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Keywords = sulfobetainization

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17 pages, 3944 KiB  
Article
Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Recyclable Draw Solutes for Forward Osmosis: A Sustainable Approach to Produced Water Reclamation
by Sunith B. Madduri and Raghava R. Kommalapati
Separations 2025, 12(8), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12080199 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide (Fe3O4), display distinctive superparamagnetic characteristics and elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios, facilitating improved physicochemical interactions with solutes and pollutants. These characteristics make MNPs strong contenders for use in water treatment applications. This research investigates the [...] Read more.
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide (Fe3O4), display distinctive superparamagnetic characteristics and elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios, facilitating improved physicochemical interactions with solutes and pollutants. These characteristics make MNPs strong contenders for use in water treatment applications. This research investigates the application of iron oxide MNPs synthesized via co-precipitation as innovative draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO) for treating synthetic produced water (SPW). The FO membrane underwent surface modification with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), a zwitterionic polymer, to increase hydrophilicity, minimize fouling, and elevate water flux. The SBMA functional groups aid in electrostatic repulsion of organic and inorganic contaminants, simultaneously encouraging robust hydration layers that improve water permeability. This adjustment is vital for sustaining consistent flux performance while functioning with MNP-based draw solutions. Material analysis through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the MNPs’ thermal stability, consistent morphology, and modified surface chemistry. The FO experiments showed a distinct relationship between MNP concentration and osmotic efficiency. At an MNP dosage of 10 g/L, the peak real-time flux was observed at around 3.5–4.0 L/m2·h. After magnetic regeneration, 7.8 g of retrieved MNPs generated a steady flow of ~2.8 L/m2·h, whereas a subsequent regeneration (4.06 g) resulted in ~1.5 L/m2·h, demonstrating partial preservation of osmotic driving capability. Post-FO draw solutions, after filtration, exhibited total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements that varied from 2.5 mg/L (0 g/L MNP) to 227.1 mg/L (10 g/L MNP), further validating the effective dispersion and solute contribution of MNPs. The TDS of regenerated MNP solutions stayed similar to that of their fresh versions, indicating minimal loss of solute activity during the recycling process. The combined synergistic application of SBMA-modified FO membranes and regenerable MNP draw solutes showcases an effective and sustainable method for treating produced water, providing excellent water recovery, consistent operational stability, and opportunities for cyclic reuse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Purification Technology)
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28 pages, 5572 KiB  
Article
Surface Modification of Medical-Grade Titanium and Polyvinyl Chloride with a Novel Catechol-Terminated Compound Containing Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine Functionality for Antibacterial Application
by Nai-Chia Fan, Fang-Min Hsu, Chi-Hui Cheng and Jui-Che Lin
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152006 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 318
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infection, mainly through medical device-associated infection, remains a critical issue in hospital care. Bacterial adhesion, proliferation, and biofilm formation on the device surface have been considered the foremost cause of medical device-associated infection. Different means have been explored to reduce microbial attachment [...] Read more.
Healthcare-associated infection, mainly through medical device-associated infection, remains a critical issue in hospital care. Bacterial adhesion, proliferation, and biofilm formation on the device surface have been considered the foremost cause of medical device-associated infection. Different means have been explored to reduce microbial attachment and proliferation, including forming a bactericidal or microbial adhesion-resistant surface layer. Fear of limited bactericidal capability if the dead microbes remained adhered to the surface has withheld the widespread use of a bactericidal surface in medical devices if it was intended for long-term use. By contrast, constructing a microbial adhesion-resistant or antifouling surface, such as a surface with zwitterionic functionality, would be more feasible for devices intended to be used for the long term. Nevertheless, a sophisticated multi-step chemical reaction process would be needed. Instead, a simple immersion method that utilized a novel mussel-inspired catechol compound with zwitterionic sulfobetaine functionality, ZDS, was explored in this investigation for the surface modification of substrates with distinctively different surface characteristics, including titanium and polyvinyl chloride. Dopamine, NaIO4 oxidants, and chemicals that could affect ionic interactions (NaCl and polyethyleneimine) were added to the ZDS-containing immersion solution to compare their effects on modifying titanium and PVC substrates. Furthermore, a layer-by-layer immersion method, in which the substrate was first immersed in the no-ZDS-added dopamine-containing solution, followed by the ZDS-containing solution, was also attempted on the PVC substrate. By properly selecting the immersion solution formulation and additional NaIO4 oxidation modification, the antibacterial capability of ZDS-modified substrates can be optimized without causing cytotoxicity. The maximum antibacterial percentages against S. aureus were 84.2% and 81.7% for the modified titanium and PVC substrate, respectively, and both modified surfaces did not show any cytotoxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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14 pages, 9820 KiB  
Article
Zwitterionic Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) Brushes Functionalized Threads for DNA Extraction from Complex Cell Lysates
by Xianlong Shi, Liang Wu, Ke Ning, Xinmei Li, Lingke Feng, Yirong Chen and Ling Yu
Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123651 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes [...] Read more.
