ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8168-3856
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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)
Colloid and Surface Chemistry | Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry | Synthesis of Materials | Macromolecular materials | Additive manufacturing | Materials engineering | Manufacturing engineering | Physical Chemistry of Materials | Instrumental Methods (excl. Immunological and Bioassay Methods) | Polymerisation Mechanisms | Theory and design of materials | Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) | Polymers and plastics | Composite and hybrid materials | Nanomaterials | Nanomedicine | Microfluidics and nanofluidics | Functional Materials | Manufacturing Engineering | Nanotechnology | Manufacturing Management | Polymers and Plastics | Nanobiotechnology
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Plastics in Primary Forms | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Instrumentation not elsewhere classified | Organic Industrial Chemicals (excl. Resins, Rubber and Plastics) | Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences | Urban and Industrial Water Management | Paints | Plastic Products (incl. Construction Materials) | Industrial Chemicals and Related Products not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in Engineering |
Related Links
Publications
High Glass Transition Temperature Fluoropolymers for Hydrophobic Surface Coatings via RAFT Copolymerization
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/CH15787
Abstract: The preparation of polymer thin films or surface coatings that display a static water contact angle ° often requires hierarchical roughness features or surface functionalization steps. In addition, inherently hydrophobic polymers such as fluoropolymers often possess low glass transition temperatures, reducing their application where thermal stability is required. Herein, the first reported synthesis of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene (PFS) and N-phenylmaleimide (NMI) via reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-mediated free radical polymerization is presented, with a view towards the preparation of inherently hydrophobic polymers with a high glass transition temperature. A suite of copolymers were prepared and characterized, and owing to the inherent rigidity of the maleimide group in the polymer backbone and π–π interactions between adjacent PFS and NMI groups, very high glass transition temperatures were achieved (up to 180°C). The copolymerization of N-pentafluorophenylmaleimide was also performed, also resulting in extremely high glass transition temperature copolymers however, these polymers did not exhibit characteristics of being under RAFT control. Thin films of PFS-NMI copolymers exhibited a static contact angle ~100°, essentially independent of the amount of NMI incorporated into the polymer.
Miniemulsion polymerization using graphene oxide as surfactant: In situ grafting of polymers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Assessing the extent, stability, purity and properties of silanised detonation nanodiamond
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization in Dispersed Systems: An Update
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-08-2015
DOI: 10.1021/CR500625K
Levoglucosan and levoglucosenone as bio-based platforms for polymer synthesis
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3PY01019H
Metal-containing polystyrene beads as standards for mass cytometry
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1039/B921770C
Protein micropatterns by PEG grafting on dewetted PLGA films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-09-2014
DOI: 10.1021/LA5018592
Abstract: The ability to control protein and cell positioning on a microscopic scale is crucial in many biomedical applications, such as single cell studies. We have developed and investigated the grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) brushes onto poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) thin films, which can be micropatterned by exploiting their spontaneous dewetting on top of polystyrene (PS) films. Dense PEG brushes with excellent protein repellence were achieved on PLGA by using cloud point grafting conditions, and selective adsorption of proteins on the micropatterned substrates was achieved by exploiting the different affinity protein adsorption onto the PEG brushes and the PS holes. PEG-grafted PLGA films showed better resistance against spontaneous degradation in buffer than bare PLGA films, due to passivation by the thin PEG coating. The simplicity of dewetting and subsequent grafting approaches, coupled with the ability to coat and pattern nonplanar substrates give rise to possible applications of PEG-grafted PLGA films in single cell studies and cell cultures for tissue engineering.
Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles containing reduced graphene oxide nanosheets stabilized by poly(ionic liquid) using miniemulsion polymerization
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6SM00269B
Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets have been prepared by aqueous miniemulsion radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) utilizing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) as stabilizer to effectively disperse the rGO nanosheets in the monomer phase. The PIL that gave the best results in terms of rGO dispersibility was a block copolymer of the ionic liquid monomer 1-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([Mbim][TFSA]) and MMA, the concept being that the MMA units impart solubility in the MMA monomer droplets whereas the IL units act as adsorption sites for rGO. The rGO dispersibility in vinyl monomer was demonstrated to be superior using the above PIL block copolymer compared to the corresponding statistical copolymer or PIL homopolymer. Overall, the approach developed demonstrates how PILs can be employed to conveniently switch (turn ON/OFF) the dispersibility of PIL/rGO via anion exchange reactions, which can be an efficient strategy for synthesis of polymer/rGO nanocomposite materials.
