ABSTRACT
A graphene oxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-ß-cyclodextrin) (GO/poly(NIPAM-co-ß-CD)) hydrogel has been synthesized through host-guest interaction between ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) and the isopropyl group of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The product exhibits rapid responses to the stimuli of temperature and near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, self-healing properties, and excellent mechanical properties. The host-guest interaction serves as the main physical cross-linker, while a hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group of ß-CD, GO sheets and amide group of NIPAM acts as a secondary cross-linker. The volume phase transition temperature and NIR response rate of such a hydrogel are controlled by its contents of ß-CD and GO. The obtained hydrogels showing excellent properties might be applied in remote contactless control devices in advanced smart technologies. Based on the excellent characteristics of the hydrogels, remote light-controlled switches have been designed, and more applications will be explored, such as intelligent light-controlled drivers and soft robots.
ABSTRACT
Under air flotation conditions, the effect of an electric field (EF) to the interfacial properties of hydrophobic particles in salt solution was investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation. The varieties of thickness of the hydrophobic layer on the surface of the hydrophobic particles, radial distribution function of Na+, diffusivity of CO2 and H2O, residence time of H2O in the solvent shell of Na+, and the distribution of CO2 near the graphene caused by the applied EF in different NaCl systems were calculated, and all those results were compared with those where there is no EF applied. The results reveal that the thickness of the hydrophobic layer near the hydrophobic particles is decreased under an EF. The coordination number and residence time of H2O in the solvent shell of Na+ are also decreased, which indicates that the restraint of Na+ on surrounding H2O is weakened, and the H2O molecules are more mobile. Under an external EF, the diffusion coefficient of CO2 and H2O is increased, and the quantity of CO2 near the surface of graphene is decreased according to the numerical results of the radial distribution of graphene-CO2. All the results indicate that the EF will decrease the thickness of the hydrophobic layer near hydrophobic particles, which can therefore weaken the adsorption between the hydrophobic particles and the gas molecules. The simulation results in the present study can provide theoretical support for brine mineral flotation under an external EF.
ABSTRACT
The influence of an external electric field (EEF) on the deprotonation reaction of Fe3+-solvated molecules was studied using reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulations. It was examined in terms of changes in structural properties, kinetics, system energy, and reaction products under an EEF, and the results were further verified experimentally. The research results show that the presence of an EEF will affect the distribution of water molecules around Fe3+ and provide energy for the fracturing of O-H bonds. The increase in the state of reaction products represented by H+ also suggests that the EEF can promote the deprotonation reaction of Fe3+-solvated molecules. The viscosity of the system is significantly increased under an EEF. The experimental results for verification show that the pH of the FeCl3 solution is reduced under the action of an EEF, which means that the hydrolysis of Fe3+ has been promoted. The experimental results are consistent with the results of the MD simulations.
