Jia-Wei Xie, Bi-En Tan

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3697-3
    Abstract:Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a green chemical with extensive applications in chemical synthesis and environmental remediation. While the industrial anthraquinone process remains the dominant production method, solar-driven photocatalytic H2O2 production has emerged as a promising strategy to complement or optimize current production models, particularly for on-site applications. Among various porous organic polymers (POPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have attracted significant attention as a premier platform due to their modular construction and precise molecular-level tunability. Here, we systematically summarize recent progress in POPs-based photocatalysts, with a primary focus on the structural and functional modification of COFs and CTFs. We first elucidate the fundamental principles and existing challenges of photocatalytic H2O2 production. Subsequently, the research landscape of various POPs materials in photocatalysis is discussed. Taking COFs and CTFs as representative examples, we then highlight advanced modification strategies, including the design of donor-acceptor (D-A) structures, functional group engineering, and the construction of heterostructures. These strategies effectively facilitate efficient charge separation, extend carrier lifetimes, and improve mass transport, thereby enhancing solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency. Finally, we summarize the current state of the field and offer perspectives on future research directions for POPs-based photocatalytic H2O2 production.  
    Keywords:Porous organic polymers;Photocatalysis;Hydrogen peroxide;Molecular engineering;Structure-property relationship   
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    Updated:2026-08-05

    Fuyao Huang, Xingyu Chen, Zihao Zhao, Yifeng Zhang, Yuhong Mao, Kainan Hong, Hao Guo, Haiyang Cheng, Meng Liao, Xujie Lü, Huisheng Peng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3809-0
    Abstract:Metal-backboned polymers, featuring one-dimensional atomic chains held together by metal–metal bonds, represent a highly promising class of functional materials. However, current synthetic methods rely on solution-phase multidentate bridging ligands, which severely limit the degree of polymerization. Herein, we report a pressure-driven solid-phase polymerization strategy that directly forms intermolecular Au―Au bonds from a dinuclear gold precursor at a pressure of 25 GPa, yielding a gold-backboned polymer (GBP). This method produces a continuous one-dimensional gold chain comprising more than 100 gold atoms. The peripheral ligands coordinate around the backbone, stabilizing the chain and endowing the polymer with high solution processability. The resulting GBP exhibited high thermal stability, well-defined glass transition temperature, and broad-spectrum photoluminescence spanning from the visible to near-infrared regions. This study opens a new synthetic route to long-chain metal-backboned polymers and provides a structurally well-defined model system for investigating the intrinsic photophysical properties of one-dimensional metal–metal bonds.  
    Keywords:Metal-backboned polymer;Metal–metal bond;High pressure;Polymerization;Electron delocalization   
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    Updated:2026-08-05

    Zi-Yan Zheng, Dan-Hua Zhou, Zhi-Hua Gan, Qing-Song Yu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3748-9
    Abstract:Conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy damage normal tissues due to off-target toxicity, impairing patient prognosis. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT)—the concurrent use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy—has gained considerable attention, as it suppresses primary tumors and reduces metastasis. However, dose-limiting drug toxicity remains a major barrier to clinical CRT. To mitigate adverse effects and improve drug bioavailability, nano-sensitizer (NS)-mediated CRT has become a research focus. Nonetheless, unique tumor microenvironmental features, including hypoxia, abnormal vasculature, elevated reactive oxygen species, mild acidity, dense extracellular matrix, and immunosuppression, severely compromise NS efficacy. Accordingly, smart NS designed to surmount these microenvironmental barriers represent a key direction in drug development. This review summarizes recent advances in tumor microenvironment-targeted NS and their preclinical and clinical applications, aiming to deepen understanding of microenvironmental challenges in CRT and facilitate the development of potent NS.  
    Keywords:Cancer treatment;Chemoradiotherapy;Nano-sensitizer;Radio sensitization;Microenvironmental barriers   
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    Updated:2026-08-05

