Another research paper authored by John Worth, James C. Griffith, Valeska P. Ting, and Charl F.J. Faul, entitled “Enhancing hydrogen storage through processable porous composite membranes“, was recently published Open Access in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy!

This study highlights the development of composite membranes that combines a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) and a PTPA-based CMP for hydrogen storage applications. The established casting methods address the processability challenges of CMP materials, while significantly enhancing the intrinsic microporosity, hydrogen adsorption capacity, and adsorption kinetics of the PIM polymer. These mechanically and chemically stable composites are presented as attractive candidates for lightweight H₂ storage applications.

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A new paper titled “A Solvent Selection Framework for Porous Organic Polymers” authored by Xue Fang, Ulzhalgas Karatayeva, John Worth, Merve Gumussoy Girgin, Safa Ali Al Siyabi, Dauren Mukhanov, Ella M. Gale, Charl Faul, and Natalie Fey, is now available online Open Access in Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling!

This work introduces MLoc, a solvent selection toolkit that enables the rapid determination of Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) to support the design of novel functional porous organic polymers. With a HSP database for 17 different porous organic polymers, the MLoc-guided case study demonstrated a 220% improvement in CO₂ uptake, along with effective morphology tuning through solvent optimization.

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A new paper titled “Charge-Induced Morphing Gels for Bioinspired Actuation” authored by Ciqun Xu (former joint PhD student with Bristol Robotic Laboratory), Saba Firouznia, Charl Faul, Majid Taghavi, and Jonathan Rossiter, is now available online Open Access in Advanced Functional Materials!

This study continued from the electric field-driven soft morphing matter, previously published in both Advanced Materials and Advanced Functional Materials. A novel electroactive homeomorphic isochoric gel (HIG) actuation mechanism is reported that exhibits substantial and reversible shape-changing while preserving topological and isochoric (volumetric) equivalence, resembling the behavior of muscle deformation. HIGs are capable of mimicing the movements of muscle-driven organelles in nature, including cilia-like beating and the chromophore-like muscular expansion.

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Continuing from previous work, a paper has just been published Open Access in Communications Materials, entitled “Biocompatible low-voltage electrothermal actuators with biological operational temperature range“. This new study is authored by Adéla Slavíková, Benjamin C. Baker, Marcos Villeda-Hernandez, undergraduate contributors Annabel Coekin and Julia Kwasniewska, collaborators from NHS and Bristol Medical School within the emPOWER project, and Charl Faul.

This study presents a low-voltage (3.6 V) electrothermal actuator, Bio35, that operates at mild hyperthermic temperatures (38.9 °C). Bio35 features facile synthesis, high chemical stability, excellent cyclic actuation performance, and non-cytoxicity. Two systems have been demonstrated: a simple gripper and a sphincter-like valve, showcasing Bio35‘s potential for use in treating conditions like urinary incontinence, where precise, muscle-like actuation is critical for function.

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We are excited to share that a new research paper, “Functionalised Polyaniline-Based Porous Organic Polymers for Catalytic Conversion of CO₂ into Cyclic Carbonates,” authored by Ulzhalgas Karatayeva and Charl F. J. Faul, has been published Open Access in Chemical Communications!

This work introduces a sustainable strategy for CO₂ capture and conversion using carboxylic-functionalised polyaniline-based porous organic polymers. These materials enable the efficient production of cyclic carbonates with high conversion rates and excellent recyclability, all without the need for solvents or co-catalysts. This study highlights the potential of heterogeneous catalysts to advance green and cost-effective CO₂ utilisation.

🔗 Click here to read the full paper!

A new review paper titled “Exploring conjugated microporous polymers for hydrogen storage: A review of current advances” authored by John Worth, Valeska P. Ting, and Charl F. J. Faul, was recently published Open Access in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy!

This extensive review offers design guidelines and insights to support the development of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) as physisorption-based materials for hydrogen storage, serving as a valuable reference for future research on the related fields. Check the paper for more details!

A new paper titled “Self-Assembly, Aggregation Mechanisms, and Morphological Properties of Asymmetric Perylene Diimide-based Supramolecular Polymers” authored by Helal Alharbi, Xue Fang, Robert L. Harniman, Charl F. J. Faul, is recently published Open Access in Chemistry – A European Journal!

This study features in the synthesis of various asymmetric perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives and investigates the effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups on the properties of the resulting supramolecular polymers (SMPs). The PDI self-assemblies were induced by THF/H₂O mixtures as an optimal system and characterized via UV/Vis, AFM, and TEM, revealing the formation of nanofiber-based supramolecular structures that exhibit a coiling tendency. Check the link for more details!

A new paper titled “Electric Field Driven Soft Morphing Matter” authored by Ciqun Xu (former joint PhD student with Bristol Robotic Laboratory), Charl Faul, Majid Taghavi, and Jonathan Rossiter, is now published Open Access in Advanced Materials!

This study demonstrated an electric field-driven soft morphing matter, termed electro-morphing gel (e-MG), with extremely high morphological adaptability and complex multimodal electric field response. The remote-control strategy opens a wide range of applications in soft and bio-inspired robotics, dexterous manipulation, and space exploration. Check the supporting video for a cool swinging gymnast for more details!