一、时间

2026年1月13日 (9:00-17:00)

二、地点

华南理工大学五山校区25号楼346

三、主题

高分子化学前沿

四、日程

备注：报告每人30分钟，共12位报告人，包括7位中国学者、5位韩国学者。

  报告摘要

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) within the domain of polyethers offers a fascinating playground for scientific inquiry. This presentation delves into the intricate mechanisms, catalytic strategies, and diverse applications of ROP reactions in the synthesis of polyether-based polymers. Through a comprehensive exploration, we unravel the molecular transformations underlying this process, from the initiation of polymerization to the formation of tailored polyether architectures with the choice of monomer library. Additionally, we highlight the latest advancements, showcasing the potential of polyether-based materials such as biomimetic materials, hydrogels, adhesives, and cryoprotectants.

  报告人简介

Byeong-Su Kim is an Underwood Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Yonsei University, Republic of Korea. He recieved B.S (1999) and M.S (2001) in Chemistry from Seoul National University and Ph.D. in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Andrew T. Taon from the University of Minnesota in 2007. After his postdoctoral research at MIT with Prof. Paula T. Hammond, he started independent carrer at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in 2009 and moved to Yonsei University in 2018. His research group explores a diverse aspect of macromolecular chemistry, including the ring-opening polymerization, degradable polymers, self-assembly and their applications. Kim research group published over 210 peer-reviewed papers and 50 issued patents.

Functional Polyacetals Based on Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Synthesis, Post-Polymerization Modification, and Applications

Liangbing Fu

lbfu2020scutgic@scut.edu.cn

School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology

  报告摘要

Recent years have witnessed significant research efforts towards the development of polymer materials that remain intact but undergo on-demand responsive degradation. Polymers based on acetal scaffolds are attractive in a myriad of applications as they are chemically inert under a variety of conditions, and can readily hydrolyze under acidic conditions. Current methods for their synthesis suffer from challenges in monomer design and modulation of degradation mode and structural complexity.

This talk will focus on one of the research aspects in my laboratory: synthesis of functional polyacetals using olefin metathesis polymerization and applications. The first part will focus on a versatile platform to access functional polyacetals via controlled cascade enyne metathesis polymerization using biomass-derived enyne monomers with structural diversity and complex architectures. Elaboration of polymer structure was further achieved by post-polymerization modification and preparation of fully degradable bottlebrush polymers via graft-through polymerization. Modulation of regiochemical and substituent factors around the acetal motif conferred tunable hydrolysis rate, as well as responsive degradability beyond hydrolysis. The second part with will show the application of the method through expansion to ROMP as well as ADMET polymerization. Further utilities of the method were showcased by the preparation of amphiphilic copolymers with complete degradability that exhibited self-assembly behaviors and subsequently nanoparticle formation.

  报告人简介

Dr. Liangbing Fu received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Emory University (USA), and then performed a post-doc at the Georgia Institute of Technology and studied polymer chemistry. He then joined the School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering at South China University of Technology as a tenure-track professor in 2021. Dr. Fu’s lab is devoted to the development of novel polymeric materials for biomedical applications through multidisciplinary efforts between chemistry, biology, and materials science. A particular focus lies on the development of new methods for the synthesis of degradable polymers using olefin metathesis polymerization. Prof. Fu has published 25 SCI papers as the corresponding or first author in world-renowned academic journals. His research was supported by several national- and provincial-level grants.

Macromolecular Engineering via In Situ and Post-Polymerization

Myungeun Seo

seomyungeun@kaist.ac.kr

Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

报告摘要

Nature synthesizes polypeptides in a sequence-specific manner to produce proteins with extraordinary control over their conformations and functions. While polymerization and folding are often considered as separate processes, examples of co-translational folding have been known where polypeptides are folded simultaneously during polymerization with controlled subdomain folding rate to reach the target native form. Moreover, the produced proteins further undergo post-translational modification where amino acids at specific positions are modified to have the right functionality for the function.   

Inspired by Nature, my research group is interested in polymerization-induced structuring and postpolymerization modification methodologies that may allow us to produce polymeric materials with new structures and functions. In this talk, I will discuss our recent results related to these topics and show how we can simultaneously assemble and disassemble block copolymer micelles by combining polymerization-induced self-assembly with polymerization equilibria. I will also showcase light-induced postpolymerization modification of polyethers via polar radical relay process to produce α-amino polyethers for the first time.

