Article
Polymer Science
Alexei A. Lazutin, Valentina V. Vasilevskaya
Summary: Matrix free polymer nanocomposites of spherical nanoparticles with shells made of amphiphilic homopolymer were investigated using molecular dynamics experiments. Two distinctive morphologies were identified: sea hedgehog-like structure with low moduli of elasticity and viscosity, and membrane lamellae structure with high moduli of elasticity and viscosity. These findings have implications for the development of smart materials that can reversibly assemble, disintegrate, and repair damage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling Li, Carl Goodrich, Haizhao Yang, Katherine R. Phillips, Zian Jia, Hongshun Chen, Lifeng Wang, Jinjin Zhong, Anhua Liu, Jianfeng Lu, Jianwei Shuai, Michael P. Brenner, Frans Spaepen, Joanna Aizenberg
Summary: This study investigates the underlying mechanisms of texture evolution in an evaporation-induced colloidal assembly process. The research shows that at the later stage of self-assembly, the colloidal crystal undergoes a gradual rotation facilitated by geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). The generation of GNDs is due to the tensile stress field along the meniscus direction during the constrained shrinkage of the colloidal crystal, leading to crystallographic rotation to accommodate the mechanical stress.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Borowko, Tomasz Staszewski
Summary: This study utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the behavior of polymer-tethered nanoparticles between two walls. The results show that the shape and self-organization of these particles can be controlled by changing the interaction with the walls and the wall separation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
I. Solovyev, S. A. Nikolaev, A. Ushakov, V. Yu Irkhin, A. Tanaka, S. Streltsov
Summary: Based on density functional theory, this study examines the ferromagnetism in Co3Sn2S2, finding that it has a dual nature with aspects of both itinerancy and localization. Local magnetic moments strongly depend on temperature and angles at Co sites, while ligand states play an important role. Decreasing local moments lead to decreased interplane interactions and instability of the ferromagnetic order.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marie-Madeleine Walz, David van der Spoel
Summary: A method for determining ionic electrical mobilities in molten salts has been explored, revealing that in salt mixtures, lighter anions and Li+ drift towards the negative electrode under an electric field, while heavier anions move towards the positive electrode.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Farid Rizk, Simon Gelin, Anne-Laure Biance, Laurent Joly
Summary: Transport properties in liquids are difficult to describe from a microscopic perspective. In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the temperature dependence of viscosity and diffusion coefficient in Lennard-Jones fluid. We found that the free volume model can accurately describe the transport properties, and the parameters of the model can be estimated from local structural parameters obtained in the simulations.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sajan Singh, Avinash Raulo, Ajeet Singh, Mona Mittal, Andriy Horechyy, Rene Huebner, Petr Formanek, Rajiv K. Srivastava, Sameer Sapra, Andreas Fery, Bhanu Nandan
Summary: In this study, the influence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the photoluminescence behavior of cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) confined in spatially separated soft nanoscale cylindrical domains was investigated. It was found that the presence of AuNPs can manipulate the photoluminescence intensity of CdSe QDs, with low fraction of AuNPs leading to enhancement and further increase causing quenching of the intensity. The interaction between energy transfer mechanisms and FRET/electron transfer processes between QDs and AuNPs could explain the observed phenomena.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seong Hwan Kim, Geunyeop Park, Kyu-Byung Kim, Yong-Woo Shin, Hyun Wook Jung
Summary: Transparent conductive films (TCFs) were fabricated through bar-coating with Ag nanoparticle-containing water-toluene emulsion. The size of water droplets, which is determined by the concentration of AgNPs and water weight fraction in the emulsion, played a decisive role in controlling the optoelectrical properties of TCFs. The coating conditions, such as thickness and drying temperature, affected the coalescence of water droplets and the final self-assembled network structure and optoelectrical properties of TCFs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
David T. Boyle, William Huang, Hansen Wang, Yuzhang Li, Hao Chen, Zhiao Yu, Wenbo Zhang, Zhenan Bao, Yi Cui
Summary: Rechargeable lithium metal batteries must have a long cycle life and calendar life. The loss of capacity during calendar ageing is caused by chemical corrosion of Li and the continuous growth of the solid electrolyte interphase. Functional electrolytes must minimize the rate of solid electrolyte interphase growth and the surface area of electrodeposited Li metal to ensure long battery life.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniele Parisi, Eileen Buenning, Nikolaos Kalafatakis, Leo Gury, Brian C. Benicewicz, Mario Gauthier, Michel Cloitre, Michael Rubinstein, Sanat K. Kumar, Dimitris Vlassopoulos
