 78% were achieved after 120 min of reaction, respectively. The test results showed that the removal reaction followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The removal efficiency decreased with increasing solution pH and initial Cr(VI) concentration, but increased with increasing SMP-Fr-Py dosage, reaching three cycles. The characterization of the reaction complexes and measurements of Cr species conversion revealed the near absence of Cr(VI) species in the solution. Approximately 38% of Cr(VI) was found to be adsorbed on the material surface, with another fraction present in solution (24%) and on the material surface (38%) in the form of Cr(III). The overall study showed that the direct connection of ferrocene and pyrrole in SMP-Fr-Py through C-C bonding increased the conjugated structure of the polymer backbone, which facilitated electron transfer and transport. Furthermore, the Fe-N elements worked synergistically with each other more easily, which improved the removal performance of Cr(VI) and provided a reference for the subsequent work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In slope ecological restoration projects, reinforcing soil and promoting vegetation growth are essential measures. Guest soil spraying technology can be used to backfill modified soil and vegetation seeds onto the slope surface, resulting in successful ecological restoration. The use of organic polymer modifiers to reinforce soil has several benefits, such as high strength, effective results, and low pollution levels. Organic polymer soil modifiers can be divided into two categories: synthetic polymer modifiers and biopolymer modifiers. This paper provides a thorough review of the properties and interaction mechanisms of two types of polymer modifiers in soil consolidation. The properties of organic polymer modifiers make them applicable in soil and vegetation engineering on slopes. These modifiers can enhance soil mechanics, infiltration, and erosion resistance and promote vegetation growth. Therefore, the suitability of organic polymer modifiers for soil and vegetation engineering on slopes is demonstrated by their properties and potential for improvement in key areas. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects for slope protection technology using organic polymer modifiers are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ionic porous organic polymers catalysts were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunner − Emmet − Teller measurements, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis The characterization results showed that the synthesized catalyst was a porous polymer and had good heat stability. The catalytic performance of the catalyst was evaluated by synthesis of methacrolein from formaldehyde and propionaldehyde. The optimal reaction conditions were: the catalyst amount was 10%(wt%)of propionic aldehyde mass, the reaction temperature was 85 ℃, the reaction time was 1.5 h, the ratio of propionaldehyde and formaldehyde was 1:1.2. Under optimal condition, the conversion rate of propionaldehyde was up to 99.57% and the selectivity of methacrolein was 98.77%. The catalytic activity did not reduced obviously after being reused for 5 times. The reaction kinetics of synthesis of methacrolein was further studied. The results showed that the reaction order was 1.6, the activation energy was 50.28 kJ/mol and the pre-exponential factor was 4.17 × 107 (mol/L)−1.456/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-rich organic polymer poly(chloride triazole) (PCTs) was synthesized by a one-step method as metal-halogen-free heterogeneous catalyst for the solvent-free CO2 cycloaddition. PCTs had abundant nitrogen sites and hydrogen bond donors, exhibited great activity for the cycloaddition of CO2 and epichlorohydrin, and achieved 99.6% yield of chloropropene carbonate under the conditions of 110 ℃, 6 h, and 0.5 MPa CO2. The activation of epoxides and CO2 by hydrogen bond donor and nitrogen sites was further explained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In summary, this study showed that nitrogen-rich organic polymer is a versatile platform for CO2 cycloaddition, and this paper provides a reference for the design of CO2 cycloaddition catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilizing matrix plays a crucial role in anchoring the receptors of target biomolecules and enhancing the sensing capability of biosensor. Howbeit, the immobilization platforms that induce stable molecular interactions with the receptors without the need for harsh reaction conditions (covalent bonding) are rare. Herein, we report the design, development and application of novel semiconducting one-dimensional (1D) tetrazine polymers (TTz, PhTTz, PhAlkTz) as immobilizing matrices for electronic biosensing of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a cancer biomarker. The polymers are fully loaded with electron-deficient tetrazine units (nitrogen-rich), which develop strong hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) interactions and effectively immobilize the bioreceptor (anti-CEA). The sensor comprises reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as the base conducting layer and tetrazine polymers as immobilizing matrices for the CEA antibodies. The rGO/TTz/anti-CEA, rGO/PhTTz/anti-CEA, rGO/PhAlkTz/anti-CEA sensors exhibited 3.5 to 34.16 µA, 2.2 to 34.89 µA, 1.1 to 39.27 µA responses, respectively, for 1 pg/ml to 200 ng/ml of CEA. The sensors' (TTz, PhTTz, and