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Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...

Termination of Translation

Termination of Translation

The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...

Termination of Translation

Termination of Translation

Bonding in Metals

Bonding in Metals

Metallic bonds are formed between two metal atoms. A simplified model to describe metallic bonding has been developed by Paul Drüde called the “Electron Sea Model”.

Metallic Solids

Metallic Solids

Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....

Alkali Metals

Alkali Metals

Group 1 elements are soft and shiny metallic solids. They are malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. The melting points of the alkali metals are unusually low for metals and decrease going down the group, while the density increases going down the group with the exception of potassium (Table 1).
Table 1: Properties of the alkali metals

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Selective sorting of polymers with different terminal groups using metal-organic frameworks.

Benjamin Le Ouay^1,2, Chikara Watanabe³, Shuto Mochizuki³

¹Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan.

Nature Communications

|September 9, 2018

Summary

This study introduces a novel method using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to separate polymers based on their terminal groups. This technique efficiently purifies high-molecular-weight polymers, even those differing slightly.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Separating high-molecular-weight polymers with subtle differences, like terminal groups, is a significant challenge in polymer chemistry.
Existing purification methods often lack the precision required for such fine distinctions.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop an efficient protocol for separating and purifying polymer mixtures based on terminal group variations.
To demonstrate the utility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in achieving high-resolution polymer separation.

Main Methods:

Utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunable pore structures and permanently opened channels.
Employing a polymer threading technique where polymer chains insert extremities through MOF nanowindows.
Leveraging the dynamic properties of flexible MOFs to differentiate polymers with similar terminal moieties.

Main Results:

Achieved complete separation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers based on steric hindrance of terminal groups, even for high molecular weights (20 kDa).
Successfully separated PEG mixtures with very similar terminal groups (e.g., OH, OMe, OEt) by exploiting differences in MOF pore opening kinetics.
Demonstrated the versatility of MOFs in polymer purification through precise control over pore size and dynamic behavior.

Conclusions:

Metal-organic frameworks offer a powerful platform for advanced polymer separation and purification.
The MOF-based threading method provides high efficiency and selectivity for polymers differing by terminal groups.
This approach has significant implications for polymer synthesis, characterization, and industrial applications.