Summary: The study reveals universal dynamic behavior of hairy self-suspended nanoparticles in the melt state, including polymer-grafted nanoparticles and star polymers. Different response regimes are observed, with one characterized by low-frequency solidlike colloidal plateau and ultraslow relaxation, and the other dominated by starlike relaxation of partially interpenetrated arms. Transition between these regimes is marked by a crossover where both polymeric and colloidal modes are discerned.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Ye, David Y. H. Pui
Summary: Intentionally intensifying the light scattering of medium molecules allows the detection of suspended nanoparticles under conditions not suitable for conventional optical microscopies or laser particle counters. This method can distinguish between nanoparticles and microparticles, and directly detect suspended nanoparticles much smaller than visible light wavelengths.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dillon Presto, Suresh Narayanan, Sergio Moctezuma, Mark Sutton, Mark D. Foster
Summary: The use of in situ X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) measurements helps understand the microscopic breakdown and reforming of the filler network structure in reinforced rubber under dynamic strain. This technique is crucial for studying the nonlinear dependence of modulus on strain (known as the Payne effect) and its consequences on material performance, particularly for tire tread compounds. By combining XPCS with traditional dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the behavior of rubber formulations containing a silane coupling agent and high-surface area silica can be effectively studied.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie Chen, Yuanhang Zhu, Nanlin Zhang, Xiaolin Zhang, Zufu Luo, Chengqun Wang, Tonghuan Yang, Dingguo Xia, Xiuting Li
Summary: This study developed a simple electrochemical method for probing the microscopic composition of colloidal lead sulfide quantum dots, providing a quantitative analysis of their surface composition and size-dependent composition.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie Chen, Yuanhang Zhu, Nanlin Zhang, Xiaolin Zhang, Zufu Luo, Chengqun Wang, Tonghuan Yang, Dingguo Xia, Xiuting Li
Summary: A simple electrochemical methodology was developed to probe the microscopic composition of lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs). This method allows for quantitative measurement of lead and sulfur content in the QDs, as well as the determination of surface composition and depth profile of elemental distribution.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wang Li, Bo Zu, Qingwei Yang, Junwen An, Jiawen Li
Summary: This study explored the adsorption characteristics of BPA on NPs, finding that electrostatic interaction, pi-pi interaction, and hydrophobic effects played key roles in adsorption, and aggregation may play an important role in the adsorption behavior of NPs.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingliang Lv, Zhuo Zhu, Shuo Zhao, Liubin Wang, Qing Zhao, Fujun Li, Lynden A. Archer, Jun Chen
Summary: Li-O-2 batteries are considered as the ultimate energy storage technology with the potential to store large amounts of electrical energy. Catalytic intervention, particularly involving cobalt-tetramino-benzoquinone (Co-TABQ) nanosheets, plays a crucial role in improving the reversibility and kinetics of cathode reactions. Orbital interactions of metal ions with ligands in Co-TABQ nanosheets are critical for light harvesting and oxygen electrocatalysis in Li-O-2 batteries.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaotun Liu, Nyalaliska W. Utomo, Qing Zhao, Jingxu Zheng, Duhan Zhang, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: This study investigates the caging dynamics of polymer-tethered silica nanoparticles dispersed in PEG oligomers using small-angle X-ray scattering and rheology. By systematically varying the volume fraction of the silica cores, the extent of geometric confinement is manipulated. The materials exhibit soft glassy dynamics and caging behaviors, which are explained by a proposed geometric model. Spectroscopic analysis reveals confinement-induced chain interpenetration in the nanoparticle soft glasses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Prayag Biswal, Atsu Kludze, Joshua Rodrigues, Yue Deng, Taylor Moon, Sanjuna Stalin, Qing Zhao, Jiefu Yin, Lena F. Kourkoutis, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: This study investigates the control of early-stage growth dynamics and morphology of electrodeposited lithium by regulating the characteristics of interphases formed on the lithium surface, showing the importance of this control for electrode reversibility.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jingxu Zheng, David C. Bock, Tian Tang, Qing Zhao, Jiefu Yin, Killian R. Tallman, Garrett Wheeler, Xiaotun Liu, Yue Deng, Shuo Jin, Amy C. Marschilok, Esther S. Takeuchi, Kenneth J. Takeuchi, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: The study presents a novel approach to control reversible metal electrodeposition by promoting oxygen-mediated chemical bonding, leading to improved reversibility and cycle life of aluminum and zinc anodes, ultimately enhancing battery performance.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Zhao, Sanjuna Stalin, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a chemically distinct material phase formed by a combination of electrochemical reduction and chemical reactions at both the explicit and implicit interfaces in all electrochemical cells. Understanding the structure, chemistry, and thermodynamics of the materials that accumulate in such interfacial material phases plays a crucial role in achieving high levels of anode reversibility in secondary batteries. Strategies focusing on the rational design of the SEI at metal anodes, including taking advantage of redox chemistry of electrolyte components and creating artificial SEI outside the cell, are highlighted in the study.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiu Zhang, Yilin Ma, Yong Lu, Xunzhu Zhou, Liu Lin, Lin Li, Zhenhua Yan, Qing Zhao, Kai Zhang, Jun Chen