  报告人简介

Myungeun Seo received his Ph.D. from the Department of Chemistry at KAIST under Prof. Sang Youl Kim (2008). He spent one more year in the same group as a postdoctoral fellow and then moved to Prof. Marc A. Hillmyer’s group at the University of Minnesota (2009 – 2013). He started his career in 2013 at KAIST and is now a full professor in the Department of Chemistry. He currently serves Chemical Physics Reviews as an Editorial Advisory Board member and Macromolecular Research as an Editor (in polymer synthesis). His research interest focuses on how order and asymmetry can emerge from disorder in polymeric and supramolecular systems. Particular subjects include polymerization-induced phase transitions, postpolymerization modification, sequence ensemble, and supramolecular chirality.

Visible Light as a Tool for Precision Polymer Modification

Jeewoo Lim

jeewoo@khu.ac.kr

Department of Chemistry, Kyung Hee University

报告摘要

Post-polymerization modification (PPM) provides a modular approach to polymer structural diversification by obviating the need for monomer library development and individual polymerizations for each target structure. Efficient PPM methods, particularly those operable under mild conditions, hold potential for reducing the environmental footprint of polymer production. Light-mediated transformations have recently gained attention as a strategy for chemically modifying polymers under non-invasive conditions. As part of an ongoing effort to develop photochemical PPM platforms, we report a visible light-induced post-polymerization modification in which bridged 1,2-diketones undergo decarbonylation, enabling the traceless incorporation of conjugated aromatic motifs into polynorbornene backbones. The reaction proceeds rapidly in solution under visible light irradiation, affording quantitative conversion within minutes. The transformation introduces anthracene pendants, yielding a blue-fluorescent polymer that forms colloidal aggregates under appropriate solvent systems. Unlike conventional photocleavable protecting groups, this method proceeds cleanly, releasing only carbon monoxide and generating structurally discrete fluorophores along the polymer chain. The methodology was further applied to block copolymers, which exhibited light-induced self-assembly in solution without the need for solvent exchange or external chemical stimuli.

  报告人简介

Jeewoo Lim received his A.B. in chemistry from Princeton University, USA, in 2006 and Ph.D. in organic chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Timothy M. Swager at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, in 2011. After working as a senior researcher at Samsung-Total Petrochemicals (currently Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical) from 2011 to 2013, he moved to Seoul National University, Korea, to start post-doctoral research under Prof. Kookheon Char. In the fall of 2017, he joined the Department of Chemistry and Kyung Hee University (Seoul, Korea) where he is currently an associate professor and the department head. His research program focuses on polymer synthesis and modification, with particular emphasis on controlling polymer–light interactions through polymer photochemistry and refractive-index modulation.

Immunostimulating Polymers and Their Anti-Tumor Applications

Jinzhi Du

djzhi@scut.edu.cn

School of Medicine, South China University of Technology

报告摘要

In recent years, breakthroughs have been made in tumor immunotherapy, but its clinical application is still limited by key issues such as strong immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and low drug delivery efficiency. The development of biomaterials has provided innovative tools to address the above challenges, but currently, most materials are still limited to “inert” delivery carriers and lack active immune regulatory functions. We have discovered a type of polymer material for regulating macrophage function based on dendritic macromolecule polyamide-amine (PAMAM). Among them, the derivative (G4P-C7A) prepared by surface-modifying the fourth-generation PAMAM (G4P) with heptahydrate cyclic tertiary amine (C7A) can activate tumor cells to highly express the “at me” signal calreticulin (CALR), thereby enhancing the recognition and phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages. This effect has been verified in many tumor types such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, liver cancer, glioblastoma, etc. On this basis, when the fifth-generation PAMAM (G5P) was used as the mother structure, the resultant G5P-C7A can directly modulate the function and phenotype of macrophages. The injectable hydrogel prepared by cross-linking G5P-C7A with aldehyde glucan significantly inhibits the tumor growth of primary and distal colorectal cancer without loading any drugs. Our research provides a reference for the development of immune-activating polymer materials.

