ORCID Profile
0000-0002-7994-2097
Current Organisations
University of Sydney
,
University of New South Wales
,
University of Melbourne
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Chemical engineering not elsewhere classified | Materials engineering | Functional Materials | Materials Engineering | Metals and Alloy Materials | Composite and Hybrid Materials | Metals and alloy materials | Functional materials
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Integrated Circuits and Devices | Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing not elsewhere classified |
Related Links
Publications
Gallium‐Based Liquid Metal Reaction Media for Interfacial Precipitation of Bismuth Nanomaterials with Controlled Phases and Morphologies
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-11-2021
Abstract: Liquid–liquid interfaces of liquid alloys with electrolytic solutions present fertile platforms for realizing exciting interfacial phenomena that can be devised to process alloys and produce nanomaterials. Here, such an interface is established by immersing a gallium–bismuth binary liquid alloy into aqueous electrolytes. It is shown that the application of a negative voltage to this interface results in a rapid and complete liberation of bismuth nanostructures from liquid gallium. The set of conditions that govern the chemistry of the interface can be adjusted to control the oxidation state, morphology, and crystal structure of the expelled bismuth. By changing the conditions nanotubular, atomically thin plates, and sea‐urchin‐shaped bismuth oxide morphologies are obtained. The process can also control the crystal phase of bismuth oxide as monoclinic (α), tetragonal (β), or body‐centered cubic (γ). The addition of ascorbic acid to the electrolyte is observed to prevent the oxidation of the expelled entities, resulting in bismuth metal nanoparticles. Ab initio molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to elucidate this rapid phase separation at the interface. This knowledge will potentially lead to new pathways for using alloys as reaction media to refine metals while simultaneously producing nanomaterials for various applications.
Engineering of Nebulized Metal–Phenolic Capsules for Controlled Pulmonary Deposition
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-01-2020
Electrochemical Behavior and Redox-Dependent Disassembly of Gallic Acid/FeIII Metal-Phenolic Networks
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-01-2018
Abstract: Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) are a versatile class of organic-inorganic hybrid systems that are generating interest for applications in catalysis, bioimaging, and drug delivery. These self-assembled MPNs possess metal-coordinated structures and may potentially serve as redox-responsive platforms for triggered disassembly or drug release. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the reduction and oxidation behavior of MPNs for evaluating their redox responsiveness, specific conditions required for their disassembly, and the kinetics of metal ion release, is necessary. Using a representative MPN gallic acid-iron (GA/Fe
Low-temperature liquid platinum catalyst
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41557-022-00965-6
Abstract: Insights into metal-matrix interactions in atomically dispersed catalytic systems are necessary to exploit the true catalytic activity of isolated metal atoms. Distinct from catalytic atoms spatially separated but immobile in a solid matrix, here we demonstrate that a trace amount of platinum naturally dissolved in liquid gallium can drive a range of catalytic reactions with enhanced kinetics at low temperature (318 to 343 K). Molecular simulations provide evidence that the platinum atoms remain in a liquid state in the gallium matrix without atomic segregation and activate the surrounding gallium atoms for catalysis. When used for electrochemical methanol oxidation, the surface platinum atoms in the gallium-platinum system exhibit an activity of [Formula: see text] three orders of magnitude higher than existing solid platinum catalysts. Such a liquid catalyst system, with a dynamic interface, sets a foundation for future exploration of high-throughput catalysis.
Pulsing Liquid Alloys for Nanomaterials Synthesis
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-09-2020
Dynamic Zinc in Liquid Metal Media as a Metal Ion Source for Highly Porous ZIF‐8 Synthesis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-03-2023
Abstract: Liquid metals provide new dimensions for controlling and governing of reactions. The concept of freely moving metal solutes in liquid metals can be potentially used for enhancing and tuning interfacial reactions. In this work, zinc (Zn), as the solute metal is shown that, can move to the interface, enriching the interfacial area for the efficient synthesis of highly crystalline and porous zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8). The highest rate of reaction is illustrated, and the best quality ZIF‐8, are obtained when a eutectic liquid metal system of Zn with gallium (Ga), containing 3.6 wt.% of Zn, is implemented. It is computationally shown that a combination of Ga activation and freely moving Zn leads to the highest reaction rate and better coordination with organic linkers. The comparisons with solid s les and non‐eutectic systems of Ga liquid demonstrate the advantages of eutectic mix. The work can be expanded to a variety of future interfacial reactions of zeolite imidazole frameworks for commercial scale up.
