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Up/Down Tuning of Poly(ionic liquid)s in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems
Yuntao Tang1, Yige Zhang1, Xi Chen1
1Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|December 1, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed novel aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) using stimuli-responsive poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs). These systems exhibit reversible phase separation and tunable properties for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Separation Science
Background:
- Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) are crucial for bioseparations.
- Stimuli-responsive polymers offer tunable phase behavior.
- Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) present unique properties for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel stimuli-responsive ATPSs using modified poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs).
- To investigate the thermal and UV-induced phase behavior of these novel ATPSs.
- To establish a versatile platform for smart separation systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ATPSs using azobenzene (Azo)- and benzyl (Bn)-modified PILs.
- Tuning phase behavior via grafting degree (GD) of Azo and Bn groups.
- Investigating thermal and UV-induced phase transitions through experiments and simulations.
Main Results:
- Achieved thermally induced reversible up/down migration of PILs in ATPSs.
- Demonstrated tunable phase separation based on grafting degree and temperature (>65°C).
- Realized reversible two-phase/single-phase transition under UV irradiation.
Conclusions:
- The hydration capacity difference between Bn-PIL and Azo-PIL drives the unique phase-separation behavior.
- Developed a versatile platform for ATPSs with tunable stimuli-responsive properties.
- Findings broaden applications in smart separation systems and functional material development.
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