  报告人简介

Jinzhi Du, Professor and Principal Investigator (PI) at South China University of Technology, also the recipient of the National Science Fund for Outstanding Young Scholars. His main research areas include biomedical polymers and tumor immunotherapy, with a focus on developing efficient delivery vectors and bioactive materials to regulate macrophage function and enhance the therapeutic effect of malignant tumors. In recent years, he published more than 70 papers in journals such as JACS, Adv Mater, Angew Chem Int Et, CCS Chem, ACS Nano, etc. They have been cited more than 7,000 times in total. Many papers have been selected as ESI highly cited papers, and the highest citation of a single paper exceeds 1,000 times. He has presided over key projects of the National Key Research and Development Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China's Outstanding Youth Fund, and the Guangdong Provincial Distinguished Youth Fund, etc. The research achievements won the First Prize of Natural Science of Guangdong Science and Technology Award in 2021 (as the second contributor) and the Second Prize of Science and Technology of Chinese Society for Biomaterials in 2019 (as the second contributor).

Molecular Engineering and Functional Applications of Synthetic Coacervates

Lingxiang Jiang

jianglx@scut.edu.cn

School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology

  报告摘要

Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation constitute ~40% of cellular compartmentalization but suffer from limited chemical diversity and environmental stability. We address these limitations through three strategies: molecular engineering to expand condensate chemistry beyond conventional CHO systems using fluorocarbon, siloxane, and sulfur-containing building blocks; interface engineering employing triblock copolymers that stabilize droplets for months and enable pilot-scale production; and functional enhancement for biocatalysis under extreme conditions. The resulting synthetic condensates exhibit remarkable properties—fluorocarbon systems remain stable at 170°C and pH 0.3 with extraordinary buffering capacity, while siloxane variants retain fluidity below -40°C. When applied to enzyme protection, condensate microenvironments enable PET-degrading enzymes to achieve unprecedented catalytic longevity and turnover numbers , with successful applications in simulated digestive systems, respiratory tracts, and intracellular microplastic degradation. This work establishes synthetic condensates as versatile platforms bridging soft matter physics and biocatalysis with applications from extreme-environment manufacturing to environmental remediation.

  报告人简介

Dr. Lingxiang Jiang is a recipient of the National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent Young Scientists Fund (2021) and currently serves as Professor at the School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology. He received his B.S. (2007) and Ph.D. (2012) from Peking University, conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and returned to China in 2016 as Principal Investigator at Jinan University before joining South China University of Technology in 2020. His research focuses on biomimetic self-assembly and dynamic behaviors, constructing diverse subcellular structures, identifying critical structural motifs, elucidating assembly mechanisms, and exploring both cellular-scale functions and macroscopic applications of biomimetic systems. Through rational design, synthesis, and construction of biomimetic platforms, his group simplifies subcellular structures into minimal model systems, demonstrating that seemingly complex architectures can emerge from simple molecular building blocks governed by fundamental physicochemical principles.

Design and Synthesis of Highly Conductive and Adhesive Polymers (PEDOT:PSS-X) for Energy Applications

Jeonghun Kim

jhkim03@yonsei.ac.kr

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University

Department of Battery Engineering, Yonsei University

报告摘要

Conjugated polymers are used in energy storage systems such as supercapacitors (SCs), lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and redox flow batteries because of their ability to store energy, their chemical structure can be changed, and they react quickly. Often, the conjugated polymers have limits when it comes to how stable, easy to work with and how much energy they can store when used as active materials. Among the different types of polymer, highly conductive polymers (> 100 S cm-1) have been used as electrodes in various applications. However, they cannot be used in high-performance SCs and LiBs. In this study, we have designed and synthesized new conductive polymers, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) derivatives, which have adhesive functional groups and are well dispersible in water. We have made PSS-based copolymers with the best ratio and molecular weights. The prepared copolymers have been used as anionic polymers to make PEDOT by a process called oxidative polymerization. The discussion will cover the different types of PSS copolymer derivatives and how they affect electrical and physical properties. We will also present the performance results of the new conductive polymers for LiBs and high volumetric energy density SCs. 

  报告人简介

Jeonghun Kim received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, in 2007 and 2012, respectively. From 2012 to 2015, he worked as a Senior Researcher in the Electronic Materials Division at Dongjin Semichem Company Ltd. He then conducted postdoctoral research at The University of Queensland, focusing on the design and synthesis of functional organic/inorganic materials. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Yonsei University. His research interests include nanoarchitectured materials for energy storage, catalysis, and environmental applications.

Actuation Programing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Binjie Jin

binjiejin@scut.edu.cn

School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology

  报告摘要

Soft robotics leverages programmable polymeric actuators to achieve high deformability and intrinsic biocompatibility. Among these, liquid-crystal elastomers (LCEs)-cross-linked networks combining mesogen anisotropy with rubber elasticity-stand out as leading candidates. However, three key challenges remain: (1) actuation introduction still requires specialized devices or complex molecular design, (2) dynamic shape evolution during actuation is difficult to control, and (3) thermal, optical, and electrical actuation modes operate independently. To address these limitations, we first report a solvent-induced shape memory effect decoupled from the nematic–isotropic transition, enabling universal actuation introduction/erasing via directional solvent evaporation/swelling. Next, we develop topology-isomerizable LCE networks with spatially programmable actuation temperatures, achieved through light-regulated heterolytic dynamic bond exchange, allowing precise control over actuation sequences. Finally, we introduce LCE dielectric actuators capable of autonomous mode-switching upon heating/cooling, driven by geometry-dependent electromechanical behavior and bending stiffness variations during thermo-triggered shape changes. Together, these advances establish a programmable platform for next-generation soft robotic systems.

  报告人简介

Dr. Binjie Jin received his Ph.D. from the College of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Zhejiang University, where he also completed postdoctoral research. He is currently an associate professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the Institute of Emergent Elastomers at South China University of Technology. His research focuses on programmable shape-changing polymers. Dr. Jin has published 32 papers, including 16 as first or corresponding authors, in leading journals such as Nat. Commun.(2), Sci. Adv.(2), Adv. Mater.(5), and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. He was selected as the member of Early Career Board of ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Making Polymers More Sustainable: Self-healing for Longevity and Upcycling for Circularity

Haobing Wang

haobingwang@scut.edu.cn

School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology

报告摘要

Plastics are integral to modern society, yet the improper management of post-consumer plastic waste poses severe environmental challenges. While recycling helps mitigate pollution and conserve resources, conventional mechanical methods often face limitations due to material downgrading. Chemical recycling and upcycling have thus emerged as pivotal strategies for achieving a sustainable plastics economy. In this presentation, I will share our recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed chemical recycling and value-added conversion of polyester and polyamide wastes. We have developed a high-performance multinuclear titanium catalyst system that enables an integrated “depolymerization–reconstruction” platform, facilitating closed-loop recycling of these materials. Furthermore, by employing molecular design strategies with rare-earth catalysts, we have synthesized a series of high-value functionalized polyolefins. Notably, these materials exhibit autonomous self-healing capabilities upon damage, significantly extending their service life and reducing plastic waste generation. This work provides new catalytic pathways for waste plastic valorization and the design of next-generation sustainable polymers.

  报告人简介

Haobing Wang is a Professor in the School of Emergent Soft Matter at South China University of Technology. Haobing received his B.S. in Southwest University in Chemistry. He next received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from East China University of Technology before completing a postdoctoral position in RIKEN, Japan with Prof. Zhaomin Hou. Since 2021, Haobing has directed a research group that invents polymer-based materials that address grand challenges in polymer sustainability and industry. He has received RIKEN EIHO Award (RIKEN Significant Achievement Award).

Mechanochemical Polymer Synthesis: Where We Are Now

Jeung Gon Kim

jeunggonkim@jbnu.ac.kr

Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University

报告摘要

Over the last decade, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in mechanochemistry through numerous successful reports. More importantly, we now have a deeper understanding of the processes occurring during mechanochemical reactions. In this presentation, I aim to highlight the ability of mechanochemistry to thread monomers and produce unique polymers that are inaccessible through conventional solution-based synthesis.

Examples from our group and others have demonstrated how mechanochemical ball-milling can effectively control molecular weight, dispersity, and polymer composition. Notably, the solid-state nature of mechanochemistry eliminates issues with insoluble monomer combinations. Additionally, polymer degradation back to monomers and insights into mixing dynamics during polymerization have been observed.

Through this presentation, the audience will appreciate that mechanochemical synthesis is not only an exciting area of research but also extends beyond its appeal as a “green” technology.