Unusual growth of polyelectrolyte multilayers by introduction of a rugged multilayer template and their unique adsorption behaviors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2011
Surface-Confined Amorphous Films from Metal-Coordinated Simple Phenolic Ligands.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-08-2015
A liquid metal-polydopamine composite for cell culture and electro-stimulation
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2TB02079C
Abstract: A liquid gallium–polydopamine composite was synthesised and utilised as a soft biocompatible electrode for cell culture by electro-stimulation increasing the proliferation rate of model animal fibroblasts.
Liquid metal enabled reformation of ethylene glycol
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Nanotip Formation from Liquid Metals for Soft Electronic Junctions
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-08-2021
Carbonization of low thermal stability polymers at the interface of liquid metals
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Multiligand Metal-Phenolic Assembly from Green Tea Infusions.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-07-2018
Abstract: The synthesis of hybrid functional materials using the coordination-driven assembly of metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) is of interest in erse areas of materials science. To date, MPN assembly has been explored as monoligand systems (i.e., containing a single type of phenolic ligand) where the phenolic components are primarily obtained from natural sources via extraction, isolation, and purification processes. Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of MPNs from a readily available, crude phenolic source-green tea (GT) infusions. We employ our recently introduced rust-mediated continuous assembly strategy to prepare these GT MPN systems. The resulting hollow MPN capsules contain multiple phenolic ligands and have a shell thickness that can be controlled through the reaction time. These multiligand MPN systems have different properties compared to the analogous MPN systems reported previously. For ex le, the Young's modulus (as determined using colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy) of the GT MPN system presented herein is less than half that of MPN systems prepared using tannic acid and iron salt solutions, and the disassembly kinetics are faster (∼50%) than other, comparable MPN systems under identical disassembly conditions. Additionally, the use of rust-mediated assembly enables the formation of stable capsules under conditions where the conventional approach (i.e., using iron salt solutions) results in colloidally unstable dispersions. These differences highlight how the choice of phenolic ligand and its source, as well as the assembly protocol (e.g., using solution-based or solid-state iron sources), can be used to tune the properties of MPNs. The strategy presented herein expands the toolbox of MPN assembly while also providing new insights into the nature and robustness of metal-phenolic interfacial assembly when using solution-based or solid-state metal sources.
Polyphenol-Induced Adhesive Liquid Metal Inks for Substrate-Independent Direct Pen Writing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2021
Influence of Poly(ethylene glycol) Molecular Architecture on Particle Assembly and Ex Vivo Particle–Immune Cell Interactions in Human Blood
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-05-2021
Coordination-Driven Multistep Assembly of Metal–Polyphenol Films and Capsules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-02-2014
DOI: 10.1021/CM403903M
Stealth nanorods via the aqueous living crystallisation-driven self-assembly of poly(2-oxazoline)s
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1SC00938A
Abstract: Triggered by heating, a poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) block copolymer undergoes seeded growth in water forming length tuneable nanorods. Morphology and composition combine to impart low immune cell association and promising blood circulation lifetimes.
Polydopamine Shell as a Ga3+ Reservoir for Triggering Gallium–Indium Phase Separation in Eutectic Gallium–Indium Nanoalloys
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-10-2021
Phenolic Building Blocks for the Assembly of Functional Materials.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2019
Abstract: Phenolic materials have long been known for their use in inks, wood coatings, and leather tanning. However, there has recently been a renewed interest in engineering advanced materials from phenolic building blocks. The intrinsic properties of phenolic compounds, such as metal chelation, hydrogen bonding, pH responsiveness, redox potentials, radical scavenging, polymerization, and light absorbance, have made them a distinct class of structural motifs for the synthesis of functional materials. Materials prepared from phenolic compounds often retain many of these useful properties with synergistic effects in applications ranging from catalysis to biomedicine. This Review provides an overview of the erse functional materials that can be prepared from natural and synthetic phenolic building blocks, as well as their applications.