    Xin-Yu Ye, Jie He, Zhao-Wen Yang, Tai-Hong Chen, Yin-Jie Peng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3764-9
    Abstract:The development of conductive hydrogels with stretchability, adhesiveness, self-healing, antibacterial and ionic conductivity is crucial for wearable electronic devices such as motion and health monitoring sensors and flexible generators. In this study, a novel multifunctional conductive hydrogel with high conductivity, excellent stretchability, antibacterial property, antifreeze and moisture retention, as well as self-healing and self-adhesive capabilities was successfully prepared by introducing the dynamic redox reaction between phenolic hydroxyl groups and Fe3+ through the addition of tannic acid (TA) to the acrylic acid (AA)-based hydrogel system, and the addition of LiTFSI. This material not only has good mechanical flexibility (tensile strength of 0.3048 MPa and elongation at break of 1657%), but also stable electrical properties (conductivity of 1.47 S·m–1). The excellent antibacterial and self-healing properties also endow it with long-term stability in complex environments. The triboelectric nanogenerator (PTFL-TENG) constructed with this hydrogel can achieve an open-circuit voltage of approximately 100 V, with excellent and stable output performance, capable of providing self-powering ability for small electronic devices and enabling signal transmission. In addition, the self-powered sensor assembled with PTFL hydrogel can respond quickly and accurately to deformation and transmit electrical signals, demonstrating high sensitivity and good repeatability. Based on its comprehensive performance, this hydrogel has broad application prospects in flexible wearable sensors, intelligent medical monitoring, and self-powered systems.  
    Keywords:Conductive hydrogels;Oxidation-reduction;Triboelectric nanogenerators;Self-powered sensors   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Zihao Zhao, Fuyao Huang, Yifeng Zhang, Huisheng Peng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3779-2
    Abstract:Metal-backboned polymers have been proposed as a new class of materials with remarkable physical and chemical properties for applications in optoelectronics, magnetism, and energy. However, the number of metal atoms in their backbones is limited to less than 30 to date. This has prevented the systematic investigation of their properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of metal-backboned polymers with a polymerization degree of 169. Using gold as a model system, we identified that the controlled release of Ag+, an electron-donating imidazole co-ligand, ligand steric/electronic effects, and elevated reaction temperature are key to achieving such long chains. The resulting metal-backboned polymers display hallmark polymer behaviors such as glass transition, together with a unique electronic structure featuring pronounced electron delocalization along the Au backbone and efficient room-temperature phosphorescence. This work provides an effective route to long-chain metal-backboned polymers and deepens the understanding of the electronic structures in one-dimensional metal backbones.  
    Keywords:Metal backbone;Gold−gold bond;Electron delocalization;Gold-backboned polymer;Degree of polymerization   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Jia-Xin Yu, Xin Yao, Ru-Yu Zheng, Huai-Ping Cong

