An ionic liquid (IL) [P66614]­[Triz] with a low regeneration temperature was loaded on a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to accelerate the CO2 absorption rate. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) patterns showed that GNP was composed of a regular “honeycomb” lattice, but a regular lattice structure was not observed for RGO as a result of the functional group on it. The CO2 absorption capacity (63.6 mg of CO2/g of IL) and absorption peak rate (22.4 mg of CO2 g–1 of IL min–1) of IL loaded on GNP were increased by 8.2 and 72.3%, respectively, compared to those of neat IL. The supported IL performed better because [P66614]­[Triz] was oriented in a favorable dispersion as a result of the negative ζ potential of the GNP surface. In contrast, the CO2 absorption rate of RGO–20% IL (mass ratio of RGO/IL = 4:1) was lower than that of IL, which could be attributed to the hydrogen bond between surface oxygen functional groups and IL. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and Mulliken atomic charge calculated by Gaussian were used to support the CO2 absorption mechanism.

Hybrids composed of biocompatible polymers reinforced with inorganic nanomaterials are useful for many biomedical applications including implantation and tissue regeneration and engineering. In this work, we report a new type of hybrid prepared by doping ultrathin nanowires of lanthanide hydroxycarbonates into classical biocompatible poly(citrates-siloxane). The doping of the inorganic nanowires imparts the hybrids with excellent miscibility with the polymeric matrix, producing hybrids with high elasticity and high tensile strength. The hybrids containing Eu(III) and Gd(III) display their respective luminescence and magnetic properties and thus, offer opportunities to monitor the fate of such hybrids when used in vivo. Insignificant degradation and excellent biocompatibility of these hybrids have also been demonstrated. Together, these favorable traits portend useful applications of the newly developed hybrid elastomers.