Transfer to Monomer in styrene free-radical polymerization
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-05-2008
DOI: 10.1021/MA800596N
Influence of Monomer Type on Miniemulsion Polymerization Systems Stabilized by Graphene Oxide as Sole Surfactant
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-10-2013
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.26947
Preparation of thermoresponsive hydrogels: Via polymerizable deep eutectic monomer solvents
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01159B
Abstract: We report the preparation of thermoresponsive hydrogels via free-radical polymerization and crosslinking of NIPAM based deep eutectic monomer solvents (DEMs).
Synthesis of polystyrene nanoparticles "armoured" with nanodimensional graphene oxide sheets by miniemulsion polymerization
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-09-2013
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.26341
Core–shell and gradient morphology polymer particles analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy: Effect of monomer feed order
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-05-2017
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.28644
Advances and Opportunities of Oil-in-Oil Emulsions
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-08-2020
Preparation of Polymer Particles Containing Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Using Ionic Liquid Monomer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-02-2016
Propagation rate coefficient of acrylic acid: theoretical investigation of the solvent effect
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2004
Midchain transfer to polymer in styrene-poly(butyl acrylate) systems: Direct evidence of retardative effects
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-10-2005
DOI: 10.1021/MA051666M
Ambient-Temperature Waterborne Polymer/rGO Nanocomposite Films: Effect of rGO Distribution on Electrical Conductivity.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-11-2019
Abstract: Electrically conductive polymer/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) films based on styrene and
Preparation of Composite Materials by Using Graphene Oxide as a Surfactant in Ab Initio Emulsion Polymerization Systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-07-2013
DOI: 10.1021/MZ400280T
Abstract: In this letter, we report a simple and unexpected method of producing polymer-graphene oxide (GO) composite materials via ab initio emulsion polymerization in water. On the basis of the recent reports concerning the surfactant-like behavior of GO for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, we prepared exfoliated GO sheets with lateral dimension approximately 200 nm for use as surfactant in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. We observed an expected "classic" surfactant behavior to produce stable nanoparticles at extremely low GO loadings (<0.1% w/w) however, at higher concentrations a highly aggregated, fibrous morphology was formed. This morphology is predominantly due to the electrolyte concentration (ionic strength) of the aqueous phase resulting in heterocoagulation of growing oligomers with dispersed GO sheets, which offers a convenient route toward preparing hybrid materials.
Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Fetal Cartilage Rudiment Cells on Graphene Oxide-PLGA Hybrid Microparticles
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-07-2019
DOI: 10.3390/JFB10030033
Abstract: Poly(d,l–lactide–co–glycolide) (PLGA) has been extensively explored for bone regeneration applications however, its clinical use is limited by low osteointegration. Therefore, approaches that incorporate osteoconductive molecules are of great interest. Graphene oxide (GO) is gaining popularity for biomedical applications due to its ability to bind biological molecules and present them for enhanced bioactivity. This study reports the preparation of PLGA microparticles via Pickering emulsification using GO as the sole surfactant, which resulted in hybrid microparticles in the size range of 1.1 to 2.4 µm based on the ratio of GO to PLGA in the reaction. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the hybrid GO-PLGA microparticles were not cytotoxic to either primary human fetal cartilage rudiment cells or the human osteoblast-like cell line, Saos-2. Additionally, the GO-PLGA microparticles promoted the osteogenic differentiation of the human fetal cartilage rudiment cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors to a greater extent than PLGA alone. These findings demonstrate that GO-PLGA microparticles are cytocompatible, osteoinductive and have potential as substrates for bone tissue engineering.
Interplay between Dewetting and Layer Inversion in Poly(4-vinylpyridine)/Polystyrene Bilayers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-09-2010
DOI: 10.1021/LA103078K
Abstract: We investigated the morphology and dynamics of the dewetting of metastable poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) thin films situated on top of polystyrene (PS) thin films as a function of the molecular weight and thickness of both films. We focused on the competition between the dewetting process, occurring as a result of unfavorable intermolecular interactions at the P4VP/PS interface, and layer inversion due to the lower surface energy of PS. By means of optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we observed how both the dynamics of the instability and the morphology of the emerging patterns depend on the ratio of the molecular weights of the polymer films. When the bottom PS layer was less viscous than the top P4VP layer (liquid-liquid dewetting), nucleated holes in the P4VP film typically stopped growing at long annealing times because of a combination of viscous dissipation in the bottom layer and partial layer inversion. Full layer inversion was achieved when the viscosity of the top P4VP layer was significantly greater (>10⁴) than the viscosity of the PS layer underneath, which is attributed to strongly different mobilities of the two layers. The density of holes produced by nucleation dewetting was observed for the first time to depend on the thickness of the top film as well as the polymer molecular weight. The final (completely dewetted) morphology of isolated droplets could be achieved only if the time frame of layer inversion was significantly slower than that of dewetting, which was characteristic of high-viscosity PS underlayers that allowed dewetting to fall into a liquid-solid regime. Assuming a simple reptation model for layer inversion occurring at the dewetting front, the observed surface morphologies could be predicted on the basis of the relative rates of dewetting and layer inversion.
