Lithium-ion coin cells containing electrolytes with and without 1,3-propane sultone (PS) and vinylene carbonate (VC) were prepared and investigated. The electrochemical performance of the cells is correlated with ex situ surface analysis of the electrodes conducted by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies and in situ gas analysis by online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS). The results suggest that incorporation of both PS and VC results in improved capacity retention upon cycling at 55 °C and lower impedance. Ex situ surface analysis and OEMS confirm that incorporation of PS and VC alter the reduction reactions on the anode inhibiting ethylene generation and changing the structure of the solid electrolyte interface. Incorporation of VC results in CO2 evolution, formation of poly­(VC), and inhibition of ethylene generation. Incorporation of PS results in generation of lithium alkylsulfonate (RSO2Li) and inhibition of ethylene generation. The combination of PS and VC reduces the ethylene gassing during formation by more than 60%.

A new type of polymer highly resistant to nonspecific protein adsorption is reported. Poly(N-methyl-β-alanine) (PMeA) and poly(N-ethyl-β-alanine) (PEtA) synthesized via cobalt-catalyzed carbonylative polymerization of N-methylaziridine and N-ethylaziridine were end-functionalized with thiol groups and grafted onto Au surfaces. Protein adsorption was studied by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. The amounts of representative single proteins adsorbed onto the PMeA- and PEtA-grafted surfaces were below the detection limit of SPR at the pg/mm(2) level. After exposure to full blood plasma and serum for 10 min, protein adsorption was at the level of ∼ 100 pg/mm(2), similar to the level of protein adsorption on poly(ethylene glycol) surfaces subjected to identical conditions. These poly(β-peptoid)s therefore provide excellent protein resistance comparable to the best antifouling materials known to date. The strong proton-accepting ability when forming hydrogen bonds is suggested to be an important attribute for these poly(β-peptoid)s as well as other poly(tertiary amide)s as antifouling materials.

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) has been widely used in many biomedical applications due to its well-known biocompatibility. For tissue engineering applications, porous scaffolds that mimic fibrous structures of natural extracellular matrix and possess high surface-area-to-volume ratios are highly desirable. So far, a systematic approach to control diameter and morphology of pHEMA fibers has not been reported and potential applications of pHEMA fibers have barely been explored. In this work, pHEMA was synthesized and processed into fibrous scaffolds using an electrospinning approach. Fiber diameters from 270 nm to 3.6 μm were achieved by controlling polymer solution concentration and electrospinning flow rate. Post-electrospinning thermal treatment significantly improves integrity of the electrospun membranes in water. The pHEMA microfibrous membranes exhibited water absorption up to 280% (w/w), whereas the pHEMA hydrogel only absorbed 70% water. Fibrinogen adsorption experiments demonstrate that the electrospun pHEMA fibers highly resist nonspecific protein adsorption. Hydroxyl groups on electrospun pHEMA fibers were further activated for protein immobilization. A bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding capacity as high as 120 mg BSA/g membrane was realized at an intermediate fiber diameter. The pHEMA fibrous scaffolds functionalized with collagen I significantly promoted fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. We conclude that the electrospun pHEMA fibers are dual functional, that is, they resist nonspecific protein adsorption meanwhile abundant hydroxyl groups on fibers allow effective conjugation of biomolecules in a nonfouling background. High water absorption and dual functionality of the electrospun pHEMA fibers may lead to a number of potential applications such as wound dressings, tissue scaffolds, and affinity membranes.