Post‐Transition Metal Electrodes for Sensing Heavy Metal Ions by Stripping Voltammetry
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-09-2022
Abstract: Heavy metal ions contamination is an ever‐growing threat to human health and ecosystems. Analytic sensing of heavy metal ions is a prerequisite step toward addressing this challenge. Electroanalytical technique is an effective and convenient way to detect heavy metal ions. Especially, stripping voltammetry techniques have been utilized for sensing metal ions at trace levels in different s le matrices. The choice of the working electrode materials plays a decisive role in the precision and sensitivity of stripping voltammetry. Post‐transition metals (including elements in group 12) are elements with low melting points, demonstrating unique properties including amalgamation with heavy metal ions that enhance the performance of stripping voltammetry during the pre‐concentration step, which make them particularly suitable for heavy metal ion sensing. Here, for better understanding the features and advantages of post‐transition metals in stripping voltammetry, eight classes of working electrodes based on zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), gallium (Ga), indium (In), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi), are reviewed, with their efficiency and effectiveness compared and recent progresses discussed. Additionally, liquid metal electrodes based on post‐transition metals and alloys are also presented. This review provides viable directions for future development of heavy metal ion sensors based on post‐transition metals.
Polyphenol-Mediated Assembly for Particle Engineering
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-06-2020
A liquid metal-based process for tuning the thermoelectric properties of bismuth indium systems
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3TC01922E
Abstract: A novel liquid metal-based micro structuring tuning process for improving the thermoelectric properties of metal alloys.
Exploring Electrical Conductivity of Thiolated Micro‐ and Nanoparticles of Gallium
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-01-2023
Abstract: Nano‐/microparticles of gallium (Ga), as a low‐melting‐point metal, are extensively used in the fields of soft electronics and sensors to provide thermal and electrical conductivity. However, a passivating oxide layer can be formed on the surface of Ga nano‐/microparticles during the synthesis process. This oxide layer is removed by a secondary sintering step, especially mechanical sintering, which is generally not a controllable process, and compromises the integrity of the system. Herein, thiol molecules, 1‐butanethiol, thiophenol, and 4‐mercaptopyridine, that can functionalize the surface of Ga via sonication to reduce the oxidation of Ga surface are used. The resulting particles exhibit electrical conductivity based on metal–molecule junctions without the requirement for a sintering step. In particular, 4‐mercaptopyridine functionalized, thiolated Ga particles exhibit higher electrical conductivity compared to the other three thiolated Ga systems as the organic material conjugation provides conductive pathways for the mix. Subsequently, using these particle systems, soft devices are developed that can be used for gas, exhalation, and flex sensing. This study provides insights into the possibility of creating combinations of organic molecules with liquid metal‐based nano‐/microparticles to generate electrically conductive mixes and the prospects of fabricating multifunctional sensors.
Metal Ion-Enriched Polyelectrolyte Complexes and Their Utilization in Multilayer Assembly and Catalytic Nanocomposite Films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-05-2012
DOI: 10.1021/LA300674T
Abstract: The mixing of Ag ion-doped poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) produced Ag ion-doped polyelectrolyte complex particles (PECs) in solution. Positively charged Ag ion-doped PECs (Ag ion PECs) with a spherical shape were deposited alternatively with PAA to form a multilayer assembly. The multilayered film containing Ag ion PECs was reduced to generate a composite nanostructure. Metal nanoparticle (NP)-enriched nanocomposite films were formed by an additional process of the postadsorption of precursors on PECs within the nanocomposite films, which resulted in the enhancement of the catalytic and electrical properties of the composite films. Because the films contain PECs that are responsive to changes in pH and most of the NPs are embedded in the PECs, interesting catalytic properties, which are unexpected in a particle-type catalyst, were observed upon pH changes. As a result of the reversible structural changes of the films and the immobilization of the NPs within the films, the film-type catalysts showed enhanced performance and stability during catalytic reactions under various pH conditions, compared to particle-type catalysts.
