Surface functionalization of nanodiamond with phenylphosphonate.

Hypothesis: This work explores arylation of oxidized nanodiamond (OND) and carboxylated nanodiamond (CND) using phenylphosphonate (PPA) to produce PPA-grafted nanodiamond (PPA@ND). The specific hypothesis is that PPA can be readily grafted onto the surfaces of OND and CND particles via the nanodiamonds' reactive oxygen-rich surface functional groups.

Experiments: This work explores the effect of varying reaction conditions (reactant ratio, heat, sonication) on PPA graft density and grafting mode.

Terthiophene-containing copolymers and homopolymer blends as high-performance dielectric materials.

This work explores the dielectric and polarization properties of block copolymers and homopolymer blends containing a terthiophene-rich, electronically polarized block (PTTEMA) and an insulating polystyrene block (PS). PTTEMA-b-PS block copolymers were synthesized by reverse addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and PTTEMA/PS homopolymer blends with the same PTTEMA weight percentages were produced by solution blending. DSC and XRD characterization show that crystallinity increases with PTTEMA content, indicating the presence of terthiophene-rich crystalline domains.

Covalent grafting of phenylphosphonate on calcium niobate platelets.

Hypothesis: This work explores covalent grafting of phenylphosphonate (PPA) onto exfoliated, protonated calcium niobate (HCN), a Dion-Jacobson layered perovskite. The specific hypothesis is that PPA can be readily grafted onto the face surfaces of exfoliated HCN, which has reactive apical oxygen atoms.

Experiments: Previous research has established the conditions required for full exfoliation of HCN in aqueous solutions of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), denoted as TBACN.

Tuning the underwater oleophobicity of graphene oxide coatings via UV irradiation.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was utilized to gradually modify the chemistry and structure of graphene oxide (GO) flakes, as confirmed by XPS and AFM. Ultrathin GO coatings/membranes, made of UV-irradiated flakes, showed tunable underwater oleophobicity. UV-treated, superoleophobic GO membranes exhibited excellent antifouling capability for oil/water separation.