Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Isosorbide‐Based Polyester Derivatives Decorated with α ‐Acyloxy Amides

The synergy of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and metathesis chemistry is applied for the synthesis of bio-based functional isosorbide polymers (i.e., polyesters) decorated with α-acyloxy amide motif. The chemical structure of the polyesters that are not accessible by any other conventional methodologies is characterized in-depth via nuclear magnetic resonance, size-exclusion chromatography, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. It is also observed that the “biomass-derived” carbon % of the polymers varied between 66.2 and 76.9. Moreover, the thermal properties of the novel isosorbide-based polymers are investigated via thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, revealing that the polymers are in the amorphous state, identified by the glass transition temperature (T$_g$) values below the human body temperature. The mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of the functional novel polyester derivative with the highest “biomass-derived” carbon % are evaluated via dynamic mechanical analysis and cytotoxicity test. The exemplary polymer is biocompatible with chondrocyte cells in the conditions used in the tests. In summary, the complementary nature of isosorbide derivatives with MCRs and metathesis chemistry is utilized to illustrate the potential utility of isosorbide as a building block for polymers with prospective biomedical application (namely, as novel cartilage materials)

Electrochemical Investigations of Sulfur‐Decorated Organic Materials as Cathodes for Alkali Batteries

Alkali metal–sulfur batteries (particularly, lithium/sodium- sulfur (Li/Na–S)) have attracted much attention because of their high energy density, the natural abundance of sulfur, and environmental friendliness. However, Li/Na–S batteries still face big challenges, such as limited cycle life, poor conductivity, large volume changes, and the “shuttle effect” caused by the high solubility of Li/Na–polysulfides. Herein, novel organosulfur-containing materials, i.e., bis(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)disulfide (BiTEMPS-OH) and 2,4-thiophene/arene copolymer (TAC) are proposed as cathode materials for Li and Na batteries. BiTEMPS-OH shows an initial discharge/charge capacity of 353/192 mAh g−1 and a capacity of 62 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1 in ether-based Li-ion electrolyte. Meanwhile, TAC has an initial discharge/charge capacity of 270/248 mAh g−1 and better cycling performance (106 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles) than BiTEMPS-OH in the same electrolyte. However, the rate capability of TAC is limited by the slow diffusion of Li-ions. Both materials show inferior electrochemical performances in Na battery cells compared to the Li analogs. X-ray powder diffraction reveals that BiTEMPS-OH loses its crystalline structure permanently upon cycling in Li battery cells. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates the cleavage and partially reversible formation of S−S bonds in BiTEMPS-OH and the formation/decomposition of thick solid electrolyte interphase on the electrode surface of TAC

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Isosorbide‐Based Polyester Derivatives Decorated with α ‐Acyloxy Amides

The synergy of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and metathesis chemistry is applied for the synthesis of bio-based functional isosorbide polymers (i.e., polyesters) decorated with α-acyloxy amide motif. The chemical structure of the polyesters that are not accessible by any other conventional methodologies is characterized in-depth via nuclear magnetic resonance, size-exclusion chromatography, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. It is also observed that the “biomass-derived” carbon % of the polymers varied between 66.2 and 76.9. Moreover, the thermal properties of the novel isosorbide-based polymers are investigated via thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, revealing that the polymers are in the amorphous state, identified by the glass transition temperature (T$_g$) values below the human body temperature. The mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of the functional novel polyester derivative with the highest “biomass-derived” carbon % are evaluated via dynamic mechanical analysis and cytotoxicity test. The exemplary polymer is biocompatible with chondrocyte cells in the conditions used in the tests. In summary, the complementary nature of isosorbide derivatives with MCRs and metathesis chemistry is utilized to illustrate the potential utility of isosorbide as a building block for polymers with prospective biomedical application (namely, as novel cartilage materials)