Polyelectrolyte complex particle-based multifunctional freestanding films containing highly loaded bimetallic particles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C1JM11818H
Magnetic and Conductive Liquid Metal Gels
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-04-2020
List of contributors
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2023
Biofunctional metal–phenolic films from dietary flavonoids.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC08607A
Abstract: Flavonoid films: dietary flavonoids assemble into biofunctional films and capsules in a one-step process via metal coordination. The antioxidant property of the parent flavonoid is enhanced when assembled into a film and can be reused over multiple cycles.
Liquid Metal-Triggered Assembly of Phenolic Nanocoatings with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-02-2021
Photolithography-enabled direct patterning of liquid metals
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0TC01466D
Abstract: Direct patterning of liquid metals via photolithography.
Low Melting Temperature Liquid Metals and Their Impacts on Physical Chemistry
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-07-2021
Self-Assembly of a Metal-Phenolic Sorbent for Broad-Spectrum Metal Sequestration
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-01-2020
Abstract: Metal contamination of water bodies from industrial effluents presents a global threat to the aquatic ecosystem. To address this challenge, metal sequestration via adsorption onto solid media has been explored extensively. However, existing sorbent systems typically involve energy-intensive syntheses and are applicable to a limited range of metals. Herein, a sorbent system derived from physically cross-linked polyphenolic networks using tannic acid and Zr
Protein Adsorption and Coordination-Based End-Tethering of Functional Polymers on Metal–Phenolic Network Films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-02-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.BIOMAC.9B00006
Abstract: Metal-phenolic network (MPN) coatings have generated increasing interest owing to their biologically inspired nature, facile fabrication, and near-universal adherence, especially for biomedical applications. However, a key issue in biomedicine is protein fouling, and the adsorption of proteins on tannic acid-based MPNs remains to be comprehensively studied. Herein, we investigate the interaction of specific biomedically relevant proteins in solution (e.g., bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), fibrinogen) and complex biological media (serum) using layer-by-layer-assembled tannic acid/Fe
Formation of inorganic liquid gallium particle–manganese oxide composites
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2NR06384K
Abstract: Liquid gallium particles and manganese oxide inorganic composites were synthesised with the spontaneous formation of manganese oxide networks on the liquid surface of gallium. The composites exhibited tunable optical and photoelectric properties.
Post-transition metal/polymer composites for the separation and sensing of alkali metal ions
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1TA02664J
Abstract: Post-transition metal composites were fabricated and used for the sensing of alkali metal ions towards the recovery of Li + from mixed salt aqueous solutions.
Cell‐Mediated Biointerfacial Phenolic Assembly for Probiotic Nano Encapsulation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2022
Abstract: The use of cell‐mediated chemistry is an emerging strategy that exploits the metabolic processes of living cells to develop biomimetic materials with advanced functionalities and enhanced biocompatibility. Here, a concept of a cell‐mediated catalytic process for forming protective nano‐shells on in idual probiotic cells is demonstrated. This process is leveraged by the cell environment to induce oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds, and simultaneously these phenolic polymers assemble to form nano‐coatings around in idual cell surfaces. The detailed analysis reveals that the oxidation process is triggered by an essential nutrient (manganese) of the probiotic cells, which significantly increases the oxidation rate of phenolic compounds. The phenolic coatings, encapsulating each cell in nanometre scale, demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Additionally, the in situ encapsulated probiotic cells display an improved gastric tolerance of up to ≈1.4 times higher than the native cells and enhanced adhesion as high as ≈1.6 times onto a model of intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, the coated probiotic cells exhibit a high antioxidant activity as an advanced feature. Overall, this method provides a unique approach to improve the probiotic delivery using the cell machinery to engineer encapsulating nanocoatings with protective benefits and new functionalities.
