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.

Check the paper for more details!

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!