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes modified cotton thread (PSBMA@threads) as an innovative substitute for DNA solid-phase extraction. The PSBMA polymer brushes were synthesized on cotton threads via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The usability of the PSBMA@threads for DNA extraction from cell lysates containing cell debris, proteins, and detergents was evaluated. Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and EDS confirmed the successful functionalization with PSBMA polymer brushes. The antifouling properties of PSBMA@threads, including resistance to non-specific protein adsorption and underwater oil repellency, were assessed. The results demonstrated selective DNA capture from protein and lipid-rich lysates. Optimized extraction parameters improved DNA yield, enabling efficient extraction from tumor cells, which successfully underwent PCR amplification. Comparative experiments with commercial silica membrane-based columns revealed that PSBMA@threads exhibited comparable DNA extraction capability. The PSBMA@threads maintained extraction capability after six months of ambient storage, highlighting its stability and cost-effectiveness for nucleic acid isolation in analytical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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23 pages, 8978 KiB  
Article
A Lignin-Based Zwitterionic Surfactant Facilitates Heavy Oil Viscosity Reduction via Interfacial Modification and Molecular Aggregation Disruption in High-Salinity Reservoirs
by Qiutao Wu, Tao Liu, Xinru Xu and Jingyi Yang
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112419 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
The development of eco-friendly surfactants is pivotal for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this study, a novel lignin-derived zwitterionic surfactant (DMS) was synthesized through a two-step chemical process involving esterification and free radical polymerization, utilizing renewable alkali lignin, maleic anhydride, dimethylamino propyl methacrylamide [...] Read more.
The development of eco-friendly surfactants is pivotal for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this study, a novel lignin-derived zwitterionic surfactant (DMS) was synthesized through a two-step chemical process involving esterification and free radical polymerization, utilizing renewable alkali lignin, maleic anhydride, dimethylamino propyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA), and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) as precursors. Comprehensive characterization via 1H NMR, FTIR, and XPS validated the successful integration of amphiphilic functionalities. Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) analysis showed a strong tendency to form stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. The experimental results showed a remarkable 91.6% viscosity reduction in Xinjiang heavy crude oil emulsions at an optimum dosage of 1000 mg/L. Notably, DMS retained an 84.8% viscosity reduction efficiency under hypersaline conditions (total dissolved solids, TDS = 200,460 mg/L), demonstrating exceptional salt tolerance. Mechanistic insights derived from zeta potential measurements and molecular dynamics simulations revealed dual functionalities: interfacial modification by DMS-induced O/W phase inversion and electrostatic repulsion (zeta potential: −30.89 mV) stabilized the emulsion while disrupting π–π interactions between asphaltenes and resins, thereby mitigating macromolecular aggregation in the oil phase. As a green, bio-based viscosity suppressor, DMS exhibits significant potential for heavy oil recovery in high-salinity reservoirs, addressing the persistent challenge of salinity-induced inefficacy in conventional chemical solutions and offering a sustainable pathway for enhanced oil recovery. Full article
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15 pages, 1941 KiB  
Article
The High Interfacial Activity of Betaine Surfactants Triggered by Nonionic Surfactant: The Vacancy Size Matching Mechanism of Hydrophobic Groups
by Guoqiao Li, Jinyi Zhao, Lu Han, Qingbo Wu, Qun Zhang, Bo Zhang, Rushan Yue, Feng Yan, Zhaohui Zhou and Wei Ding
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112413 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 464
Abstract
Alkyl sulfobetaine shows a strong advantage in the compounding of surfactants due to the defects in the size matching of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. The interfacial tensions (IFTs) of alkyl sulfobetaine (ASB) and xylene-substituted alkyl sulfobetaine (XSB) with oil-soluble (Span80) and water-soluble (Tween80) [...] Read more.
