A versatile strategy is reported for the multi-gram synthesis of discrete oligomers from commercially available monomer families, e.g., acrylates, styrenics, siloxanes. Central to this strategy is the identification of reproducible procedures for the separation of oligomer mixtures using automated flash chromatography systems with the effectiveness of this approach demonstrated through the multi-gram preparation of discrete oligomer libraries (Đ = 1.0). Synthetic availability, coupled with accurate structural control, allows these functional building blocks to be harnessed for both fundamental studies as well as targeted technological applications.

The triple-helix stereocomplex of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a unique example of a multistranded synthetic helix that has significant utility and promise in materials science and nanotechnology. To gain a fundamental understanding of the underlying assembly process, discrete stereoregular oligomer libraries were prepared by combining stereospecific polymerization techniques with automated flash chromatography purification. Stereocomplex assembly of these discrete building blocks enabled the identification of (1) the minimum degree of polymerization required for the stereocomplex formation and (2) the dependence of the helix crystallization mode on the length of assembling precursors. More significantly, our experiments resolved binding selectivity between helical strands with similar molecular weights. This presents new opportunities for the development of next-generation polymeric materials based on a triple-helix motif.

Metal-free hydrosilylation using tris-(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 ) as a catalyst enables the rapid polymerization of α-diketone and bis(silane) monomers under ambient conditions to give high molecular weight poly(silyl ether)s (PSEs). A wide selection of commercially available monomers bearing different backbone and side-chain functional groups are shown to be compatible with these metal-free conditions. Significantly, the thermal properties of these poly(silyl ether)s are highly tunable, with novel semicrystalline materials being obtained in a variety of cases. These poly(silyl ether) materials serve as a versatile platform for materials with designed degradation profiles and crystallinity.

We herein report a facile synthetic method for preparing gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with superior colloidal stability using a series of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBC), poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PEO-b-PAA), as a template (Au@DHBC NPs).

Long-term stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) layers formed on anodes and cathodes is imperative to mitigate the interfacial degradation of electrodes and enhance the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the SEI on the anode and CEI on the cathode are vulnerable to the reactive species of PF5 and HF produced by the decomposition and hydrolysis of the conventional LiPF6 electrolyte in a battery inevitably containing a trace amount of water. Here, we report a new class of cyclic carbonate-based electrolyte additives to preserve the integrity of SEI and CEI in LIBs. This new class of additives is designed and synthesized by an ecofriendly approach that involves fixing CO2 with functional epoxides bearing various reactive side chains. It was found that the cyclic carbonates of 3-(1-ethoxyethoxy)-1,2-propylene carbonate and 3-trimethoxysilylpropyloxy-1,2-propylene carbonate, possessing high capability for the stabilization of Lewis-acidic PF5, exhibit a capacity retention of 79.0% after 1000 cycles, which is superior to that of the pristine electrolyte of 54.7%. Moreover, TMSPC has HF-scavenging capability, which, along with PF5 stabilization, results in enhanced rate capability of commercial LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NCM622)/graphite full cells, posing a significant potential for high-energy-density LIBs with long cycle stability.