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3734-2
    Abstract:Hydrogel actuators with intrinsic softness, biocompatibility and large deformability hold great promise for extensive applications in intelligent autonomous soft robotics. However, achieving directionally controllable autonomous motion under constant stimulation remains a key challenge, primarily due to the isotropic and densely crosslinked nature of conventional hydrogel networks, which limits both directional driving forces and efficient mass transport pathways. Here, we report a simple method for the fabrication of curved cylindrical hydrogels with aligned porous channels that enable autonomous rolling under constant light irradiation via directional freezing assembly-assisted in situ photopolymerization. Benefiting from the oriented open-cell network, the hydrogel exhibited fast light-responsive deformation with bending and recovery speeds of 16.5 (°)·s–1 and 24 (°)·s–1, respectively. Notably, the hydrogel achieved self-sustained rolling under constant light irradiation at a speed of 0.77 mm·s–1, arising from the synergy of structural anisotropy and geometric curvature. By spatially modulating the irradiation region, the photo-guided direction-steerable rolling could be realized. Additionally, the hydrogel implemented multiple tasks including obstacle crossing, stair climbing and cargo transport, highlighting its potential in biomimetic soft robotic systems.  
    Keywords:Anisotropic hydrogel;Self-sustained locomotion;Directional freezing assembly;Aligned porous structure;Soft robots   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Jing Wang, Shuai Wang, Hai-Xu Tong, Na Liu, Zong-Quan Wu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3775-6
    Abstract:The helical structures found in biological systems, such as DNA, have inspired significant research interest in artificial helical polymers, owing to their strong potential for applications including chiral recognition and resolution, asymmetric catalysis, and other related areas. However, the preparation of single-handed helices from achiral starting materials, as well as the exploration of their chiral resolution behavior, continues to represent a considerable challenge. In this work, we present the rational design and synthesis of optically active helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s through helix-sense selective polymerization (HSSP) of achiral phenyl isocyanide monomers, catalyzed by enantiopure Pd(II) complexes bearing S- or R-configured ligands (Pd(II)/LS or LR). The polymerization exhibits living and controlled characteristics, allowing for the precise modulation of molecular weights (Mn) with exceptionally narrow distributions (Mw/Mn). The resulting polymers exhibit intense optical activity and demonstrate outstanding performance in chiral recognition. Specifically, these chiral materials are utilized as a chiral stationary phase (CSP), which can separate various racemates including α-methylbenzylamine, cobaltic acetylacetonate, and 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Additionally, when applied as a chiral crystallization agent, the polymer enabled the resolution of racemic Z-Alanine via enantioselective crystallization, yielding an enantiomeric excess (ee) as high as 81%.  
    Keywords:Helical polymers;Helix-sense-selective polymerization;Living polymerization;Chiral recognition;Enantiomer separation   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Yi-Han Huang, Jian Guan, Jia-Qi Yu, Xin-Hua Wan, Jie Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3795-2
    Abstract:Intrinsically emissive helical poly(phenylacetylene)s (PPAs) are attractive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials, yet their color tunability and light-harvesting capability remain limited because the emission mainly originates from the backbone excited states. Herein, we construct side-chain/backbone bichromophoric PPA systems to investigate Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and its effect on CPL performance. Using a pentafluorophenyl ester-functionalized PPA-PFP as a common precursor, planar aromatic donors, pyrene (Py) and naphthalene (Nap), and a non-coplanar donor, triphenylamine (TPA), were systematically introduced through activated-ester amidation. Py-PPA and Nap-PPA both underwent efficient donor-to-backbone energy transfer to the emissive cis-cisoid helical backbone, while Py-PPA showed a higher FRET efficiency and a much more pronounced solid-state CPL enhancement, with a |glum| value of 7×10−2 in the film. In contrast, TPA-PPA exhibited conformation-coupled FRET attenuation and emission color switching because the bulky twisted donor destabilized the cis-cisoid backbone. Further spectroscopic and diffraction studies revealed that the superior CPL performance of Py-PPA originated from the synergistic combination of stronger pendant chiral ordering and more efficient side-chain-to-backbone energy transfer during solution aging and film formation. These results show that donor-pendant modification is an effective way to regulate FRET and CPL in intrinsically emissive PPA systems.  
    Keywords:Poly(phenylacetylene);Post-polymerization modification;Föresonance energy transfer;Circularly polarized luminescence;Helical polymers   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Kirna Devi, Sunil Kumar, Ishani Saini, Alka Rana, Rajender Kumar