Preparation of inverse polymerized high internal phase emulsions using an amphiphilic macro-RAFT agent as sole stabilizer
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C5PY02012C
Abstract: Oil-in-water (‘inverse’) High Internal Phase Emulsions (HIPEs) have been prepared using an hiphilic macro-RAFT agent with toluene as the internal dispersed phase (∼80 vol%) and an aqueous monomer solution as the continuous phase.
Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets as oil-in-water emulsion stabilizers: Influence of oil phase polarity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2014.11.047
Abstract: Two-dimensional nanoparticles such as graphene oxide (GO) can serve as emulsion stabilizers due their ability to adsorb at oil-water (o/w) interfaces with high atom efficiency. The ability for GO to act as a surfactant is hypothesized to be highly dependent on the nature (i.e. polarity) of the oil phase, which has not considered previously. The stabilization energy associated with adsorption of GO sheets at an o/w interface was modelled as a function of the polarity of the oil phase using surface tension contributions terms and Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs). Oil-in-water (o/w) miniemulsions were prepared via ultrasonication in the presence of GO for a variety of different oil phases, and were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The stabilization energy associated with GO adsorption was greater for non-polar oil phases compared to more polar oils. This behaviour is driven by the significant reduction in the oil-water interfacial tension as the polarity of the oil increases, to the point where GO adsorption is no longer thermodynamically favourable. This was verified by DLS measurements experiments, as GO-stabilized emulsion were successfully prepared for hydrophobic and aromatic oil phases (e.g. styrene), but not for polar oil phases such as methyl methacrylate.
Dispersion polymerization of styrene in CO2-expanded ethanol
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
Polymer-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles of various morphologies via polymerization-induced self assembly and sol–gel chemistry
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6PY01447J
Abstract: The preparation of polymer-silica hybrid nanoparticles of various morphologies is reported.
Revised insights into templating radical polymerization within nanoreactors
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2017
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.28538
Synthesis and characterisation of gradient polymeric nanoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6PY02062C
Abstract: In this communication, we report the successful synthesis of gradient morphology nanoparticles composed of poly(styrene- co -methyl methacrylate) and their characterisation using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Functionalization of Graphene Oxide for the Production of Novel Graphene-Based Polymeric and Colloidal Materials
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 05-2013
Estimation of Copolymer/Water Interfacial Tensions Using Pendant Drop Tensiometry
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-05-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.8B00554
Abstract: Copolymer/water interfacial tensions of statistical copolymers of styrene/ n-butyl acrylate were estimated by pendant drop tensiometry using an "inverse" configuration according to which a drop of water was formed in toluene/copolymer solutions. The study first involved the precise measurement of copolymer solutions density using pycnometry. Subsequently, interfacial tensions of copolymer solutions against water were plotted as a function of copolymer concentration in toluene. Several methods were explored to fit the experimental data and obtain estimates of copolymer/water interfacial tensions at 100% copolymer concentration in toluene by extrapolation. The Belton-Evans extrapolation resulted in the best fit with the experimental data. When plotted as a function of the styrene composition of the copolymer, the interfacial tensions estimates followed an additivity relationship. This enabled estimation of the copolymer/water interfacial tensions directly from their respective homopolymer/water interfacial tensions values. These results are particularly useful for the prediction of composite particle morphology involving copolymerization of multiple monomers.