Selective Metal–Phenolic Assembly from Complex Multicomponent Mixtures
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-04-2019
Abstract: Selective self-assembly in multicomponent mixtures offers a method for isolating desired components from complex systems for the rapid production of functional materials. Developing approaches capable of selective assembly of "target" components into intended three-dimensional structures is challenging because of the intrinsically high complexity of multicomponent systems. Herein, we report the selective coordination-driven self-assembly of metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) from a series of complex multicomponent systems (including crude plant extracts) into thin films via metal chelation with phenolic ligands. The metal (Fe
Engineered hydrogen-bonded glycopolymer capsules and their interactions with antigen presenting cells
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-02-2017
Abstract: Hollow glycopolymer microcapsules were fabricated by hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, and their interactions with a set of antigen presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages (MACs), and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), were investigated. The glycopolymers were obtained by cascade postpolymerization modifications of poly(oligo(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline methacrylate)-stat-glycidyl methacrylate) involving the modification of the glycidyl groups with propargylamine and the subsequent attachment of mannose azide by copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Multilayer assembly of the hydrogen-bonding pair (glycopolymer oly(methacrylic acid) (PMA)) onto planar and particulate supports (SiO
Unique surface patterns emerging during solidification of liquid metal alloys
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41565-020-00835-7
Abstract: It is well-understood that during the liquid-to-solid phase transition of alloys, elements segregate in the bulk phase with the formation of microstructures. In contrast, we show here that in a Bi-Ga alloy system, highly ordered nanopatterns emerge preferentially at the alloy surfaces during solidification. We observed a variety of transition, hybrid and crystal-defect-like patterns, in addition to lamellar and rod-like structures. Combining experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the influence of the superficial Bi and Ga
Supramolecular Metal-Phenolic Gels for the Crystallization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-05-2018
Abstract: The use of supramolecular gel media for the crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is of interest for controlling crystal size, morphology, and polymorphism, as these features determine the performance of pharmaceutical formulations. In contrast to supramolecular systems prepared from synthetic gelators, herein, supramolecular metallogels based on a natural polyphenol (tannic acid) are used for the crystallization of APIs. The gel-grown API crystals exhibit considerable differences in size, morphology, and polymorphism when compared with those formed in solutions. These physical features can also be tailored by varying the gel composition and additives, suggesting an influence of the gel medium on the crystallization outcomes. Furthermore, these gel-API crystal composites can be used for sustained drug release, indicating their potential as drug delivery systems. The facile preparation of these supramolecular gels and the use of naturally abundant components in their synthesis provide a generic platform for studying gel-mediated crystallization of erse APIs.
Metal–Phenolic Supramolecular Gelation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2016
Nanoscale surface coatings based on plant phenolics
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2023
Low Temperature Nano Mechano-electrocatalytic CH4 Conversion
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-04-2022
Abstract: Transforming natural resources to energy sources, such as converting CH
Deciphering the Role of Quaternary N in O2 Reduction over Controlled N-Doped Carbon Catalysts
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-01-2020
Interface-Controlled Phase Separation of Liquid Metal-Based Eutectic Ternary Alloys
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-11-2022
Liquid metal dispersion by self-assembly of natural phenolics
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9CC06081B
Abstract: Liquid metal dispersion stabilized by natural phenolics for conductive paper composites has been demonstrated.
Induction heating for the removal of liquid metal-based implant mimics: A proof-of-concept
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Nanoencapsulation for Probiotic Delivery
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-12-2021
Abstract: Gut microbiota dynamically participate in erse physiological activities with direct impact on the host's health. A range of factors associated with the highly complex intestinal flora ecosystem poses challenges in regulating the homeostasis of microbiota. The consumption of live probiotic bacteria, in principle, can address these challenges and confer health benefits. In this context, one of the major problems is ensuring the survival of probiotic cells when faced with physical and chemical assaults during their intake and subsequent gastrointestinal passage to the gut. Advances in the field have focused on improving conventional encapsulation techniques in the microscale to achieve high cell viability, gastric and temperature resistance, and longer shelf lives. However, these microencapsulation approaches are known to have limitations with possible difficulties in clinical translation. In this Perspective, we present a brief overview of the current progress of different probiotic encapsulation methods and highlight the contemporary and emerging single-cell encapsulation strategies using nanocoatings for in idual probiotic cells. Finally, we discuss the relative advantages of various nanoencapsulation approaches and the future trend toward developing coated probiotics with advanced features and health benefits.
