CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)

Polyelectrolyte (PEL) mediated synthesis of functional inorganic nano-materials is attractive due to its versatility and compatibility inside aqueous media. Block copolymers are often employed to facilitate the formation of novel nanostructures. In this work, we report the synthesis of copper oxide...

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Main Authors: Liang, Yen Nan, Hu, Jinhua, Tam, Michael Kam Chiu, Hu, Xiao
Other Authors: School of Materials Science & Engineering
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2013
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/97380
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/10585
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Institution: Nanyang Technological University
Language: English
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spelling sg-ntu-dr.10356-973802020-06-01T10:01:46Z CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid) Liang, Yen Nan Hu, Jinhua Tam, Michael Kam Chiu Hu, Xiao School of Materials Science & Engineering Polyelectrolyte (PEL) mediated synthesis of functional inorganic nano-materials is attractive due to its versatility and compatibility inside aqueous media. Block copolymers are often employed to facilitate the formation of novel nanostructures. In this work, we report the synthesis of copper oxide (CuOx) crystals with an unexpected hollow nano-tubular morphology using only poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), i.e., a homopolymer. The quantification of the pH dependent binding limit of Cu2+ to PAA, which has often been given little emphasis previously, is found to be critical in understanding the formation mechanism of such nanotubes. Further quantification of the interdependent relationship of pH, α, and [Cu2+] : [COOH]0 using the pKa-α curves provided important insight. The formation of the CuOx nanotubes is believed to be due to an unusual copolymer-like self-assembly of PAA as a homopolymer in aqueous solution; caused by interactions between Cu2+ and charged PAA chains. Such a unique copolymer-like self-assembly behaviour of the PAA–Cu2+ complex manifests within a specific window of [Cu2+] : [COOH]0 ratio around the binding limit. Discussion is also carried out on the possibilities and potential limitations of applying this new concept to other PELs and metal ions. 2013-06-25T02:45:36Z 2019-12-06T19:42:02Z 2013-06-25T02:45:36Z 2019-12-06T19:42:02Z 2012 2012 Journal Article Liang, Y. N., Hu, J., Tam, M. K. C., & Hu, X. (2012). CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid). RSC Advances, 2(25), 9531-9537. 2046-2069 https://hdl.handle.net/10356/97380 http://hdl.handle.net/10220/10585 10.1039/c2ra20951a en RSC advances © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
institution Nanyang Technological University
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country Singapore
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language English
description Polyelectrolyte (PEL) mediated synthesis of functional inorganic nano-materials is attractive due to its versatility and compatibility inside aqueous media. Block copolymers are often employed to facilitate the formation of novel nanostructures. In this work, we report the synthesis of copper oxide (CuOx) crystals with an unexpected hollow nano-tubular morphology using only poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), i.e., a homopolymer. The quantification of the pH dependent binding limit of Cu2+ to PAA, which has often been given little emphasis previously, is found to be critical in understanding the formation mechanism of such nanotubes. Further quantification of the interdependent relationship of pH, α, and [Cu2+] : [COOH]0 using the pKa-α curves provided important insight. The formation of the CuOx nanotubes is believed to be due to an unusual copolymer-like self-assembly of PAA as a homopolymer in aqueous solution; caused by interactions between Cu2+ and charged PAA chains. Such a unique copolymer-like self-assembly behaviour of the PAA–Cu2+ complex manifests within a specific window of [Cu2+] : [COOH]0 ratio around the binding limit. Discussion is also carried out on the possibilities and potential limitations of applying this new concept to other PELs and metal ions.
author2 School of Materials Science & Engineering
author_facet School of Materials Science & Engineering
Liang, Yen Nan
Hu, Jinhua
Tam, Michael Kam Chiu
Hu, Xiao
format Article
author Liang, Yen Nan
Hu, Jinhua
Tam, Michael Kam Chiu
Hu, Xiao
spellingShingle Liang, Yen Nan
Hu, Jinhua
Tam, Michael Kam Chiu
Hu, Xiao
CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
author_sort Liang, Yen Nan
title CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
title_short CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
title_full CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
title_fullStr CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
title_full_unstemmed CuOx nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
title_sort cuox nanotubes via an unusual complexation induced block copolymer-like self-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)
publishDate 2013
url https://hdl.handle.net/10356/97380
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/10585
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