Summary: The study introduces a novel electrolyte design strategy to transform Zn(H2O)(6)(2+) into ZnCl42-, which suppresses the dendritic growth and interface hydrogen evolution reaction in Zn batteries. This approach enables uniform Zn deposition and high Coulombic efficiency, leading to long lifespan metal anode batteries.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Jin, Duhan Zhang, Arpita Sharma, Qing Zhao, Yiqi Shao, Pengyu Chen, Jingxu Zheng, Jiefu Yin, Yue Deng, Prayag Biswal, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: A method of crystal growth stabilization using polymer-salt complexes has been proposed to reshape the deposition of crystalline metals, allowing for exceptional morphological control and unprecedented cycle life in rechargeable batteries utilizing zinc as an anode material. Preliminary studies have demonstrated the practical benefits of this approach in Zn-I2 full battery cells.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoxia Gou, Zhenkun Hao, Zhimeng Hao, Gaojing Yang, Zhuo Yang, Xinyue Zhang, Zhenhua Yan, Qing Zhao, Jun Chen
Summary: This review summarizes the in situ surface reconstruction strategies of lithium-rich manganese-based layered oxides (LROs). It provides an overview of LROs and discusses the surface challenges they face. Emphasis is placed on in situ self-reconstruction strategies to alleviate the performance degradation of LROs, with a focus on synthesis and characterization methods and the role they play in stabilizing the structures. Finally, prospects for precise/large scale preparations, interphase design, and in-operando characterization approaches for the commercialization of LROs are provided.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingxu Zheng, Yue Deng, Jiefu Yin, Tian Tang, Regina Garcia-Mendez, Qing Zhao, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: Control of crystallography in metal electrodeposit films is crucial for long battery lifetimes, with the ARB process demonstrating significant improvements in crystallographic uniformity and plating/stripping performance. This concept can potentially be applied to various metal chemistries to develop highly reversible thin metal anodes, highlighting opportunities for future battery advancements.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qing Zhao, Nyalaliska W. Utomo, Andrew L. Kocen, Shuo Jin, Yue Deng, Vivian Xiaojing Zhu, Surya Moganty, Geoffrey W. Coates, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: This study found that cyclic carbonate solvents can dissolve high concentrations of LiNO3 without any additives, contrary to common belief, and significantly improve the reversibility of Li metal anodes. Upgrading various state-of-the-art carbonate electrolytes with LiNO3 can greatly enhance the performance of batteries with thin lithium anodes and high voltage cathodes.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Feng, Limin Zhou, Hua Ma, Zhonghan Wu, Qing Zhao, Haixia Li, Kai Zhang, Jun Chen
Summary: This article discusses the key obstacles to developing wide-temperature RLBs, introduces the latest research progress in addressing challenges at extreme temperatures, and reviews the operating mechanism and design strategies of electrolyte and electrode materials for RLBs working within a wide-temperature range.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yixin Li, Yong Lu, Youxuan Ni, Shibing Zheng, Zhenhua Yan, Kai Zhang, Qing Zhao, Jun Chen
Summary: Through designing electrochemical redox couples, aqueous batteries with quinone as anode material can achieve higher energy density, lower cost, and avoid safety issues caused by metal dendrite growth.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nyalaliska W. Utomo, Yue Deng, Qing Zhao, Xiaotun Liu, Lynden A. Archer
Summary: Solid-state electrolytes formed by polymerization of liquid precursor provide a promising strategy for overcoming problems with electrolyte wetting in solid-state batteries. Hybrid solid-state polymer electrolytes created by in-situ polymerization of a conventional liquid precursor containing nanostructures offer a mechanism for selectively reinforcing or adding new functionalities to the electrolyte. The interaction between the polymer and nanostructures affects the electrochemical characteristics and ion-transport properties of the electrolyte.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiu Zhang, Yilin Ma, Yong Lu, Youxuan Ni, Liu Lin, Zhenkun Hao, Zhenhua Yan, Qing Zhao, Jun Chen
Summary: By introducing halogen ions, the challenges of dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution reaction in zinc metal batteries can be overcome. Designing an electrolyte composed of zinc acetate and ammonium halide can form a halogenated Zn2+ solvation structure, achieving high coulombic efficiency and suppressing dendritic growth.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiqiang Hao, Xiaoyan Shi, Wenqing Zhu, Xiaoyue Zhang, Zhuo Yang, Lin Li, Zhe Hu, Qing Zhao, Shulei Chou
Summary: In this study, a Bi@C composite anode with superior rate performance and high reversible capacity was reported. The outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the robust structural design and fast reaction kinetics of the composite. Furthermore, the assembled PIB cell with Bi@C anode and nickel-based Prussian blue analogue cathode exhibits remarkable power performance and cycling stability.