Thiol‐yne 3D Printable Polymeric Resins for the Efficient Removal of a Model Pollutant from Waters
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2023
Abstract: A new 3D printable resin formulation is developed and optimized from commercially available thiol (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate) PETMP) and alkyne (3‐butyn‐1‐ol BA) monomers. Printed objects are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The extraction efficiency of the printed thiol‐yne device is then investigated using a model dye – malachite green (MG). The results displayed excellent dye removal efficiency with 95% MG removed within 5 min. The 3D‐printed devices are reusable and show 100% removal over six cycles after washing with deionized water and methanol. The presence of surface hydroxyl groups derived from the BA monomer is shown to enhance dye adsorption in comparison to control materials. The printing procedure and resin formulation are robust and consistent when devices from different resin batches are compared for MG dye removal. The thiol‐yne 3D printed devices demonstrated excellent dye removal ( 99%) from water s les collected from a tap and a nearby river source. The successful development of this resin provides a new thiol‐yne‐based resin system for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater and presents a potential for broad applications in water treatment.
Influence of Polymer Matrix on Polymer/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Intrinsic Properties
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-09-2021
Hollow hybrid polymer-graphene oxide nanoparticles via Pickering miniemulsion polymerization
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 30-06-2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR01175A
Abstract: The preparation of hybrid hollow capsules consisting of a cross-linked polymer shell and a coating of graphene oxide (GO) is demonstrated. The capsules are prepared by Pickering miniemulsion polymerization, exploiting the surface activity of GO for its use as a colloidal surfactant. This approach represents a simple and convenient route towards hollow carbon nanostructures for a variety of applications. The incorporation of surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles into the interior of these capsules was also demonstrated.
Micropatterned substrates made by polymer bilayer dewetting and collagen nanoscale assembly support endothelial cell adhesion
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1039/C2SM26557E
Nano-sized graphene oxide as sole surfactant in miniemulsion polymerization for nanocomposite synthesis: Effect of pH and ionic strength
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Lanthanide-Containing Polymer Microspheres by Multiple-Stage Dispersion Polymerization for Highly Multiplexed Bioassays
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-10-2009
DOI: 10.1021/JA9052009
Structural Complexity of Graphene Oxide: The Kirigami Model
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-04-2021
Electrically conductive polymer/rGO nanocomposite films at ambient temperature via miniemulsion polymerization using GO as surfactant
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9NR00816K
Abstract: A facile method to synthesize colloidally stable polymer nanoparticles decorated with GO sheets via miniemulsion polymerization, which enables the preparation of electrically conductive films using a simple dropcasting method.
Biomimetic surface coatings for atmospheric water capture prepared by dewetting of polymer films
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-07-2011
Photoactive Metal Carbonyl Complexes Bearing N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Viability as Photoredox Catalysts
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 13-01-2022
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.INORGCHEM.1C02964
Abstract: This report details the synthesis and characterization of a small family of previously unreported, structurally related chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, and iron complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene and carbonyl supporting ligands. These complexes have the general form [ML(CO)
Extended Mechanistic Description of Particle Growth in Electrosterically Stabilized Emulsion Polymerization Systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 31-05-2007
DOI: 10.1021/MA070837F
Utilizing RAFT Polymerization for the Preparation of Well-Defined Bicontinuous Porous Polymeric Supports: Application to Liquid Chromatography Separation of Biomolecules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-06-2021
Functional Materials for DLP-SLA 3D Printing Using Thiol–Acrylate Chemistry: Resin Design and Postprint Applications
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-04-2022
Interfacial crosslinking of self‐assembled triblock copolymer nanoparticles via alkoxysilane hydrolysis and condensation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-12-2018
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.29313
Particle size distributions in electrosterically stabilized emulsion polymerization systems: Testing the Mid-Chain-Radical hypothesis
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-04-2008
DOI: 10.1021/MA800166K
Photo-driven synthesis of polymer-coated platinized ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photoelectrochemical charge transportation
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6TA10665J
Abstract: A ZnO photocatalyst decorated with platinum nanoparticles and a thin, uniform layer of phenol-derived polymer demonstrated enhanced transportation of photogenerated charge.
Early and Intermediate Stages of Guided Dewetting in Polystyrene Thin Films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-06-2012
DOI: 10.1021/LA301773H
Abstract: We investigated the early and intermediate stages of the guided dewetting of polystyrene (PS) thin films on chemically patterned silicon, achieved by micro-contact printing of non-wettable self-assembling monolayers of an alkylsilane. Two different types of ordered patterns could be achieved depending on the annealing temperature and time. Study of the dynamics of hole growth revealed a deviation of the growth profile from the trend on homogeneous substrates, attributed to the pinning of the PS rims on the borders of the hydrophobic regions. The ordered patterns produced could be useful in applications that require spatially localized features of controlled surface chemistry, such as studies in proteomics, single cell studies, and biosensors.