Alkyl sulfobetaine shows a strong advantage in the compounding of surfactants due to the defects in the size matching of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. The interfacial tensions (IFTs) of alkyl sulfobetaine (ASB) and xylene-substituted alkyl sulfobetaine (XSB) with oil-soluble (Span80) and water-soluble (Tween80) nonionic surfactants on a series of n-alkanes were studied using a spinning drop tensiometer to investigate the mechanism of IFT between nonionic and betaine surfactants. The two betaine surfactants’ IFTs are considerably impacted differently by Span80 and Tween80. The results demonstrate that Span80, through mixed adsorption with ASB and XSB, can create a relatively compacted interfacial film at the n-alkanes–water interface. The equilibrium IFT can be reduced to ultra-low values of 5.7 × 10−3 mN/m at ideal concentrations by tuning the fit between the size of the nonionic surfactant and the size of the oil-side vacancies of the betaine surfactant. Nevertheless, Tween80 has minimal effect on the IFT of betaine surfactants, and the betaine surfactant has no vacancies on the aqueous side. The present study provides significant research implications for screening betaine surfactants and their potential application in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Full article
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19 pages, 6353 KiB  
Article
Anti-Swelling Aramid-Nanofiber-Reinforced Zwitterionic Polymer Hydrogel for Strain Sensors
by Zeyu Chen and Wenbin Zhong
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081800 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 593
Abstract
Zwitterionic polymer hydrogels have great application prospects in wearable electronic devices due to their antifouling and excellent biocompatibility. However, its strong hydrophilicity often leads to easy swelling and poor mechanical properties. In this study, aramid nanofiber (ANF)-reinforced zwitterionic ion hydrogels were synthesized by [...] Read more.
Zwitterionic polymer hydrogels have great application prospects in wearable electronic devices due to their antifouling and excellent biocompatibility. However, its strong hydrophilicity often leads to easy swelling and poor mechanical properties. In this study, aramid nanofiber (ANF)-reinforced zwitterionic ion hydrogels were synthesized by the one-step free radical polymerization of N-acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA), N-[Tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl] acrylamide (THMA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) monomers in the presence of ANFs. A large number of hydrogen bonds were formed between the amide groups of the ANFs and the amide groups of the NAGA units/the hydroxyl groups of the THMA units/the sulfonic groups of the SBMA units, which improved the internal interface force of the hydrogel. The obtained ANF-reinforced hydrogel had an anti-swelling property, and its swelling ratio and tensile strength were 25% and 170% of those of the hydrogel without the addition of ANFs. By introducing lithium chloride as an electrolyte to improve its ion conductivity and subsequently assembling it into strain sensors, it exhibited a high sensitivity (GF = 1.12), short response and recovery times (100 ms and 150 ms), and excellent cycling stability. This work provides a feasible strategy for anti-swelling wearable strain sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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14 pages, 2221 KiB  
Article
Antifouling Performance and Long-Term Efficiency of a Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine-Hydroxyethyl-Containing Polymethylmethacrylate Ter-Co-Polymer Coating Against Biomass-Producing Photosynthetic Strains
by Rana Haider Ali, Vincenzo Zammuto, Marco Nicolò, Filomena De Leo, Sandra Lo Schiavo and Clara Urzì
Coatings 2025, 15(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15040462 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2672
Abstract
The antifouling performance of a zwitterionic sulfobetaine-hydroxyethyl-containing polymethylmethacrylate ter-co-polymer (PSBM) is evaluated against three photosynthetic strains, namely Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Arthrospira maxima. PSBM-coated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) surfaces displayed a significantly reduced propensity for biofilm formation compared to rough and untreated controls, [...] Read more.
