Themed collection Early Stage Investigator Honorees of the ACS Polymeric Materials Science & Engineering Division
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps
This perspective examines lithium morphology in solid and gel polymer electrolytes, highlighting the importance of current density and mechanical properties in controlling Li morphology, and noting limitations in understanding the solid electrolyte interphase in polymer systems.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 5867-5881
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00274H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
HIF-stabilizing biomaterials: from hypoxia-mimicking to hypoxia-inducing
Breakthroughs in biomaterials science have paved the way for significant advancements in the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-α). This approach holds exciting prospects for the therapeutic use of cellular responses to low oxygen.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 3084-3090
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00090G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Interfacial stabilization of aqueous two-phase systems: a review
A review discussing aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS), their utility, and many different approaches for stabilizing their water/water (w/w) emulsions.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 4665-4678
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00307H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
2D nanomaterial aerogels integrated with phase change materials: a comprehensive review
This review showcases how 2D nanomaterial-based aerogels can be integrated with PCMs, marking a milestone in interdisciplinary research. It covers the latest breakthroughs in aerogel fabrication and their potential applications in composite PCMs.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 2698-2729
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00049D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
3D printing aqueous Ti3C2Tx inks for MXene-based energy devices
The in situ HF acid etching of Ti3AlC2 yielded multilayered Ti3C2. Sonication delaminated nanosheets, suspended in DI water, post rheological optimization 3D printed using DIW platform to produce conductive patterns of MXene.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 4103-4109
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00096F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The parameter space for scalable integration of atomically thin graphene with Nafion for proton exchange membrane (PEM) applications
Incorporating atomically thin graphene into proton exchange membranes (PEMs) via scalable and facile processes presents the potential for advancing energy conversion and storage applications while mitigating persistent issues of undesired species crossover.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 3473-3481
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00180F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Fiber-reinforced quasi-solid polymer electrolytes enabling stable Li-metal batteries
Glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric films for a stable Li-metal electrode: unraveling the key attributes of efficient protecting layers.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 3452-3460
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00078H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Catalytic effect of transition metal-doped medical grade polymer on S-nitrosothiol decomposition and its biological response
Comparative study investigates nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymer composites with metal nanoparticles, revealing differential flux and biological effects, emphasizing the importance of a layered design for optimal NO release and biocompatibility.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 3197-3206
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00191A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Enhancing photoluminescence of conjugated nanoparticles through graft polymer architectures
Graft polymers with a conjugated backbone were synthesized and fabricated into nanoparticles demonstrating improved photoluminescence through reduced aggregation.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 2586-2594
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00165B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Bio-based non-isocyanate poly(hydroxy urethane)s (PHU) derived from vanillin and CO2
In this study, we demonstrate that vanillin is a valuable source of aromaticity that can be explored for poly(hydroxy urethane) production with competitive properties, avoiding the use of oil-based or hazardous precursors.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 2437-2448
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00111C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Multi Jet Fusion printed lattice materials: characterization and prediction of mechanical performance
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a 3D-printing process capable of fabricating large-scale polymer structures. Herein, we present a framework for MJF-printed lattices with tunable stiffness and strength based on an empirical analysis of structural behavior.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 1030-1040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00972B
About this collection
Guest Edited by Emily Pentzer (Texas A&M University, USA) and Luis Campos (Columbia University, USA). Emily and Luis have various roles within the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society. Emily is the Editor-in-chief of RSC Applied Polymers, as well as being an Associate Editor for Polymer Chemistry. Luis is an Associate Editor on Chemical Science. They are both also on the ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (PMSE) division “Young Polymer Science & Engineer” Committee.
This special collection is a collaboration between the RSC and the ACS, aiming to highlight the outstanding work of those who were honoured in 2022 by the ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (PMSE) division as Early Career Investigators. We’re delighted to feature these rising stars in Materials Advances at the Royal Society of Chemistry, providing an inclusive, open access and interdisciplinary home for quality polymeric materials research.