Rapid Additive Manufacturing of 3D Geometric Structures via Dual-Wavelength Polymerization
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-09-2020
Competition between Dewetting and Cross-Linking in Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)/Polystyrene Bilayer Films
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-11-2011
DOI: 10.1021/LA2029577
Abstract: We investigated the dewetting of metastable poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) thin films (45 nm) on top of polystyrene (PS) thin films (58 nm) as a function of annealing temperature and molecular weight of PS (96 and 6850 kg/mol). We focused on the competition between dewetting, occurring as a result of unfavorable intermolecular interactions at the PNVP/PS interface, and spontaneous cross-linking of PNVP, occurring during thermal annealing, as we recently reported (Telford, A. M. James, M. Meagher, L. Neto, C. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2010, 2, 2399-2408). Using optical microscopy, we studied how the dewetting morphology and dynamics at different temperatures depended on the relative viscosity of the top PNVP film, which increased with cross-linking time, and of the bottom PS film. In the PNVP/PS96K system, cross-linking dominated over dewetting at temperatures below 180 °C, reducing drastically nucleated hole density and their maximum size, while above 180 °C the two processes reversed, with complete dewetting occurring at 200 °C. On the other hand, the PNVP/PS6850K system never achieved advanced dewetting stages as the dewetting was slower than cross-linking in the investigated temperature range. In both systems, dewetting of the PNVP films could be avoided altogether by thermally annealing the bilayers at temperatures where cross-linking dominated. The cross-linking was characterized quantitatively using neutron reflectometry, which indicated shrinkage and densification of the PNVP film, and qualitatively through selective removal of the bottom PS film. A simple model accounting for progressive cross-linking during the dewetting process predicted well the observed hole growth profiles and produced estimates of the PNVP cross-linking rate coefficients and of the activation energy of the process, in good agreement with literature values for similar systems.
Mechanism of radical entry in electrosterically stabilized emulsion polymerization systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-08-2006
DOI: 10.1021/MA061326G
Investigating the viability of a competency-based, qualitative laboratory assessment model in first-year undergraduate chemistry
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C7RP00249A
Abstract: In chemistry curricula, both the role of the laboratory program and the method of assessment used are subject to scrutiny and debate. The ability to identify clearly defined competencies for the chemistry laboratory program is crucial, given the numerous other disciplines that rely on foundation-level chemistry knowledge and practical skills. In this report, we describe the design, implementation, results, and feedback obtained on a competency-based assessment model recently introduced into the first-year laboratory program at an Australian university. Previously, this laboratory program was assessed via a quantitative, criterion-referenced assessment model. At the core of this new model was a set of competency criteria relating to skills-acquisition, chemical knowledge and application of principles, safety in the laboratory, as well as professionalism and teamwork. By design, these criteria were aligned with the learning outcomes of the course and the degree itself, as well as local accrediting bodies. Qualitative and quantitative feedback from students (and staff) obtained before and after the implementation of this new model suggested this approach provided an enhanced learning experience enabling a greater focus on the acquisition of fundamental laboratory skills and techniques.
PEO-based brush-type amphiphilic macro-RAFT agents and their assembled polyHIPE monolithic structures for applications in separation science
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-08-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-08423-X
Abstract: Polymerized High Internal Phase Emulsions (PolyHIPEs) were prepared using emulsion-templating, stabilized by an hiphilic diblock copolymer prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The diblock copolymer consisted of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEO MA, average Mn 480) segment and a hydrophobic styrene segment, with a trithiocarbonate end-group. These diblock copolymers were the sole emulsifiers used in stabilizing “inverse” (oil-in-water) high internal phase emulsion templates, which upon polymerization resulted in a polyHIPE exhibiting a highly interconnected monolithic structure. The polyHIPEs were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, BET surface area measurements, SEM, SEM-EDX, and TGA. These materials were subsequently investigated as stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) via in situ polymerization in a capillary format as a ‘column housing’. Initial separation assessments in reversed-phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC) modes have shown that these polyHIPEs are decorated with different microenvironments amongst the voids or domains of the monolithic structure. Chromatographic results suggested the existence of RP/HILIC mixed mode with promising performance for the separation of small molecules.
Morphology control in polymerised high internal phase emulsion templated via macro-RAFT agent composition: visualizing surface chemistry
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C7PY01770G
Abstract: A series of polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) materials have been prepared by using a water in oil emulsion stabilized by a macro-RAFT agent, 2-(butylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-poly(styrene)- b -poly(acrylic acid), acting as a polymeric surfactant.
