Integrating the Concept of Biomimetics into Teaching Experiments: Preparation and Evaluation of an Azo Molecule-Based Polymer Film

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  • Author(s): Miaomiao Lu; Yidan Jing; Tai Feng; Xiaomin Zhang (ORCID Xiaomin Zhang (ORCID 0000-0002-0414-5261)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journal of Chemical Education. 2024 101(10):4298-4305.
  • Publication Date:
    2024
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      8
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Chemistry; Science Education; Teaching Methods; College Science; Undergraduate Students; Science Experiments; Scientific Concepts; Organic Chemistry; Radiation; Biotechnology
    • Accession Number:
      10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c00189
    • ISSN:
      0021-9584
      1938-1328
    • Abstract:
      A comprehensive teaching experiment plan tailored forthird-yearundergraduates has been developed. Initially, instructors synthesize(E)-2-(4-((4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-methylphenyl)­diazenyl)­phenoxy)-ethan-1-ol­(M-Azo-2)monomer as part of the preclass preparation. Subsequently, studentsperform an acylation reaction experiment to prepare an azobenzenederivative containing cross-linking points on both sides. This derivativeis then combined with poly­(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate in theabsence of external solvent under conditions conducive to radicalpolymerization, resulting in a thin film that exhibits light-wet dual-stimulationresponsiveness. This process enables students to comprehend both thechemical reactivity and photoisomerization propensity of azobenzeneto effectively bridge elements of organic chemistry and polymer chemistry.The experiment demonstrates three vivid and novel biomimetic phenomena:"color-changing flowers", "phototropic seedlings",and "mimosa", which display photochromic, light-induceddeformation, and humidity-responsive behavior of the film, respectively.This experiment enhances students' appreciation for the applicationpotential of biomimetic materials and fosters innovative scientificthinking.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2024
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1443434