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3699-1
    Abstract:Biodegradable polymeric nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential for the controlled release of pesticides, offering a sustainable and efficient approach for agriculture. This study involves the synthesis of novel pH-responsive L-cysteine-conjugated polydopamine (PDC) nanospheres for the controlled release of emamectin benzoate (EMB). Using sustainable in situ polymerization, hydrophobic EMB was encapsulated within biodegradable polydopamine (PDA), which was further conjugated with L-cysteine. The functionalized and encapsulated carriers were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both EMB@PDA and EMB@PDC nanospheres were assessed for their encapsulation efficiency and pH-responsive release of EMB. Under varying pH and temperature conditions, the maximum cumulative release of EMB was achieved at pH=3 and was further enhanced by temperature. Various kinetic models have shown that Fick’s diffusion controls the release process. EMB@PDC nanospheres exhibited excellent adhesion to plant surfaces and effectively protected against UV radiation, which reduced EMB loss through rainfall washout and photolytic degradation. In addition, EMB@PDC exhibited high insecticidal potency against Pieris brassicae. Hence, this integrative platform exemplifies an effective pesticide delivery system for promoting agricultural sustainability.  
    Keywords:Polydopamine;pH-Stimuli;Insecticidal potency;Adhesion;Encapsulation   
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    Updated:2026-08-03

    Ning-Ning Hong, Jing-Ping Liu, Xin Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3762-y
    Abstract:A novel synergistic structure (GNS-LDH) was synthesized by modifying graphene with Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide hybrids via hydrothermal method, which have successfully constructed high-performance acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposites in terms of strength, toughness, and smoke toxicity safety through solution blending technology. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 46.23 MPa, elongation at break of 5.78%, and flexural strength of 53.16 MPa. In terms of flame retardancy, the heat release rate of the composites was reduced by 33.2% and the total heat release was reduced by 12.3% with the addition of 2.0 wt% GNS-LDH. Moreover, the generation of toxic gases, such as CO, CO2 and HCN, during the combustion process was effectively suppressed, and the smoke generation rate was significantly reduced. The comprehensive performance of this ABS nanocomposite based on GNS-LDH in terms of enhancement and toughening, flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and reduction in toxicity has surpassed that of many similar materials reported in the current literature, which provides a new way of thinking for the design and development of high-performance protective materials.  
    Keywords:Novel synergistic structure;Mechanical enhancement;Flame retardant;Thermal stability   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yu-Tong Zhang, Xiao Dai, En-Ting Deng, Li-Li Zhang, Ting Zheng, Jun Shen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3745-z
    Abstract:As one of the most popular polysaccharide derivatives with high chiral recognition ability, cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) has been successfully applied in the enantioseparation of a wide range of racemates for various purposes. However, the derivative is usually synthesized with an amorphous structure, and its effect on enantioseparation ability remains obscure. To obtain a better understanding of the correlation between its structure and enantioseparation ability, in this study, CDMPC derivatives with crystalline and amorphous structures were prepared through carbamoylation followed by anti-solvent precipitation. Their chiral recognition abilities were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with chiral stationary phases (CSPs). Interestingly, the ordered arrangement of the helical polymer chains of CDMPC was effectively induced by the aromatic solvent after derivatization, forming a crystalline derivative (c-CDMPC) with a uniform and compact worm-like morphology, whereas the amorphous derivative (a-CDMPC) was obtained by regular treatment with a polar alcoholic solvent. The c-CDMPC–based CSP exhibited higher chiral recognition abilities with much shorter retention times for most racemates in this study, compared to the a-CDMPC–based CSP. In particular, flavanone (Rac-7), an important chiral drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cardiovascular protective activities, was even better resolved with higher enantioselectivity on crystalline c-CDMPC than on Chiralcel OD, a commercialized chiral column based on CDMPC. This indicates that the crystalline ordered arrangement played a critical role in the chiral recognition ability of the cellulose derivative.  
    Keywords:Cellulose derivative;crystalline structure;Chiral recognition;Enantioseparation;Ordered arrangement   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Zhuo-Hang Cai, Chang-Hao Li, Jian-Feng Li