PhAlkTz) sensitivities, selectivities and stabilities are found to be better than that of previously reported partially tetrazine loaded polymer (PhPTz). The study discloses the presence of H-bonding in tetrazine units is highly critical for superior sensing. The concept of utilizing N-rich tetrazine units in the immobilizing platforms can be generalized to several other hetero-atom based systems and polymers. Thus, a wide variety of novel immobilizing substrates can be developed to realize superior sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single atomic site catalyst/organic polymers hybrid photocatalyst has been demonstrated as a potential material for photocatalytic CO2 reduction that can solve both environmental and energy issues simultaneously. The charge migration and transfer between organic polymers and single atomic site catalysts are attributed to the high performance of the hybrid material. In this review, two typical charge transfers between the single atomic site catalyst and organic polymer‐based semiconductor, namely intermolecular electron transfer and intramolecular electron transfer, are discussed. Typical single‐atomic site catalysts, organic polymers, and methods are first reviewed for the fabrication of hybrid systems. Why intramolecular electron transfer between the single atomic site catalyst and organic polymers exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than intermolecular electron transfer is also discussed. Finally, the critical challenges in fabricating these hybrid photocatalysts toward an efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction are highlighted, and propose solutions to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coagulation is an essential and easy process to treat water and wastewater and also to adopt for point of use solutions. Coagulants have played a significant role in providing safe and potable water. Nevertheless, the ill effects of chemical coagulants, such as health effects and substantial sludge quantities, cannot be ignored. Under given conditions, the search for alternative coagulants has been the need of the hour, and researchers have presented those natural coagulants are promising alternatives. The exploration and evaluation of plant-based coagulants have shown that these are fit to substitute chemical coagulants sustainably. Previous studies have presented the efficacy of various coagulants but could not fill in the gap existing in terms of a cumulative database of natural coagulants. In these lines, the focus of the current review is to present the history of natural coagulants, the science involved and studies carried out to evaluate them at different levels. Furthermore, a cumulative database of 57 natural coagulants with their efficacy in removing impurities from raw water is presented.

Organic polymers (OPs), including conjugated polymers, conjugated microporous polymers, and conjugated organic frameworks, have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to their exceptional photocatalytic performance and recombinable molecular building blocks. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) within OPs is instrumental in achieving efficient photocatalysis. Moreover, the intermolecular electron donor-acceptor (D-A) structure is aimed at optimizing ICT, which could be accomplished by molecular modification. In this paper, we outline the comprehensive approaches for constructing D-A structure through molecular modification, and discuss the fundamental principles of enhancing the photocatalytic activity of D-A OPs in detail. Furthermore, we summarize the application of modified D-A OPs in resolving prevalent environmental and energy problems. This method is widely recognized as a promising solution to address the current bottleneck in photocatalysis. Thus, this review aims to enhance the fundamental comprehension of D-A OPs created through molecular modification and explore innovative strategies for addressing existing environmental challenges. [Display omitted] • The benefits of molecular modification (MMF) compared with others were discussed. • The crucial factors for organic polymers (OPs) in MMF were elucidated. • The advantages of donor-acceptor structure in optimizing OPs were explored. • The potential challenge and future of MMF were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Single atomic site catalyst/organic polymers hybrid photocatalyst has been demonstrated as a potential material for photocatalytic CO2 reduction that can solve both environmental and energy issues simultaneously. The charge migration and transfer between organic polymers and single atomic site catalysts are attributed to the high performance of the hybrid material. In this review, two typical charge transfers between the single atomic site catalyst and organic polymer‐based semiconductor, namely intermolecular electron transfer and intramolecular electron transfer, are discussed. Typical single‐atomic site catalysts, organic polymers, and methods are first reviewed for the fabrication of hybrid systems. Why intramolecular electron transfer between the single atomic site catalyst and organic polymers exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than intermolecular electron transfer is also discussed. Finally, the critical challenges in fabricating these hybrid photocatalysts toward an efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction are highlighted, and propose solutions to these challenges.

