An amino-substituted bis(aryldiazomethane) was synthesized and used to modify cotton fibers by a carbene insertion reaction. A subsequent amidation of the modified cotton fibers introduced thioether groups onto the surface. Thus, three different types of cotton fibers with hydroxyl, amine, or thioether groups were expected to bind silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to show the surface morphology, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to quantify the loading of Ag NPs. A bioassay experiment showed antibacterial activity of the modified cotton fibers. The development of these antibacterial cotton fibers not only gave a clear and deep comparison of different silver-binding approaches but also had potential industrial and daily applications for medical textiles.

Two bis(diaryldiazomethane)s substituted with amino groups are synthesized and used for the surface modification of membranes electrospun from gelatin. These membranes are then reacted with tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate to give urea-functionalized materials, so that hydrogen peroxide can be reversibly bound onto their surface. These membranes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, XPS, differential scanning calorimeter, and tensile test to show their surface properties and bulk properties. The surface modification with amino-substituted diazomethanes and the subsequent cross-linking reaction with diisocyanates contribute to high loadings of hydrogen peroxide, and greatly increase the antibacterial activity of gelatin-derived membranes, which open a new horizon in the preparation of high loading antiseptic/antibacterial biomacromolecular surfaces and interfaces.

Porous organic polymers (POPs) as absorbing materials have attracted increasing attention. Here, we report a new approach to prepare these polymers for selective oil absorption from oil/water mixtures. Perfluoroalkylbis(diaryldiazomethane) was synthesized and used to modify the surface of an electrospun gelatin membrane by a carbene insertion reaction, not only to immobilize the porous network morphology by cross-linking but also to introduce perfluoroalkyl groups for oil/water separation. The membrane was characterized to show its surface and bulk properties, as well as its performance for absorption capacity, selectivity, and renewability. This approach offers a new horizon in the preparation of POPs for oil/water separation.