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3753-z
    Abstract:Photo-induced reaction-diffusion systems provide a valuable theoretical framework for exploring nonequilibrium self-organization under external energy input. Most existing studies have focused on binary mixtures subjected to globally uniform driving, whereas realistic chemical and biological systems are typically multicomponent and experience strongly localized energy supply. In this work, we extend photo-induced reaction-diffusion models to a multicomponent setting and systematically investigate pattern formation in a minimal three-component system. By combining numerical simulations with linear stability analysis, we find illumination can induce periodic nonequilibrium structures, whose characteristic length scales can be tuned by the input energy density and intrinsic molecular energetic parameters. We further introduce localized illumination to capture the effects of spatially heterogeneous energy input. Under such conditions, a theoretical phase diagram for pattern formation is constructed, revealing distinct spatial morphologies, including dot patterns and target-like structures. In addition, we explicitly examine the nonnegativity of entropy production for both globally and locally illuminated systems. These results provide a unified and physically consistent framework for understanding photo-induced pattern formation in multicomponent nonequilibrium systems and are also applicable to photoexcitation-controlled supramolecular systems such as persulfurated-arene/block-copolymer assemblies.  
    Keywords:Reaction-diffusion system;Nonequilibrium thermodynamics;Phase separation;Photo-reaction   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yi-Han Li, Yi-Wen Zhang, Jun-Hong Liu, Wen-Ze Xiao, Wen-Han Zang, Jing-Jiang Sun, Jian-Jiang He, Qing-Fu Wang, Wei Zhao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3742-2
    Abstract:Silicon-based anodes are promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion owing to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, their practical application is limited by their severe volume expansion and poor electronic conductivity during cycling, which results in rapid capacity fading. To address these challenges, a novel polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) precursor, PSZ/PAN, was designed and synthesized by integrating polysilazane (PSZ) with polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The synthesis involved an initial free-radical polymerization of PSZ to form a crosslinked network, followed by in situ introduction and polymerization of acrylonitrile, yielding a PSZ/PAN hybrid with an interpenetrating network structure at the molecular level. Upon pyrolysis, the resulting SiCNO/C hybrid anode exhibited a high reversible specific capacity of 1050.1 mAh·g–1 at 500 mA·g–1 and excellent cycling stability, retaining 73.2% of its initial capacity after 600 cycles. This molecular-level interpenetrating design of polymer-derived ceramics provides a promising strategy for the development of high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.  
    Keywords:Polysilazane;Acrylonitrile;Polymer-derived ceramic;Lithium-ion battery   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yi-Wei Wang, Jing-Hua Zhang, Ming Liu, Ya-Dong Liu, Sheng-Xiang Ji

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3721-7
    Abstract:Invasive fungal infections remain a significant global health threat, and the development of antifungal agents that selectively target fungi remains a critical challenge. This study investigates hyperbranched polylysine (HPL) with tunable molecular weight and charge density as a potential selective antifungal candidate. HPL1, with the lowest molecular weight, showed negligible antimicrobial activities, while HPL3, with the highest molecular weight, exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against both bacteria and fungi. Notably, HPL2, the mediate molecular weight, demonstrated selective antifungal activities against clinically relevant Candida species, including C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata. This selectivity is mainly ascribed to its optimal zeta potential and appropriate hydrodynamic size, enabling HPL2 to penetrate through the fungal cell wall while stuck in bacterial cell envelopes. Mechanistic studies revealed that HPL2 initially adheres to the fungal surfaces induced via electrostatic interactions, then passively penetrates the fungal cell wall, disrupts membrane integrity, induces intracellular damage, and ultimately leads to cell death. Furthermore, HPL2 exhibited excellent biocompatibility and in vivo therapy efficacy with minimal disruption to host gut microbiota. These results highlight HPL2 as a promising antifungal agent with potent efficacy and favorable safety, which can be easily synthesized at kilogram scale.  
    Keywords:Selective antifungal activity;Hyperbranched polylysine;Electrostatic interaction;Candida albicans   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Gennady I. Makarov, Irina N. Vikhareva, Oleg I. Bol’shakov