The properties of the supramolecular organization of conjugated polymers strongly affect the mobility of charge carriers and, consequently, the properties of produced electronic devices based on them. Therefore, it is important to learn how to build computational models capable of reproducing the structure of such polymers with the highest possible accuracy. One of the main driving forces of the self-assembly of supramolecular structures in conjugated polymers is π – π interaction. Taking it into account is a rather difficult task, especially when constructing mesoscale models. In this work, we use the electron density functional theory to develop a methodology for calculating conjugated polymers taking into account π – π interaction. The geometric characteristics of stacks of four tetra thiophene molecules were studied. The performed calculations show that the use of the M06-2X-D3 functional makes it possible to correctly model the interactions of oligothiophene molecules and the structure of the resulting aggregates, while semiempirical calculations by the PM7 method of conjugated polymers are suitable only for rapid preliminary optimization of models. The tested calculation technique is of great importance for the parametrization of mesoscale modeling schemes.

Iron ore pellets not only have excellent metallurgical and mechanical properties but are also essential raw materials for improving iron and steel smelting in the context of the increasing global depletion of high-grade iron ore resources. Organic polymers, as important additive components for the production of high-quality pellets, have a significant impact on the formation as well as the properties of pellets. In this review, the mechanisms of organic polymers on the pelletizing properties, bursting temperature, and pellet strength at low and high temperatures, as well as the existing measures and mechanisms to improve the high-temperature strength of the organic binder pellets are systematically summarized. Compared with traditional bentonite additives, the organic polymers greatly improve the pelletizing rate and pellet strength at low temperatures, and significantly reduces metallurgical pollution. However, organic binders often lead to a decrease in pellet bursting temperature and pellet strength at high temperatures, which can be significantly improved by compounding with a small amount of low-cost inorganic minerals, such as bentonite, boron-containing compounds, sodium salts, and copper slag. At the same time, some industrial solid wastes can be rationally used to reduce the cost of pellet binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) as retinal prostheses is attracting attention due to the possibility of injecting them directly into the desired tissue, with a minimally invasive surgical treatment. Polythiophene NPs localize in close proximity to the bipolar cell plasma membrane, which engulfs them, creating an intimate contact between the NP and the neuron. The intimate contact coupled with NP photoactivity are hypothesized to be the main guarantors of the electrostatic functioning of the bio-hybrid device. Since they may both be strongly affected by the geometric features of the NP, in this work, we use mathematical modeling to study the electrostatic polarization induced by light onto the NP and analyze how its spatial distribution is modified by varying the radius of the NP and its shape. Simulation results support the efficacy of the theoretical approach as a complementary virtual laboratory in the optimization of the current device and in the development of similar future NP-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electro-active copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 2-((4-acroylpiperazine-1-yl)methyl)-9H-thioxanthene-9-one (poly(MMA-co-ThS)) was synthesized by radical polymerization. The copolymer has good solubility in most organic solvents, thermal stability up to 282 °C and excellent ability to form thin