Search

The membranization of membrane‐less coacervates paves the way for the exploitation of complex protocells with regard to structural and cell‐like functional behaviors. However, the controlled transformation from membranized coacervates to vesicles remains a challenge. This can provide stable (multi)phase and (multi)compartmental architectures through the reconfiguration of coacervate droplets in the presence of (bioactive) polymers, bio(macro)molecules and/or nanoobjects. Herein, we present a continuous protocell transformation from membrane‐less coacervates to membranized coacervates and, ultimately, to giant hybrid vesicles. This transformation process is orchestrated by altering the balance of non‐covalent interactions through varying concentrations of an anionic terpolymer, leading to dynamic processes such as spontaneous membranization of terpolymer nanoparticles at the coacervate surface, disassembly of the coacervate phase mediated by the excess anionic charge, and the redistribution of coacervate components in membrane. The diverse protocells during the transformation course provide distinct structural features and molecular permeability. Notably, the introduction of multiphase coacervates in this continuous transformation process signifies advancements toward the creation of synthetic cells with different diffusible compartments. Our findings emphasize the highly controlled continuous structural reorganization of coacervate protocells and represents a novel step toward the development of advanced and sophisticated synthetic protocells with more precise compositions and complex (membrane) structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinyl methyl oxazolidinone (VMOX®) is studied as a new reactive diluent (RD) for highly polar unsaturated polyesters (UPs). Molecules with special structure properties are extensively investigated as components for unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) and thermosets, particularly for high‐temperature applications. Special diols with a cyclic structure like isosorbide and tricyclodecanedimethanol or special diols with side groups like 2‐methyl‐2‐propyl‐1,3‐propanediol and 2‐ethyl‐2‐butyl‐1,3‐propanediol can provide interesting properties. Bio‐based diols such as isosorbide and 1,3‐butanediol improve the sustainability profile. However, UPs based on such special diols have a higher polarity, limiting their solubility in styrene. This demands a RD, which provides adequate solubility and is suitable for high‐temperature applications. Therefore, our study compares the solubility of highly polar UPs based on special diols in styrene and VMOX®. UPs with different formulations, polarities, and Hansen parameters were synthesized and characterized. The solubility sphere of styrene was determined experimentally with the synthesized UPs. The influence of the special diols on the thermoset properties was investigated in dynamic mechanical analysis measurements. In conclusion, VMOX® as a RD enables full utilization of special diols properties due to the wide solubility window. Moreover, a new class of high‐temperature styrene‐free UP resin was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State-of-the-art Li batteries suffer from serious safety hazards caused by the reactivity of lithium and the flammable nature of liquid electrolytes. This work develops highly efficient solid-state electrolytes consisting of imidazolium-containing polyionic liquids (PILs) and lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). By employing PIL/LiTFSI electrolyte membranes blended with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), we addressed the problem of combining ionic conductivity and mechanical properties in one material. It was found that PPC acts as a mechanically reinforcing component that does not reduce but even enhances the ionic conductivity. While pure PILs are liquids, the tricomponent PPC/PIL/LiTFSI blends are rubber-like materials with a Young's modulus in the range of 100 MPa. The high mechanical strength of the material enables fabrication of mechanically robust free-standing membranes. The tricomponent PPC/PIL/LiTFSI membranes have an ionic conductivity of 10−6 S·cm−1 at room temperature, exhibiting conductivity that is two orders of magnitude greater than bicomponent PPC/LiTFSI membranes. At 60 °C, the conductivity of PPC/PIL/LiTFSI membranes increases to 10−5 S·cm−1 and further increases to 10−3 S·cm−1 in the presence of plasticizers. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal good electrochemical stability of the tricomponent PIL/PPC/LiTFSI membrane that potentially ranges from 0 to 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+. The mechanically reinforced membranes developed in this work are promising electrolytes for potential applications in solid-state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]