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3736-0
    Abstract:Polymer compositions based on plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) are extremely widely used in engineering and everyday life. Diester plasticizers based on aliphatic dicarboxylic acids are currently considered as new, environmentally friendly, and less toxic plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride). In the present work, the structural organization of polymer compositions based on poly(vinyl chloride) plasticized with dicarboxylic acid diesters—dibutoxyethyl glutarate, dibutoxyethyl adipate, octyl butoxyethyl adipate, dibutoxyethyl azelate, and dibutoxyethyl sebacate—was studied using molecular dynamics modeling methods. The methodology of fragment condensation was used to obtain three-dimensional models of the dense polymer phase. It is shown that the intensity of intermolecular interactions between PVC chains and plasticizer molecules, as well as the degree of uniformity of the plasticizer’s spatial distribution, directly affect the characteristics of the temperature dependence of the mechanical loss tangent. Thereby, the heterogeneity of the plasticizer distribution at the nanoscale level, determined by its tendency to associate, significantly affects the width of the glass transition. The data suggest a possible transition from a plasticization mechanism characteristic of short-chain diesters (associated with a higher number of directional Cl···O contacts) to a mechanism of bulk dispersion spacing of PVC chains for long-chain esters. This interpretation is consistent with the observed differences in thermal stability and low-temperature flexibility. These conclusions are based on a limited set of five plasticizers and a specific MD/fragment-condensation framework; therefore, they should be considered as preliminary and model-dependent.  
    Keywords:Molecular dynamics;Poly(vinyl chloride);Plasticizer;Ester;Halogen bonds;Microinhomogeneity;Relaxation behavior   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yi-Meng Liu, Yu Zhu, Bo-Yu Xu, Zi-Lin Xu, Xing-Long Zhang, Hui Li, Qiang Liu, Shou-Ke Yan

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3714-6
    Abstract:Non-metallic cationic polymerization of low-reactivity styrene (St) derivatives remains challenging due to broad molecular weight distributions and rapid deactivation of active species. Here we show that adding only a minor amount of CH3CN (V/V, 3/97) to the conventional BF3·OEt2/COH/CH2Cl2/St system affords polystyrene with narrow dispersity (Mw/Mn, Đ ≈ 1.3). Notably, the Mn increases linearly with conversion and closely matches the Mn.calcd. 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis and comparative experiments with the BF3·CH3CN co-initiation system indicate CH3CN does not coordinate strongly with BF3 compared to diethyl ether (OEt2); however, it stabilizes the propagating carbocation and decreases the the propagation rate constant (kp), which leads to a narrower dispersity in the product. Lowering the temperature to −25 °C further extends the active-chain lifetime. This strategy is also effective for other low-reactivity styrene monomers, including p-chlorostyrene (pClSt) and p-chloromethylstyrene (pCMSt), and is even applicable to the relatively more reactive p-methylstyrene (pMeSt), offering a versatile metal-free route to the synthesis of styrenic polymers with a narrow dispersity.  
    Keywords:Living cationic polymerization;Acetonitrile;Styrene;Low-reactivity styrene derivative   
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yang Wang, Wen-Qing He, Su-Nan Tian, Yue Wang, Run-Hao Bai, Aurore Richel, Qiu-Yun Liu, Jia-Lei Liu, Cai-Bin Li, He-Qing Cai, Zhi-Chao Zhen, Qi Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3787-2
      