films on silicon wafers. Poly(MMA-co-ThS) films exhibited an electrochemical and electrochromic activity resulting in the formation of long-lived radical anion states of pendant thioxanthone groups inside the film. These states exhibit optical transitions in the visible region as a broad optical absorption band, 500<λ<900 nm (1.38opt (ThS)<2.48 eV) with a maximum at λ max =675 nm (1.84 eV). Using temperature measurements of the current-voltage characteristics of p-Si(100)/poly(MMA-co-ThS)/Al devices, it was shown that the charge transport in the film occurs by a multiphonon mechanism, which is quantitatively described by the Nasyrov-Gritsenko model of phonon-assisted tunneling between traps. The value of the optical transition energy of the trap, determined by the Nasyrov-Gritsenko model, W opt =1.8 eV, is in a good agreement with W opt (ThS), confirming the nature of the traps as 9H-thioxanthen-9-one structures. The n ++ Si(100)/poly(MMA-co-ThS)/Al memory device exhibited a memristive effect (reversible ON/OFF switching of the device) with an initial "forming" cycle followed by repetitive memory cycles characterized by bipolar switching., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In slope ecological restoration projects, reinforcing soil and promoting vegetation growth are essential measures. Guest soil spraying technology can be used to backfill modified soil and vegetation seeds onto the slope surface, resulting in successful ecological restoration. The use of organic polymer modifiers to reinforce soil has several benefits, such as high strength, effective results, and low pollution levels. Organic polymer soil modifiers can be divided into two categories: synthetic polymer modifiers and biopolymer modifiers. This paper provides a thorough review of the properties and interaction mechanisms of two types of polymer modifiers in soil consolidation. The properties of organic polymer modifiers make them applicable in soil and vegetation engineering on slopes. These modifiers can enhance soil mechanics, infiltration, and erosion resistance and promote vegetation growth. Therefore, the suitability of organic polymer modifiers for soil and vegetation engineering on slopes is demonstrated by their properties and potential for improvement in key areas. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects for slope protection technology using organic polymer modifiers are suggested.

A Fe-N conjugated organic polymer (SMP-Fr-Py) was prepared from ferrocene and pyrrole using a Scholl coupling reaction, which significantly improved the performance of Cr(VI) removal compared to the polymer (HCP-Fr-Py) prepared by adding the cross-linker formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (FDA). The results showed that at a pH of 2 and at 25 °C, the removal of Cr(VI) reached 90% for SMP-Fr-Py and only 58% for HCP-Fr-Py after 20 min of reaction. Subsequently, 99% and 78% were achieved after 120 min of reaction, respectively. The test results showed that the removal reaction followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The removal efficiency decreased with increasing solution pH and initial Cr(VI) concentration, but increased with increasing SMP-Fr-Py dosage, reaching three cycles. The characterization of the reaction complexes and measurements of Cr species conversion revealed the near absence of Cr(VI) species in the solution. Approximately 38% of Cr(VI) was found to be adsorbed on the material surface, with another fraction present in solution (24%) and on the material surface (38%) in the form of Cr(III). The overall study showed that the direct connection of ferrocene and pyrrole in SMP-Fr-Py through C-C bonding increased the conjugated structure of the polymer backbone, which facilitated electron transfer and transport. Furthermore, the Fe-N elements worked synergistically with each other more easily, which improved the removal performance of Cr(VI) and provided a reference for the subsequent work.

Elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) was employed to measure the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) for energies between 500 and 1600 eV for five insulating organic compounds: Kapton, polyethylene (PE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A Ni and a Si sample were used as reference materials to avoid measurement of the elastic reflection coefficient in absolute units. Correction of experimental elastic peak intensities for surface excitations was performed which turned out to be essential. The results are compared with recent evaluations of optical constants to yield the IMFP in the literature giving satisfactory agreement, with deviations generally below 20%. Investigation of the kinematics in an electron reflection experiment shows that the dispersion coefficient used in REELS data analysis cannot be identified with the true plasmon dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflection electron energy loss spectra (REELS) were measured for five insulating organic compounds: Kapton, polyethylene (PE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), as well as for Ni and Si, in the energy range between 200 and 1600 eV. The average number of surface excitations for a single surface crossing were determined from the experimental data and were found to be considerably smaller than for earlier studied materials, which mainly consisted of elemental metals [Surf. Sci. 486(2001)L461]. The surface excitation parameter, a material parameter used to quantify the relative intensity of surface losses in (photo)electron spectroscopy, was extracted from the data and compared with values found in the literature. The results indicate that surface excitations only have a minor influence on quantification of XPS spectra of polymers. On the other hand, a correction for surface excitations turns out to be essential for measurements of the electron inelastic mean free path of polymers when a metal is used as reference material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation is an essential and easy process to treat water and wastewater and also to adopt for point of use solutions. Coagulants have played a significant role in providing safe and potable water. Nevertheless, the ill effects of chemical coagulants, such as health effects and substantial sludge quantities, cannot be ignored. Under given conditions, the search for alternative coagulants has been the need of the hour, and researchers have presented those natural coagulants are promising alternatives. The exploration and evaluation of plant-based coagulants have shown that these are fit to substitute chemical coagulants sustainably. Previous studies have presented the efficacy of various coagulants but could not fill in the gap existing in terms of a cumulative database of natural coagulants. In these lines, the focus of the current review is to present the history of natural coagulants, the science involved and studies carried out to evaluate them at different levels. Furthermore, a cumulative database of 57 natural coagulants with their efficacy in removing impurities from raw water is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques are used to study trace elements in organic samples where matrix compositions vary spatially. This study was conducted to develop calibrations for lithium content and lithium isotope measurements in kerogen. Known concentrations of Li ions (6Li and 7Li) were implanted into organic polymers, with a range of H/C and O/C ratios similar to kerogen, along with glassy carbon (SPI Glas‐22) and silicate glass (NIST SRM 612). Results show that Li content calibration factors (K*) are similar for carbonaceous samples when analysed using a 5 kV secondary ion accelerating voltage. Using a 9 kV secondary ion accelerating voltage, K* factors are negatively correlated with the sample O content, changing ~ 30% between 0 and 15 oxygen atomic %. Thus, to avoid the matrix effect related to O content, using a 5 kV secondary ion accelerating voltage is best for quantification of Li contents based on 7Li+/12C+ ratios. Under these analytical conditions, Li ppm (atomic) = (132 (± 8) × 7Li+/12C+) × 12C atom fraction of the sample measured. Lithium isotope ratio measurements of SPI Glas‐22 and NIST SRM 612 are within uncertainty; however, the organic polymer samples as a group show a 10‰ higher δ7Li than NIST SRM 612. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancement of novel sorbent materials and efficient extraction mode is urgently needed for sorbent-phase microextraction techniques. Herein, two novel microextraction techniques, hyper-crosslinked polymer-solid phase microextraction (HCP-SPME) and stir bar fabric phase sorptive extraction (stir bar-FPSE), were systematically compared for simultaneous extraction and determination of four fluoroquinolones (FQs) [e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, sparfloxacin] in water by high-performance liquid chromatography. Factors affecting the extraction performance of two proposed methods such as extraction time, pH, ionic strength, and desorption conditions were evaluated. It was indicated that stir bar-FPSE was superior to HCP-SPME for the determination of FQs under the optimal conditions. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.03–0.08 μg L−1 for HCP-SPME and 0.02–0.05 μg L−1 for stir bar-FPSE, respectively. High recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 5) were 87–96% and 2.8–5.7%, respectively, for HCP-SPME, 90–101% and 2.1–4.6% for stir bar-FPSE. Additionally, the advantages of stir bar-FPSE were shorter extraction time, low cost and higher extraction capacity. Therefore, the stir bar-FPSE method exhibits better application potential for the extraction and determination of FQs in real environmental water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) spectra were measured for seven insulating organic compounds (DNA, Irganox 1010, Kapton, polyethylene [PE], poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA], polystyrene [PS] and polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]). Optical constants and energy band gaps were extracted from the measured REELS spectra after elimination of multiple electron scattering via a deconvolution and fitting the normalised single scattering energy loss spectra to Drude and Drude–Lindhard model dielectric functions, constrained by the Kramers–Kronig sum and f‐sum rules. Satisfactory agreement is found for those optical constants for which literature data exists. For PTFE, the observed features in the optical data correspond to its electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Organic polymers are materials widely used in our daily lives, such as daily necessities, foods, and medicines. There have been reports recently that cross‐linked polyacrylic acid (CL‐PAA) can possibly cause serious lung disease. We investigated whether intratracheal instillation of CL‐PAA causes pulmonary disorder in rats. Methods: Male F344 rats were administered low (0.2 mg/rat) and high (1.0 mg/rat) doses of CL‐PAA intratracheally and were dissected 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after exposure to examine inflammatory and fibrotic responses in the lungs. Only the high‐dose specimens were subjected to ultrasonic dispersion treatment of the administered material. Results: There was a dose‐dependent increase in the total cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), surfactant protein D (SP‐D), cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)‐1 and CINC‐2 values in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 3 days to at least 3 months after intratracheal administration of CL‐PAA. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in lung tissue was also persistently elevated from 3 days to 6 months after exposure. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in BALF was elevated at 3 days and 1 month after exposure only in the high‐dose group. Histopathological findings in lung tissue showed inflammatory and fibrotic changes from 3 days after administration, and we observed obvious inflammatory changes for up to 3 months and fibrotic changes for up to 6 months. Conclusion: Intratracheal administration of CL‐PAA induced persistent neutrophilic inflammation and fibrosis in the rats' lungs, suggesting that CL‐PAA may have inflammogenic and fibrogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising renewable nanomaterials with applications ranging from biomedicine to water purification. However, the instability of LNPs under acidic and basic conditions severely limits their functionalization for improved performance. Here, we show that controlling the degree of esterification can significantly improve the stability of lignin oleate nanoparticles (OLNPs) in acidic and basic aqueous dispersions. The high stability of OLNPs is attributed to the alkyl chains accumulated in the shell of the particle, which delays protonation/deprotonation of carboxylic acid and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Owing to the enhanced stability, acid‐ and base‐catalyzed functionalization of OLNPs at pH 2.0 and pH 12.0 via oxirane ring‐opening reactions were successfully performed. We also demonstrated these new functionalized particles as efficient pH‐switchable dye adsorbents and anticorrosive particulate coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron ore pellets not only have excellent metallurgical and mechanical properties but are also essential raw materials for improving iron and steel smelting in the context of the increasing global depletion of high-grade iron ore resources. Organic polymers, as important additive components for the production of high-quality pellets, have a significant impact on the formation as well as the properties of pellets. In this review, the mechanisms of organic polymers on the pelletizing properties, bursting temperature, and pellet strength at low and high temperatures, as well as the existing measures and mechanisms to improve the high-temperature strength of the organic binder pellets are systematically summarized. Compared with traditional bentonite additives, the organic polymers greatly improve the pelletizing rate and pellet strength at low temperatures, and significantly reduces metallurgical pollution. However, organic binders often lead to a decrease in pellet bursting temperature and pellet strength at high temperatures, which can be significantly improved by compounding with a small amount of low-cost inorganic minerals, such as bentonite, boron-containing compounds, sodium salts, and copper slag. At the same time, some industrial solid wastes can be rationally used to reduce the cost of pellet binders.

The use of organic semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) as retinal prostheses is attracting attention due to the possibility of injecting them directly into the desired tissue, with a minimally invasive surgical treatment. Polythiophene NPs localize in close proximity to the bipolar cell plasma membrane, which engulfs them, creating an intimate contact between the NP and the neuron. The intimate contact coupled with NP photoactivity are hypothesized to be the main guarantors of the electrostatic functioning of the bio-hybrid device. Since they may both be strongly affected by the geometric features of the NP, in this work, we use mathematical modeling to study the electrostatic polarization induced by light onto the NP and analyze how its spatial distribution is modified by varying the radius of the NP and its shape. Simulation results support the efficacy of the theoretical approach as a complementary virtual laboratory in the optimization of the current device and in the development of similar future NP-based technologies.