@article{Adrian2026NMRRelaxometry,
author = {M. Adrian, K.M. Eckert, M.R. Serial, A. Tsanda, L. Rennpferdt, S. Benders, H.K. Trieu, T. Knopp, I. Smirnova, and A. Penn},
title = {NMR relaxometry probes solvent-polarity-dependent molecular interactions in stimuli-responsive lyogels.},
journal = {Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys..},
year = {2026},
volume = {28.},
pages = {1645-1654},
note = {article},
publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry:},
doi = {10.1039/D5CP04032A},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D5CP04032A},
abstract = {Stimuli-responsive gels demonstrate macroscopic changes upon exposure to external stimuli{,} offering potential for the development of adaptive chemical reactors. Early investigations into hydrogels established that crosslinked polymer networks experience reversible volume phase transitions{,} with temperature{,} pH{,} and solvent composition governing swelling and shrinking dynamics. Although hydrogels behavior in aqueous environments has been extensively characterized{,} lyogels that incorporate organic solvents remain comparatively underexplored{,} despite their potential for enhanced chemical compatibility and functional versatility. Here{,} we investigate how solvent polarity and crosslinking density govern the swelling behavior{,} pore formation{,} and molecular-scale dynamics of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based lyogels. Using a combination of swelling measurement{,} scanning electron microscopy{,} and multiscale NMR relaxometry and diffusometry{,} we demonstrate that solvent polarity fundamentally alters lyogel structure and dynamics. Lyogels swollen in a high-polarity solvent exhibits macroporous networks and slower solvent exchange rates{,} whereas a low-polarity solvent induces shrinkage{,} denser microstructures{,} faster solvent exchange rates{,} and stronger surface interactions. These results establish a mechanistic framework linking thermodynamic affinity{,} solvent dynamics{,} and microstructural confinement to macroscopic gel responsiveness. This framework provides guidance for tailoring lyogels in dynamic environments{,} with potential applications in adaptable and tunable chemical reactors.}
}

@COMMENT{Bibtex file generated on 2026-6-29 with typo3 si_bibtex plugin. Data from https://www.tuhh.de/ibi/publications }