The antifouling performance of a zwitterionic sulfobetaine-hydroxyethyl-containing polymethylmethacrylate ter-co-polymer (PSBM) is evaluated against three photosynthetic strains, namely Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Arthrospira maxima. PSBM-coated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) surfaces displayed a significantly reduced propensity for biofilm formation compared to rough and untreated controls, leaving clean surfaces after 7 days of exposure. A tribological approach was adopted to estimate the long-term durability of the PSBM coating. Repeated cycles of exposure to Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and A. maxima biomass subject the coating to stress and continuous biofilm challenges. After several cycles, the PSBM coating maintains a higher antifouling efficacy than the untreated PMMA surface, suggesting stability and high potential in photobioreactor applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Coatings and Surface Technology, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 7158 KiB  
Article
A Robust Natural Rubber–Polyzwitterion Composite Hydrogel for Highly Enhanced Marine Anti-Biofouling
by Ye Sun, Dominic John, Yuxin Yan, Xueliang Feng, Qingrong Wei, Chunxin Ma, Zhenzhong Liu, Haimei Mao, Tuck-Whye Wong and Yun Chen
Gels 2025, 11(3), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030203 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 748
Abstract
Polyzwitterion (PZW) hydrogel has excellent marine anti-biofouling performance, but it is difficult to effectively work for a long time in natural seawater due to its weak mechanical strength. In this study, a new natural rubber (NR)-PZW composite hydrogel has been reported for long-term [...] Read more.
Polyzwitterion (PZW) hydrogel has excellent marine anti-biofouling performance, but it is difficult to effectively work for a long time in natural seawater due to its weak mechanical strength. In this study, a new natural rubber (NR)-PZW composite hydrogel has been reported for long-term anti-biofouling by simply dispersing NR latex into the poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) hydrogel network. First of all, owing to the PZW hydrogel network having an anti-polyelectrolyte effect, this NR-PZW hydrogel can provide outstanding anti-biofouling performance, including broad-spectrum anti-bacteria, anti-algae, and anti-protein properties in marine environments. Furthermore, it has a composited natural rubber nanoparticle with a hydrophilic negatively charged outer protein membrane, which can uniformly disperse in the hydrogel to significantly improve its mechanical properties. Therefore, this composited hydrogel can provide not only highly enhanced tensile strength (0.52 MPa) but also ultra-high breaking elongation (738%), which can effectually resist harsh seawater environments. As a result, the NR-PZW composite hydrogel can achieve excellent anti-biofouling performance for more than 3 months within a real marine environment. This work can provide an excellent, robust polyzwitterionic hydrogel for long-term marine anti-biofouling, which will also inspire new strategies for anti-biofouling materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Customizing Hydrogels: A Journey from Concept to End-Use Properties)
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19 pages, 2819 KiB  
Article
Toxicity Evaluation of Sulfobetainized Branched Polyethyleneimine via Antibacterial and Biocompatibility Assays
by Mehtap Sahiner, Selin S. Suner, Sahin Demirci, Ramesh S. Ayyala and Nurettin Sahiner
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020136 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Branched polyethyleneimine (PEI), possessing different types of amines—e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary—in the polymer chains are well known for their antibacterial properties and DNA condensing ability, affording substantial advantages in many biomedical uses, including gene therapy. However, because of PEI’s toxicity, depending on [...] Read more.
