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Connal Group

The Connal group is focused on using molecular and polymer design to create function. We are focused on significant, global problems where we can make an impact. We also follow our nose on a cool idea!

Our Research

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News & Events

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Latest Publications

Rational Design Of Water Harvesting Hydrogels

Water-harvesting polymer materials have the potential to create new sources of potable water. However, a holistic understanding of the relationship between polymer structure and water-harvesting properties is lacking compared to studies on specific materials. In this work, we synthesised a library of methacrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-based hydrogels (poly(MAA-co-PEGMA)) with directed modifications, including composition, crosslinker lengths, crosslinking density and preparation of the hydrogels. MAA serves as a hygroscopic monomer while PEGMA provides hydrophilicity and thermoresponsive properties. The water uptake and release capabilities of all materials was also assessed. The optimised composition of the copolymer (75:5:20 MAA:EGDMA:PEGMA, mole%) has a water uptake of 98 mg g−1 polymer at 60% RH after 24 hours. The poly(MAA-co-PEGMA) materials also show a capability for water release, showing no significant decrease in water uptake capacity after repeated uptake-release cycles. Minimum temperatures for water release could easily be adjusted with polymer composition, ranging from 50–70 °C. The data presented in this body of work serves as a foundation for future efforts in creating thermoresponsive, water-harvesting polymers with real-world applications.

Metallic Structure
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