Zhongzheng Ma

Bio: Zhongzheng Ma is an academic researcher from University of Science and Technology of China. The author has contributed to research in topics: Deep eutectic solvent & Solubility. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 22 citations.

Deep eutectic solvents eutectogels: progress and challenges

Abstract: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have received widespread attention for their advantages of good electrical conductivity, stability, environmental friendliness, and easy preparation with a wide range of applications. However, it was not until recent years that DESs were used as gel electrolytes as environmentally friendly alternatives to ionic liquids (ILs). In this mini review, we first introduce the DESs related eutectogels (or ion gels), then introduce the types and applications of the gels, the opportunities and challenges of them are also summarized.

Ultra-Stretchable, Self-Healing, Conductive, and Transparent PAA/DES Ionic Gel

Abstract: A deep eutectic solvent (DES) ionic gel is fabricated rapidly under mild conditions. The acrylic acid monomer is polymerized based on a dual self-catalytic system between Vitamin C (VC) and metal ions, such as Fe3+ in the presence of ammonium persulfate in the DES of betaine and ethylene glycol. The as-obtained PAA/DES ionic gel possesses excellent conductivity between 0.1 and 1.3 S m-1 in a wide range of temperatures from 0 to 90 °C. Moreover, it also shows an ultra-stretchable performance with stretch more than 200 times its original length even under a stretching rate of 100 mm min-1 . Besides, it can operate in harsh conditions because of its anti-freezing and anti-drying properties. The ionic gel is self-healing, and the stretching and conductive performance can be recovered after it is broken. These superior properties of the DES ionic gel provide new insights into the design of novel gels in various applications, such as tissue engineering, sensing, and wearable electronics.

A Highly Conductive, Self-Recoverable, and Strong Eutectogel of a Deep Eutectic Solvent with Polymer Crystalline Domain Regulation.

Abstract: It is desirable to fabricate an antifatigue gel for skin-mimicking sensors on the demand of long-term durability in practical usage. Here, we developed a physically cross-linked eutectogel based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) (PVA/PAA) binary polymer skeleton and a deep eutectic solvent (DES). In this eutectogel, uniformly distributed PVA crystalline domains acted as stable physical cross-linkers, and high-density hydrogen bonds possessed great reversibility. Such a polymer network structure was expected to endow this eutectogel with excellent mechanical strength, stretchability, and a self-recovery ability. Specifically, this eutectogel exhibited a superior tensile strength of 2.6 MPa, a fracture strain of 680%, and a fracture toughness of 8.39 MJ m-3. In cyclic stretching/releasing tests with a fixed strain of 100%, this eutectogel could recover its mechanical properties within a 600 s resting time. Based on this self-recoverable eutectogel, a reliable flexible sensor was fabricated, which possessed good sensitivity and stability over a wide strain range (1-300%). More importantly, the flexile sensor was able to maintain a highly repeatable response signal during 1000 consecutive stretching/releasing cycles, showing outstanding long-term durability. Given the excellent sensing performance, this eutectogel has promising potential in wearable electronics, human-machine systems, and soft robotics.

Lignin fractionation from lignocellulosic biomass using deep eutectic solvents and its valorization

Abstract: Lignin, the most abundant natural aromatic feedstock, is one of the most renewable resources for many biofuels, chemicals, and smart materials. Recent progress in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a class of green solvents exhibiting appealing properties, suggests promising pathways for lignin fractionation and further valorization. Despite considerable efforts that have been devoted to their development, the fractionation and valorization of lignin using DESs are still in their nascent stage. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent progress in lignin fractionation and valorization using DESs. The introduction of emerging type V DESs, and the relationship between Kamlet–Taft solvatochromic parameters and lignin fractionation and solubility are emphasized. Key factors that affect the lignin fractionation yield and lignin structure have been identified. Particularly, recent growth in computation-based studies to determine which DESs are appropriate for lignin biorefinery and the investigation of underlying mechanisms are also highlighted. Furthermore, the properties of DESs-fractionated lignin and its further valorization routes are systematically summarized. Finally, future perspectives on the development of more efficient and sustainable lignin fractionation and valorization are provided. The present work will provide valuable guidance on the fractionation and valorization of lignin by using renewable DESs.

Lignin as Polymer Electrolyte Precursor for Stable and Sustainable Potassium Batteries

Abstract: Abstract Potassium batteries show interesting peculiarities as large‐scale energy storage systems and, in this scenario, the formulation of polymer electrolytes obtained from sustainable resources or waste‐derived products represents a milestone activity. In this study, a lignin‐based membrane is designed by crosslinking a pre‐oxidized Kraft lignin matrix with an ethoxylated difunctional oligomer, leading to self‐standing membranes that are able to incorporate solvated potassium salts. The in‐depth electrochemical characterization highlights a wide stability window (up to 4 V) and an ionic conductivity exceeding 10−3 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. When potassium metal cell prototypes are assembled, the lignin‐based electrolyte attains significant electrochemical performances, with an initial specific capacity of 168 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and an excellent operation for more than 200 cycles, which is an unprecedented outcome for biosourced systems in potassium batteries.