Branched polyethyleneimine (PEI), possessing different types of amines—e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary—in the polymer chains are well known for their antibacterial properties and DNA condensing ability, affording substantial advantages in many biomedical uses, including gene therapy. However, because of PEI’s toxicity, depending on the molecular weight, its widespread biomedical use is hindered. Therefore, in this study, PEIs with different molecular weights—i.e., 600, 1200, and 1800 g/mol—were modified with 1,3-propane sultone, undergoing a sulfobetainization reaction in a single step to attain a zwitterionic structure: sulfobetainized PEI (b-PEI). The sulfobetainization reaction was carried out twice to increase the zwitterionic repeating unit on PEI chains. The increasing number of SO3 groups on the PEI chains was confirmed by the increased peak intensities around 1160 and 1035 cm−1 on the FT-IR spectrum, which are assigned to symmetric and asymmetric S=O peaks. The elemental analysis results for first- and second- betainization PEIs, abbreviated as b1-PEI and b2-PEI, respectively, were revealedthe increased wt% of S confirming the successful multiple-sulfobetainization of the PEI chains. Thermal stability analyses of PEIs and their corresponding multiple-sulfobetainized forms showed that multiple-sulfobetainization reactions increased the thermal stability of bare PEI chains. PEIs with lower molecular weights exhibited more antimicrobial properties. As PEI is sulfobetainated, its antimicrobial properties can be further adjusted via sulfobetainization (once or twice), or by adjusting the corresponding solution pH, or by protonating them with different acids with different counter anions. The cell toxicity of PEI on L929 fibroblast cells was slightly increased by increasing the molecular weight of the PEI, but all forms of sulfobetainized PEIs were found to be safe (no toxicity), even at 1000 µg/mL concentrations. Full article
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25 pages, 4659 KiB  
Article
Influence of Deep Eutectic Solvent Composition on Micelle Properties: A Molecular Dynamics Study
by Iuliia V. Voroshylova, Elisabete S. C. Ferreira and M. Natália D. S. Cordeiro
Molecules 2025, 30(3), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030574 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
This study investigates the structural and transport properties of SDS, CTAB, and SB3-12 micelles in three deep eutectic solvents (DESs), Ethaline, Glyceline, and Reline, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The influence of solvent composition on micelle morphology, interactions, and dynamics was explored, revealing [...] Read more.
This study investigates the structural and transport properties of SDS, CTAB, and SB3-12 micelles in three deep eutectic solvents (DESs), Ethaline, Glyceline, and Reline, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The influence of solvent composition on micelle morphology, interactions, and dynamics was explored, revealing key differences driven by the DES environment. Structural analyses, including eccentricity and radius of gyration, demonstrated that micelle shape and compactness vary significantly depending on the solvent. In Ethaline and Reline, larger micelles showed significant deviations from spherical shapes, while micelles in Glyceline became more spherical and compact, particularly those formed by SB3-12. Radial distribution functions highlighted different levels of micelle–solvent interactions, with SDS showing strong interactions with HBD components and SB3-12 exhibiting prominent self-interaction. According to hydrogen bonding analysis, micelles slightly disrupt the DES hydrogen bond network, with SB3-12 establishing the most significant hydrogen bond connections. The transport property analysis revealed that larger micelles have lower diffusion coefficients, whereas smaller micelles enhance DESs’ component mobility. These findings advance the understanding of micelle behavior in DESs and also help in the optimization of DES–surfactant systems for applications such as electrodeposition, nanomaterial templating, and drug delivery. Future research will focus on surfactant interactions with surfaces to further improve these applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Deep Eutectic Solvents)
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12 pages, 2908 KiB  
Article
The Interfacial Dilational Rheology of Surfactant Solutions with Low Interfacial Tension
by Guoxuan Ma, Qingtao Gong, Zhicheng Xu, Zhiqiang Jin, Lei Zhang, Guiyang Ma and Lu Zhang
Molecules 2025, 30(3), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030447 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1085
Abstract
In this paper, the spinning drop method was used to measure the oil–water interfacial dilational modulus of four different types of surfactants with low interfacial tension (IFT), including the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (TX100), the zwitterionic [...] Read more.
