A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Small-Molecule-based Supramolecular Plastics Mediated by Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Yu Jingjing, Qi Dawei, Mäkilä Ermei, Lassila Lippo, Papageorgiou Anastassios C., Peurla Markus, Rosenholm Jessica M., Zhao Zhao, Vallittu Pekka, Jalkanen Sirpa, Jia Chunman, Li Jianwei
Publisher: WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH
Publication year: 2022
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Journal name in source: ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
Journal acronym: ANGEW CHEM INT EDIT
Article number: e202204611
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 1433-7851
eISSN: 1521-3773
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202204611
Web address : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/anie.202204611
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/176218695
Plastics are one of the most widely used polymeric materials. However, they are often undegradable and non-recyclable due to the very stable covalent bonds of macromolecules, causing environmental pollution and health problems. Here, we report that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) could drive the formation of robust, stable, and sustainable plastics using small molecules. The LLPS process could sequester and concentrate solutes, strengthen the non-covalent association between molecules and produce a bulk material whose property was highly related to the encapsulated water amounts. It was a robust plastic with a remarkable Young's modulus of 139.5 MPa when the water content was low while became adhesive and could instantly self-heal with more absorbed water. Finally, responsiveness enabled the material to be highly recyclable. This work allowed us to understand the LLPS at the molecular level and demonstrated that LLPS is a promising approach to exploring eco-friendly supramolecular plastics that are potential substitutes for conventional polymers.
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