Alexander Sergeevich Pozdnyakov

An aqueous dispersion of C ₆₀ fullerene nanoparticles (up to 6 nm in size) has been obtained for the first time, with a C ₆₀ mass fraction of 4% relative to the hydrophilic poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) added for the effective stabilization of the carbon nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of this size are formed as a result of donor–acceptor interactions between the triazole groups of the polymer and the C ₆₀ molecules, which act as cross-linking agents connecting the polymer chains. The ultrasmall size of the fullerene nanoparticles is crucial not only for biocompatibility but also for maintaining their photophysical properties in biological media.

Clean energy devices have the potential to change the world and avoid future energy crises. The development of new energy‐efficient technologies helps reduce our dependence on limited fossil fuel resources. Hydrogen energy is the key to achieving clean energy transition goals. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells play a critical role. Research and development of new high‐tech proton exchange membranes (PEMs) provide new horizons for the development of hydrogen energy. The use of carbon nanomaterials to improve PEM efficiency is one of the modern trends. The modification of modern membranes with fullerenes and their derivatives is an innovative strategy for increasing proton conductivity. This paper discusses the key principles of proton transport in PEMs modified with individual fullerenols, sulfofullerenes, carboxylated fullerenes, phosphofullerenes, and cianohydrofullerenes. The introduction of fullerene nanoparticles into polymer PEM induces an improvement in key properties. Summary information covers existing research on the use of fullerenes as nanoscale modifiers of proton‐conducting materials. This review will help researchers to surpass the achieved results in the field of modern proton‐conducting materials and stimulate the development of hydrogen energy.

Paper plays an important role in the packaging industry due to its low cost, light weight, recyclability and biodegradability. However, the use of paper as a packaging material is severely limited due to its hydrophilicity caused by the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. This study reports a simple preparation of highly hydrophobic kraft paper by a one-step dip coating method using [3-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)propyl]silsesquioxane, {3-[(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl)oxy]propyl}silsesquioxane or {3-[(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl)oxy]propyl}silsesquioxane as hydrophobic agents. As a result of modification of kraft paper, a stable covalently bonded coating is formed on its surface. The coated kraft paper has demonstrated (1) high water resistance (the water contact angle (WCA) values were 124–141°, and the water absorption and the water vapor permeability (WVP) rates were significantly decreased), (2) excellent resistance to aggressive environments and temperature, (3) enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength increased from 46.8 to 70.8 MPa), and (4) high wear resistance, as confirmed by sandpaper abrasion, bending, and finger-wipe tests. It was shown that the maximum contact angle values were achieved for kraft paper modified with a 5% polymer solution. The results of this study have great potential, given the simplicity of the modification method, for use in the production of paper-based packaging materials with water-repellent, enhanced mechanical and moisture-protective properties.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are environmentally friendly, safe clean energy devices that have the potential to change the world. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising replacement for traditional power generation devices. Nanocomposite proton exchange membranes have high energy efficiency, which allows them to be considered as a new generation of proton exchange materials. This paper presents for the first time the synthesis and properties of nanocomposite proton exchange membranes based on poly-1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole modified with polyhydroxysulfonated fullerene. Sulfofullerene intercalated into the polymer matrix improves all key membrane properties. The PEM nanocomposites exhibit a proton conductivity of up to 1.67 mS/cm and a uniform distribution of carbon nanoparticles of up to 10 nm in size. It was established that high dispersion and stabilization of nanoparticles are ensured by the acid–base interaction of sulfofullerene with the heterocycles of the polymer matrix. Stabilization of functionalized fullerenes by a matrix of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks is an innovative approach for creating nanocomposite proton-conducting systems. The obtained fullerene-containing PEMs demonstrate a high potential for wide practical application in various fuel cells.

Electronic skins (E-skins) are the integration of intelligent wearable sensors that can collect human physiological, motion, or environmental parameters in real-time through flexible, sensitive materials. The performance of E-skins depends on the selection of materials to a large extent. Hydrogel materials are an excellent candidate for E-skin preparation due to their tissue-like softness and biocompatibility. However, their low electrical conductivity, weak mechanical strength, and environmental instability seriously hinder high-fidelity signal acquisition and reliable operation in practical applications. To overcome these bottlenecks, conductive composite hydrogels have emerged as a promising alternative material. The unique properties of conductive composite hydrogels, such as high stretchability, self-healing ability, and adjustable electrical conductivity, address the relevant issues of traditional hydrogels in wearable applications. This review focuses on conductive composite hydrogels for wearable E-skins. Firstly, the types, characteristics, and preparation strategies of hydrogel matrix materials are introduced. Subsequently, the performance regulation mechanisms of key conductive fillers on composite hydrogels are discussed. Then, the application progress in electrophysiological signal monitoring, human–machine interaction, and human motion monitoring is reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future development directions of hydrogel-based E-skins are prospected, aiming to provide comprehensive material and fabrication references for the practical application of composite hydrogel in electronic skins.

At present, a pressing problem is the creation of new functional materials with obviously valuable and required properties that are promising for optoelectronics and medicine, as electrically conductive and thermoplastic materials. A new functional homo‐oligomer (oligo(TMVThPP)) and co‐oligomers with butyl vinyl ether (oligo(TMVThPP ‐co‐ BVE)) were synthesized by free radical (co)oligomerization of 4,4,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐vinyl‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1 H ‐pyrrolo[3,2‐ c ]pyridine (TMVThPP) using azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The weight‐average molecular weight of oligo(TMVThPP) and oligo(TMVThPP ‐co‐ BVE), determined by gel permeation chromatography, ranges from 2.2 to 3.4 kDa, with a monomodal molecular weight distribution. The synthesized oligo(TMVThPP) and oligo(TMVThPP ‐co‐ BVE) exhibit properties of high‐resistance organic semiconductors, the specific electrical conductivity of which increases after doping with iodine. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

A novel water-soluble polymer nanocomposite with ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles intercalated into a biocompatible matrix of 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole and N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer exhibits pronounced antibacterial and antibiofilm activity.