In this paper, the spinning drop method was used to measure the oil–water interfacial dilational modulus of four different types of surfactants with low interfacial tension (IFT), including the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (TX100), the zwitterionic surfactant alkyl sulfobetaine (ASB), and the extended surfactant alkyl polyoxypropyl ether sodium sulfate (S-C13PO13S). Based on the experimental results, we found that the spinning drop method is an effective means of measuring the interfacial dilational modulus of the oil–water interface with an IFT value of lower than 10 mN/m. For common surfactants SDS and TX100, the interfacial dilational modulus decreases rapidly to near zero with an increase in concentration when the IFT is lower than 1 mN/m. On the other hand, ASB has the highest interfacial dilatation modulus of 50 mN/m, which comes from the flatness of its unique hydrophilic group structure. The interfacial dilational modulus of S-C13PO13S showed a moderate plateau value of 30 mN/m with a broader concentration change. This is due to the fact that the main relaxation process dominating the interfacial film properties comes from the long helical polyoxypropyl chain. Through the large-size hydrophilic groups in betaine molecules and the long PO chains in the extended surfactant molecules, an interfacial film with controllable strength can be formed in a low IFT system to obtain a higher interfacial dilational modulus. This is of great significance in improving the emulsification and oil displacement of chemical flooding in reservoir pores. Full article
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14 pages, 5938 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis of Functional Mesoporous Organosilica Nanospheres and Adsorption Properties Towards Pb(II) Ions
by Liping Deng, Shichun Gu, Ruyi Wang, Yapeng He, Hairong Dong and Xue Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020136 - 17 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 854
Abstract
We successfully synthesize monodisperse sulfhydryl-modified mesoporous organosilica nanospheres (MONs-SH) via one-step hydrolytic condensation, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and dodecyl sulfobetaine are employed as dual-template agents with (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane as the precursors and concentrated ammonia as the alkaline catalyst. The prepared MONs-SHs deliver a [...] Read more.
We successfully synthesize monodisperse sulfhydryl-modified mesoporous organosilica nanospheres (MONs-SH) via one-step hydrolytic condensation, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and dodecyl sulfobetaine are employed as dual-template agents with (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane as the precursors and concentrated ammonia as the alkaline catalyst. The prepared MONs-SHs deliver a large specific surface area (729.15 m2 g−1), excellent monodispersity, and homogeneous particle size. The introduction of ethanol into the reaction systems could expand the particle size of the synthesized MONs-SH materials from 18 to 182 nm. Moreover, the successful modification of -SH groups endowed MONs-SHs with an excellent adsorption capacity (297.12 mg g−1) for Pb2+ ions in aqueous solution through ion exchange and complexation function. In addition, the established isotherm model and kinetic analyses reveal that the adsorption of Pb2+ ions on MONs-SHs follows the secondary reaction kinetic models, where both physisorption and chemisorption contribute to the adsorption of Pb2+ ions. The favorable recyclability of MONs-SHs is demonstrated with the maintained adsorption efficiency of 85.35% after six cycles. The results suggest that the synthesized MONs-SHs exhibit considerable application prospects for effectively eliminating Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Mesoporous and Zeolite-Based Materials: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 5078 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Zwitterionic Sulfobetaines and Study of Their Thermal Properties and Nanostructured Self-Assembling Features
by Yenglik Amrenova, Arshyn Zhengis, Arailym Yergesheva, Munziya Abutalip and Nurxat Nuraje
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010058 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1550
Abstract
Zwitterionic polymers have garnered significant attention for their distinctive properties, such as biocompatibility, antifouling capabilities, and resistance to protein adsorption, making them promising candidates for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, oil production inhibitors, and water purification membranes. This study reports [...] Read more.
Zwitterionic polymers have garnered significant attention for their distinctive properties, such as biocompatibility, antifouling capabilities, and resistance to protein adsorption, making them promising candidates for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, oil production inhibitors, and water purification membranes. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of zwitterionic monomers and polymers through the modification of linear, vinyl, and aromatic heterocyclic functional groups via reaction with 1,3-propanesultone. Four zwitterionic polymers with varying molecular structures—ranging from linear to five and six membered ring systems—were synthesized: poly(sulfobetaine methacrylamide) (pSBMAm), poly(sulfobetaine-1-vinylimidazole) (pSB1VI), poly(sulfobetaine-2-vinylpyridine) (pSB2VP), and poly(sulfobetaine-4-vinylpyridine) (pSB4VP). Their molecular weights, thermal behavior, and self-assembly properties were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential measurements. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranged from 276.52 °C for pSBMAm to 313.69 °C for pSB4VP, while decomposition temperatures exhibited a similar trend, with pSBMAm degrading at 301.03 °C and pSB4VP at 387.14 °C. The polymers’ self-assembly behavior was strongly dependent on pH and their surface charge, particularly under varying pH conditions: spherical micelles were observed at neutral pH, while fractal aggregates formed at basic pH. These results demonstrate that precise modifications of the chemical structure, specifically in the linear, imidazole, and pyridine moieties, enable fine control over the thermal properties and self-assembly behavior of polyzwitterions. Such insights are essential for tailoring polymer properties for targeted applications in filtration membranes, drug delivery systems, and solid polymer electrolytes, where thermal stability and self-assembly play crucial roles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
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15 pages, 4503 KiB  
Article
Crystal Structures of Sulfobetaine-8 Solvates: Bend Hydrophobic Chains and Doubly Charge-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds N+CH⋯O3S
by Andrei V. Churakov, Denis V. Anokhin, Paulina Kalle, Marina A. Kiseleva, Mikhail V. Vener and Lyudmila G. Kuz’mina
Crystals 2024, 14(12), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121062 - 8 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Three novel solvatomorphs (C13H29NO3S•CH3OH, 1; C13H29NO3S•0.113(H2O), 2; C13H29NO3S•0.038(H2O), 3) of zwitterionic sulfobetaine-8 were obtained and their [...] Read more.