Nucleation and Growth of Polyaniline Nanofibers onto Liquid Metal Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-05-2020
Nanoengineering Particles through Template Assembly
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-10-2017
Rust-Mediated Continuous Assembly of Metal-Phenolic Networks
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-04-2017
Abstract: The use of natural compounds for preparing hybrid molecular films-such as surface coatings made from metal-phenolic networks (MPNs)-is of interest in areas ranging from catalysis and separations to biomedicine. However, to date, the film growth of MPNs has been observed to proceed in discrete steps (≈10 nm per step) where the coordination-driven interfacial assembly ceases beyond a finite time (≈1 min). Here, it is demonstrated that the assembly process for MPNs can be modulated from discrete to continuous by utilizing solid-state reactants (i.e., rusted iron objects). Gallic acid etches iron from rust and produces chelate complexes in solution that continuously assemble at the interface of solid substrates dispersed in the system. The result is stable, continuous growth of MPN films. The presented double dynamic process-that is, etching and self-assembly-provides new insights into the chemistry of MPN assembly while enabling control over the MPN film thickness by simply varying the reaction time.
Phenolische Bausteine für die Assemblierung von Funktionsmaterialien
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2018
Ionic surfactant-triggered renewal of the structures and properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-01-2010
DOI: 10.1021/LA9035634
Abstract: The present study investigated the effects of ionic surfactants on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films, consisting of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), prepared using a sequential layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The electrostatic interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the PEMs resulted in desorption of the polyelectrolytes from the PEM films, and consequently the thickness of the PEM films was altered, as confirmed by UV-vis, XPS, and AFM studies. Two critical features of this phenomenon include the porous morphology of the SDS-treated films and the simultaneous increase in the thickness of the film. Furthermore, both the rate and amount of polyelectrolytes desorbed from the PEM films could be controlled by varying the surfactant, the outermost layer, and the reaction time. The surface morphology and thickness of the PEM films could be retuned even after formation of PEMs. Thus, controlled desorption of PEs could be an effective tool for the renewal of the structures and properties of PEMs.
Assembly of surface-independent polyphenol/liquid gallium composite nanocoatings
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2NR02559K
Abstract: A versatile strategy to fabricate surface-independent nanocoatings with entrapped liquid metal nanoparticles has been demonstrated, leveraging from the self-assembly and chelation ability of natural polyphenols.
Liquid-Metal-Enabled Mechanical-Energy-Induced CO2 Conversion
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-10-2022
Abstract: A green carbon capture and conversion technology offering scalability and economic viability for mitigating CO 2 emissions is reported. The technology uses suspensions of gallium liquid metal to reduce CO 2 into carbonaceous solid products and O 2 at near room temperature. The nonpolar nature of the liquid gallium interface allows the solid products to instantaneously exfoliate, hence keeping active sites accessible. The solid co‐contributor of silver–gallium rods ensures a cyclic sustainable process. The overall process relies on mechanical energy as the input, which drives nano‐dimensional triboelectrochemical reactions. When a gallium/silver fluoride mix at 7:1 mass ratio is employed to create the reaction material, 92% efficiency is obtained at a remarkably low input energy of 230 kWh (excluding the energy used for dissolving CO 2 ) for the capture and conversion of a tonne of CO 2 . This green technology presents an economical solution for CO 2 emissions.
Liquid metal-supported synthesis of cupric oxide
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/C9TC06883J
Abstract: Facile synthesis of a copper oxide–liquid metal composite.