  报告人简介

Jeung Gon Kim is a professor of chemistry at Jeonbuk National University, leading the Organic & Polymer Synthesis Group since 2015. Trained at KAIST (BS,2001) and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D. 2005), mentored by Prof. Patrick J. Walsh, he gathered experience at Cornell University and IBS under Prof. Geoffrey W. Coates and Prof. Sukbok Chang, respectively, plus industrial career at LG and Samsung. His expertise spans organic and polymer synthesis, with a focus on mechanochemistry, postpolymerization modification, and chemical recycling of plastics.

Spherical Phases in Block Copolymers

Xuehui Dong

xdong@scut.edu.cn

School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology

报告摘要

The recent discovery of unconventional spherical packing lattices, such as the Frank-Kasper phase and quasicrystalline phase, has challenged long-standing principles of block copolymer self-assembly. These findings represent significant advancements in fundamental polymer science and have greatly expanded the diversity of accessible nanostructures. However, understanding the underlying principles governing these phenomena has been significantly hindered by the inherent molecular defects of traditional block copolymers. To address this challenge, a discrete block copolymer system with precise chemical structures and uniform chain lengths has been developed. This system enables the detailed investigation of two critical factors: conformational asymmetry and chain length heterogeneity. By rationally designing a library of isomeric block copolymers with variations in size, composition, sequence, symmetry, and architecture, the fundamental principles driving the formation and evolution of these complex phases have been elucidated. The precision of this approach eliminates molecular uncertainties, providing an ideal platform for resolving complex phases with exceptionally high resolution.

  报告人简介

Xue-Hui Dong is currently a professor in School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology. He graduated with a B.S. degree in polymer chemistry from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2008 and received his Ph.D. degree in polymer science from the University of Akron in 2013. Following three-year postdoctoral research in Department of Chemical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he joined South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology (AISMST), South China University of Technology in early 2017. His research focuses on design and synthesis of precision macromolecules, block copolymer self-assembly, and their applications in advanced nanopatterning technologies.

Streamlining the Synthesis of Functional Polyethers by Organocatalysis

Junpeng Zhao

msjpzhao@scut.edu.cn

School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology

报告摘要

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is among the most widely used polymers for its structural simplicity, excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, etc. Anchoring specific functional end groups is vital to meet the rising demands for tailored properties in diversified applications. Functional initiator strategy holds great value for its step economy, but is often challenged by the requirement for inertness of polar/reactive functional groups during the anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP). In the last few years, we have explored in-depth the unique chemoselectivity of Lewis pair type two-component organocatalysts for the ROP of epoxides, including ethylene oxide (EO), in the presence of a series of functional groups that are vulnerable under conventional ROP conditions. For instance, transesterification is strictly inhibited in (thio)carboxylic acid-initiated ROP, so that well-defined α-(thio)ester-ω-hydroxyl PEG can be achieved in one synthetic step. The transesterification-free character is also well-utilized for controlled synthesis of (co)polyethers carrying carboxylic ester pendant groups which are easily transformed to hydroxyl and amide-functionalized (co)polyethers exhibiting aqueous thermoresponsiveness. Besides, an acidity-reversing effect of the organocatalytic system is disclosed, enabling site-specific ROP of epoxides from biprotonic initiators containing secondary carbamate and hydroxyl groups and significantly streamlines the synthesis of amino-functionalized polyethers. A catalytic method for one-step synthesis of end-functionalized poly(2-oxazoline), widely considered as a PEG alternative, from weak acid initiators will also be involved in the talk.

  报告人简介

Junpeng Zhao received his B.S. (2005) and Ph.D. (2010) from University of Science and Technology of China under the supervision of Prof. Guangzhao Zhang. From 2007 to 2009, he undertook a CSC-supported joint Ph.D. appointment in National Hellenic Research Foundation, Greece, under the supervision of Prof. Stergios Pispas. He was then a postdoctoral researcher at Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Germany, with Prof. Helmut Schlaad and Prof. Markus Antonietti (2011-2012), and at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, with Prof. Nikos Hadjichristidis (2012-2014). In the beginning of 2015, he joined South China University of Technology (School of Materials Science and Engineering) and began his professorship. His research focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of polymers by ionic and organocatalytic/metal-free methods, and also includes synthesis of polymers from (bio)renewable resources, structure-property relationship of polymers, and functional interfacial materials. He is the coauthor of >100 peer-reviewed papers and 15 issued patents. He is now member of Advisory Board of ACS Macro Letters and Polymer Chemistry.