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    Updated:2026-07-25

    Yi-Sheng Huang, Han-Xin Jian, Hao Huang, Qing-Yun Guo, Shu-Guang Yang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3757-8
    Abstract:Heat-, light-, and humidity-responsive materials were fabricated via chemical design and cold drawing processing. The crystallizable polyether/polyester diols were first reacted with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), followed by chain extension with azobenzene units. The synthesized polyurethanes exhibited ductile behavior and drawing-induced orientation when the soft segments possessed high crystallinity. Upon heating or UV irradiation, the oriented polyurethane strips underwent bending, whereas the pristine strips did not. Under humid conditions, both oriented and pristine polyurethane strips containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) soft segments bent, albeit in opposite directions. In contrast, polyurethane strips with polycaprolactone (PCL) and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) soft segments showed no response to humidity, regardless of whether they were stretched. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the temperature increase resulting from the photothermal effect of the azobenzene moieties is the main reason for light-induced actuation, which differs from that in many other azobenzene-based materials. The entropic elastic energy stored during stretching is released upon UV irradiation, heating, or humidification to drive the bending deformation. This work presents a strategy for constructing multi-stimuli- responsive materials via molecular design and post-processing, highlighting the synergy between functional moieties and microscopic structures, which holds great significance for the development of advanced intelligent materials.  
    Keywords:Polymer crystallization;Polyurethanes;Humidity sensitivity;Photothermal effect;Stimuli-responsive materials   
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    Updated:2026-07-22

    Ying-Ying Zheng, Zhi-Qiang Zhuo, Ning-Ning Yu, Ming-Jian Ni, Li-Li Sun, Bin Liu, Jing-Yao Ma, You-Tian Tao, Jin-Yi Lin, Man Xu, Wei Huang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3718-2
    Abstract:Fully π-conjugated polymers are promising for flexible optoelectronics; however, their inherent brittleness poses a challenge for achieving high-performance flexible electronic devices. In this study, we developed a carbazole-based semiconductor fluid plasticizer, TODPFCZ, to simultaneously enhance the stretchability and optoelectronic properties of poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) films using an external plasticizing strategy. The fluid TODPFCZ molecules incorporated into the F8BT matrix disrupted interchain π-π stacking and crystallinity, which significantly enhanced the stretchability, increasing the fracture strain from 18% to 44% and the crack-onset strain from 5% to 35%. Owing to the efficient energy transfer from TODPFCZ to F8BT, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) based on the optimized blend films showed stable electroluminescence and maintained efficiency even after being pre-strained up to 15%, revealing outstanding stress tolerance. The blended films also exhibited excellent recoverability and thermoplasticity. This study demonstrates that carbazole-based semiconductor fluid plasticizers provide a versatile and effective pathway for designing high-performance, intrinsically stretchable, fully π-conjugated polymers for durable flexible electronics.  
    Keywords:Intrinsically stretchable semiconductors;Conjugated polymer films;Semiconductor fluid plasticizer;Mechanical-optoelectronic synergy;Flexible polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs)   
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    Updated:2026-07-22

    Yun-Tao Li, Shun-Peng Sun, Ya-Meng Jia, Shu-Sheng Li, Chuan-Yong Zong, Xu-Bao Jiang, Xiao-Li Zhu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3723-5
    Abstract:Traditional acrylate reactive diluents, which are derived from fossil resources, are known to exhibit significant irritation and allergenic potential, leading to their prohibition in high-end electronics, particularly in wearable devices. To address these limitations, four bio-based acrylate reactive diluents (BRDs) were synthesized via the reaction of alcohols derived from renewable sources, piperitol, vanillin, eugenol, and isosorbide, with methacrylic anhydride. The viscosity of the synthesized BRDs and the Tg of their corresponding polymers were systematically evaluated and compared with those of the petroleum-based diluent isobornyl acrylate (IBOA). The BRDs were then blended with acrylate-terminated polyurethane (APU) to formulate a series of UV-curable polyurethane adhesives (APU-BRDs). The results suggest that BRDs effectively reduce the viscosity of APU. By selecting and combining BRDs, the bonding strength of APU-BRDs to polar substrates such as PC and glass can reach 20 MPa. Even for non-polar substrates like PE, the strength is close to 5 MPa. The values obtained in this study exceed those of adhesives prepared using the conventional petroleum-based diluent IBOA. Furthermore, the study explored the potential application of APU-BRDs in smart wearable devices, confirming their suitability for next-generation wearable technology.  
    Keywords:Bio-based acrylate;Reactive diluents;Polyurethane;UV-curable adhesives;Electronic watch packaging   
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    Updated:2026-07-22
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