Three novel solvatomorphs (C13H29NO3S•CH3OH, 1; C13H29NO3S•0.113(H2O), 2; C13H29NO3S•0.038(H2O), 3) of zwitterionic sulfobetaine-8 were obtained and their structures were determined using single-crystal X-Ray diffraction. In all cases dimethyl–amino substituted hydrophobic chains -(CH2)3-N+Me2-(CH2)7-Me exhibit kinks at nitrogen atoms resulted from strong intra- and intermolecular CH⋯O hydrogen bonds between negatively charged sulfonic anion -O3S- and positively charged tetraalkylammonium fragments. Periodic (solid state) DFT calculations for structure 1 showed that the energy of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds CH…O is very high, at about 17 kJ/mol. In hydrates 2 and 3, water molecules play the structure-forming role since they interconnect hydrophobic layers by HOH…-O3S hydrogen bonds. The location of only partially occupied water molecules in the interlayer space leads to low stability of both crystals 2 and 3 in open air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystal Engineering)
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14 pages, 6289 KiB  
Article
Construction and Mechanism of Janus Nano-Graphite Reinforced Foam Gel System for Plugging Steam in Heavy Oil Reservoirs
by Zhongzheng Xu, Yuxin Xie, Xiaolong Wang, Ning Sun, Ziteng Yang, Xin Li, Jia Chen, Yunbo Dong, Herui Fan and Mingwei Zhao
Gels 2024, 10(11), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110721 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1060
Abstract
High-temperature steam injection is a primary method for viscosity reduction and recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. However, due to the high mobility of steam, channeling often occurs within the reservoir, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and challenges in enhancing oil production. Foam fluids, [...] Read more.
High-temperature steam injection is a primary method for viscosity reduction and recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. However, due to the high mobility of steam, channeling often occurs within the reservoir, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and challenges in enhancing oil production. Foam fluids, with their dual advantages of selective plugging and efficient oil displacement, are widely used in steam-injection heavy oil recovery. Nonetheless, conventional foams tend to destabilize under high-temperature conditions, resulting in poor stability and suboptimal plugging performance, which hampers the efficient development of heavy oil resources. To address these technical challenges, this study introduces a foam system reinforced with Janus nano-graphite, a high-temperature stabilizer characterized by its small particle size and thermal resistance. The foaming agents used in the system are sodium α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), an anionic surfactant, and octadecyl hydroxylpropyl sulfobetaine (OHSB), a zwitterionic surfactant. Under conditions of 250 °C and 5 MPa, the foam system achieved a half-life of 47.8 min, 3.4 times longer than conventional foams. Janus nano-graphite forms a multidimensional network structure in the liquid phase, increasing internal friction and enhancing shear viscosity by 1.2 to 1.8 times that of conventional foams. Furthermore, the foam gel system demonstrated effective steam-channeling control in heterogeneous heavy oil reservoirs, particularly in reservoirs with permeability differentials ranging from 3 to 9. These findings suggest that the Janus nano-graphite reinforced foam system holds significant potential for steam-channeling mitigation in heavy oil reservoirs. Full article
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