Cononsolvency of Poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) in Water–Ethanol Mixed Solvents
Yuji Higaki, Naoki Kuraoka, Takumi Masuda, Emi Hifumi
Polymer Journal, 55, 869-876 (2023)
What factors drive the cononsolvency of zwitterionic polymers?
Cononsolvency refers to the phenomenon in which a polymer get insoluble in a mixture of good solvents with specific compositions. We found that a zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCB2) exhibits cononsolvency in the water/ethanol system, and explored the molecular mechanism of cononsolvency specific to zwitterionic polymers by statistical model simulation and in comparison with PMPC. PCB2 showed a broader cononsolvency range than PMPC because of its lower association constants of water and ethanol, and the marked competition of hydrogen bonding. The zwitterion-specific cononsolvency characteristics were rationalized by the electrostatic potentials and van der Waals energy of the zwitterions.
Naoki Kuraoka was in charge of this project. He is a nice guy who enjoys life with amazing energy and vitality. He is attentive to everything, considerate, and takes good care of his friends and juniors. It is my unforgettable memory enjoying afterparty at Miyako-machi with him and friends. I am confident that he will have a successful career.
Takumi Masuda also played an important role in this project. This publication would not have been possible without his contribution in simulation and artwork. Mai Nakamura was the first student to address the cononsolvency of PCB2. I respect her diligent work and passion for research.
This work was selected as a cover art for the September 2023 issue of Polymer Journal. This is the first cover artwork by the Higaki Lab, and I’m proud of all the students involved in the project.
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