ERIC Number: EJ1443434
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Oct
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
Available Date: N/A
Integrating the Concept of Biomimetics into Teaching Experiments: Preparation and Evaluation of an Azo Molecule-Based Polymer Film
Miaomiao Lu; Yidan Jing; Tai Feng; Xiaomin Zhang
Journal of Chemical Education, v101 n10 p4298-4305 2024
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.
Descriptors: Chemistry, Science Education, Teaching Methods, College Science, Undergraduate Students, Science Experiments, Scientific Concepts, Organic Chemistry, Radiation, Biotechnology
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: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A