Understanding the interaction of gold and silver nanoparticles with natural organic matter using affinity capillary electrophoresis
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9EN00014C
Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) undergo a number of changes in environmental systems which are often influenced by their interaction with natural organic matter (NOM).
Solvent-free, photoinduced block copolymer synthesis from polymerizable eutectics by simultaneous PET-RAFT and ring-opening polymerization in air
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3PY00294B
Abstract: We report the preparation of thermoresponsive block copolymers via the simultaneous RAFT polymerization and anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N- isopropylacylamide and ε-caprolactone respectively, in the absence of traditional solvents.
Intrinsic Green Fluorescent Cross-Linked Poly(ester amide)s by Spontaneous Zwitterionic Copolymerization
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-10-2021
Self‐assembly of block copolymers with an alkoxysilane‐based core‐forming block: A comparison of synthetic approaches
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-11-2017
DOI: 10.1002/POLA.28911
Pickering miniemulsion polymerization using graphene oxide: effect of addition of a conventional surfactant
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8PY00667A
Abstract: Polystyrene/graphene oxide (PSt/GO) nanocomposite latexes have been prepared by Pickering miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of the conventional surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in order to investigate its influence on the polymerization mechanism.
Micropatterned Surfaces for Atmospheric Water Condensation via Controlled Radical Polymerization and Thin Film Dewetting
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-09-2015
Abstract: Inspired by an ex le found in nature, the design of patterned surfaces with chemical and topographical contrast for the collection of water from the atmosphere has been of intense interest in recent years. Herein we report the synthesis of such materials via a combination of macromolecular design and polymer thin film dewetting to yield surfaces consisting of raised hydrophilic bumps on a hydrophobic background. RAFT polymerization was used to synthesize poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA) of targeted molecular weight and low dispersity spin-coating of PHPMA onto polystyrene films produced stable polymer bilayers under appropriate conditions. Thermal annealing of these bilayers above the glass transition temperature of the PHPMA layer led to complete dewetting of the top layer and the formation of isolated PHPMA domains atop the PS film. Due to the vastly different rates of water nucleation on the two phases, preferential dropwise nucleation of water occurred on the PHPMA domains, as demonstrated by optical microscopy. The simplicity of the preparation method and ability to target polymers of specific molecular weight demonstrate the value of these materials with respect to large-scale water collection devices or other materials science applications where patterning is required.
Stable organic radicals and their untapped potential in ionic liquids
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 19-08-2022
DOI: 10.1071/CH22126
Abstract: Stable organic radicals have an open shell structure that makes them suitable for use in a erse set of applications. Specifically, it is the reversible one-electron redox behaviour that makes these species suitable for energy storage and in molecular electronics. Maintaining chemical stability, low redox potential and charge transfer capabilities, are key to the further development of these materials. To date, researchers have largely focused on the the preparation of new molecules with improved redox capabilities for use in traditional solvents. More recently exploration into the use of ionic liquids to stabilise charged species and reduce side reactions has shown promise. Computational and preliminary experimental studies have explored the impact of ionic liquids on radical stabilisation, and notable improvements have been observed for nitroxide-based materials when traditional solvents are replaced by ionic liquids. However, these gains require significant refinement based on the identity of the radical species and the ionic liquid. In this highlight, we focus on the current state of using ionic liquids as solvents to stabilise organic radicals and suggestions on the future direction of the field.
Open-Cell PolyHIPES from Polymerizable Eutectics: Tunable Morphology, Surface Modification, and Thermoresponsive Swelling Behavior
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-10-2022
Rate-controlling events for radical exit in electrosterically stabilized emulsion polymerization systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-02-2006
DOI: 10.1021/MA052224D
Related Organisations
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Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP140100119
Start Date: 09-2014
End Date: 12-2017
Amount: $330,913.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190100831
Start Date: 2019
End Date: 12-2022
Amount: $382,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP140100292
Start Date: 2014
End Date: 12-2017
Amount: $360,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP130100088
Start Date: 05-2014
End Date: 12-2014
Amount: $325,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP160101247
Start Date: 10-2017
End Date: 12-2021
Amount: $630,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE230100078
Start Date: 2023
End Date: 12-2023
Amount: $731,584.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Future Fellowships - Grant ID: FT220100096
Start Date: 06-2023
End Date: 05-2028
Amount: $942,570.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity