Joint Research Group’s Discovery
A collaborative effort between Assistant Professor Koki Sano, a PRESTO Researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and Shoma Kondo, a first-year master’s student at the Department of Textile Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Shinshu University, has yielded remarkable results.
Consequently, the research group successfully manipulated the type of cations that pair with negative charges on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, thus resulting in the development of temperature-responsive GO nanosheets.
Paving the Way for Functional Soft Materials
Temperature-responsive GO nanosheets serve as a versatile foundation for creating various functional soft materials. In their study, the research group established a straightforward method to control the countercations of acidic functional groups, like carboxyl groups, found on the GO nanosheets’ surface.
This manipulation led to the intriguing discovery that GO nanosheets with specific countercations exhibited temperature responsiveness.
The aqueous dispersion of these nanosheets underwent a reversible sol-gel transition when subjected to varying temperatures. This transition was driven by the self-assembly and dissociation of the GO nanosheets in response to temperature changes.
Unleashing the Potential of Hydrogel Design
The significance of this finding extends beyond theoretical implications; as a result, the researchers capitalized on the aqueous dispersion’s unique properties. They successfully used it as an ink to create a hydrogel that can be sculpted into three-dimensional shapes.
This breakthrough opens new avenues for designing functional soft materials with precision and control. The implications for diverse industries are substantial, as this strategy offers a promising design guideline for the development of next-generation soft materials.
Furthermore
The renowned journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces of the American Chemical Society recently published the research findings, which showcase the potential of temperature-responsive GO nanosheets, on July 24, 2023 (local time).
Furthermore, the journal underscored the research’s significance by selecting it for the supplementary cover.
This recognition emphasizes the contribution of this study in the field of material science and its potential impact on the development of cutting-edge soft materials for various applications.
Sources: THX News & National University Corporation Okayama University.