Insight into the structural, chemical and surface properties of proteins for the efficient ultrasound assisted co-encapsulation and delivery of micronutrients
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Insights into the Interfacial Contact and Charge Transport of Gas-Sensing Liquid Metal Marbles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-06-0200
Abstract: Understanding the interfacial contacts between liquid metals and substrate materials is becoming increasingly important for the fast-rising liquid metal-enabled technologies. However, for such technologies, probing the contact behavior and interfacial charge transport has remained challenging due to the deformable nature of liquid metals and the presence of the surface oxide layer. Here, we encapsulate eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) micro-/nanodroplets with tungsten trioxide (WO
Spray Assembly of Metal-Phenolic Networks: Formation, Growth, and Applications
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-09-2018
Abstract: Hybrid conformal coatings, such as metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) that are constructed from the coordination-driven assembly of natural phenolic ligands, are of interest in areas including biomedicine, separations, and energy. To date, most MPN coatings have been prepared by immersing substrates in solutions containing the phenolic ligands and metal ions, which is a suitable method for coating small or flexible objects. In contrast, more industrially relevant methods for coating and patterning large substrates, such as spray assembly, have been explored to a lesser extent toward the fabrication of MPNs, particularly regarding the effect of process variables on MPN growth. Herein, a spray assembly method was used to fabricate MPN coatings with various phenolic building blocks and metal ions and their formation and patterning were explored for different applications. Different process parameters including solvent, pH, and metal-ligand pair allowed for control over the film properties such as thickness and roughness. On the basis of these investigations, a potential route for the formation of spray-assembled MPN films was proposed. Conditions favoring the formation of bis complexes could produce thicker coatings than those favoring the formation of mono or tris complexes. Finally, the spray-assembled MPNs were used to generate superhydrophilic membranes for oil-water separation and colorless films for UV shielding. The present study provides insights into the chemistry of MPN assembly and holds promise for advancing the fabrication of multifunctional hybrid materials.
Metal-Phenolic Supramolecular Gelation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2016
Abstract: Materials assembled by coordination interactions between naturally abundant polyphenols and metals are of interest for a wide range of applications, including crystallization, catalysis, and drug delivery. Such an interest has led to the development of thin films with tunable, dynamic properties, however, creating bulk materials remains a challenge. Reported here is a class of metallogels formed by direct gelation between inexpensive, naturally abundant tannic acid and group(IV) metal ions. The metallogels exhibit erse properties, including self-healing and transparency, and can be doped with various materials by in situ co-gelation. The robustness and flexibility, combined with the ease, low cost, and scalability of the coordination-driven assembly process make these metallogels potential candidates for chemical, biomedical, and environmental applications.
Impact of Minor Alloy Components on the Electrocapillarity and Electrochemistry of Liquid Metal Fractals
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2023
Abstract: Exploring and controlling surface tension‐driven phenomena in liquid metals may lead to unprecedented possibilities for next‐generation microfluidics, electronics, catalysis, and materials synthesis. In pursuit of these goals, the impact of minor constituents within liquid alloys is largely overlooked. Herein, it is showed that the presence of a fraction of solute metals such as tin, bismuth, and zinc in liquid gallium can significantly influence their electrocapillarity and electrochemistry. The instability‐driven fractal formation of liquid alloy droplets is investigated with different solutes and reveals the formation of distinctive non‐branched droplets, unstable fractals, and stable fractal modes under controlled voltage and alkaline solution conditions. In their in idually unique fractal morphology diagrams, different liquid alloys demonstrate significantly shifted voltage thresholds in transition between the three fractal modes, depending on the choice of the solute metal. Surface tension measurements, cycle voltammetry and surface compositional characterizations provide strong evidence that the minor alloy components drastically alter the surface tension, surface electrochemical oxidation, and oxide dissolution processes that govern the droplet deformation and instability dynamics. The findings that minor components are able to regulate liquid alloys’ surface tensions, surface element distributions and electrochemical activities offer great promises for harnessing the tunability and functionality of liquid metals.
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP230102813
Start Date: 04-2023
End Date: 04-2026
Amount: $609,012.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101162
Start Date: 07-2021
End Date: 06-2024
Amount: $395,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity