Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Antara Pal, Md Arif Kamal, Thomas Zinn, Jan K. G. Dhont, Peter Schurtenberger
Summary: The study investigates the influence of external magnetic fields on the anisotropic collective dynamics of core/shell colloidal cubes with hematite cores and silica shells. Results show that these micrometer-sized particles self-assemble into chains and sediment to form higher-order structures, with dynamics following compressed exponential behavior in different directions with respect to the external field, indicating hyperdiffusive behavior. The anomalous dynamics are believed to be caused by the inhomogeneous distribution of stress points resulting from external field-induced alignment of chains.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jose Angel Pariente, Alvaro Blanco, Cefe Lopez
Summary: The article introduces a simple in-situ, real-time optical characterization technique for studying the crystallization process of silica colloidal suspensions. This technique allows for monitoring the formation process of crystals and analyzing their dynamics, which is crucial for the quality of the final sample.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jun Ye, Renjie Li, Jialing Cheng, Dongdong Liu, Yanfang Yang, Hongliang Wang, Xiaoyan Xu, Lin Li, Panpan Ma, Yuling Liu
Summary: This study compares the colloidal stability of commercial AmB nanoformulations and finds that AmB-CSC and AmB-Lipo exhibit good colloidal stability in the injection medium, leading to reduced cytotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mercedes Novo, Wajih Al-Soufi
Summary: Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful technique that provides comprehensive understanding of the thermodynamic, dynamic, and structural properties of supramolecular systems. By analyzing fluorescence correlation curves, FCS can reveal the diffusion term, which is related to the binding equilibrium constant and other thermodynamic properties of the supramolecular system. Whether in the fast-exchange dynamics or slow-exchange dynamics, FCS can infer the structural information of supramolecular complexes based on their diffusional properties.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Asela S. Dikkumbura, Prakash Hamal, Min Chen, Daniel A. Babayode, Jeewan C. Ranasinghe, Kenneth Lopata, Louis H. Haber
Summary: The growth dynamics of colloidal silver-gold core-shell nanoparticles in water were monitored using time-dependent SHG and extinction spectroscopy in a stepwise synthesis approach. Sequential additions of chloroauric acid, sodium citrate, and hydroquinone were used to grow a gold shell around a silver core, with changes in surface morphology and thickness observed using transmission electron microscopy. Comparison of extinction spectra with FDTD calculations showed deviations for the first and second additions, but general agreement after the third addition reached equilibrium, providing detailed insights for investigating complex nanoparticle growth mechanisms and dynamics.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay Jatav, Ming-Chao Kao, Matthias Graf, Eric H. Hill
Summary: In this study, a simple method for colloidal growth of TiO2 in nanoporous gold (NPG) was demonstrated. The coverage of gold ligaments with TiO2 was achieved and the characteristics of surfactants were found to influence the properties of TiO2 growth. The colloidal TiO2 growth enhanced the efficiency of electrochemical H-2 evolution and increased the exchange current. This approach is of significance for controlling surface coverage in material fabrication.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anja Weidner, Horst Biermann
Summary: This comprehensive review focuses on the application of digital image correlation (DIC) in investigating strain localization phenomena in materials science and engineering. The review is divided into three parts, covering the basic principles, application in MSE, and high-resolution results obtained in combination with SEM for high-strength steels. Overall, the review emphasizes the capabilities and limitations of DIC in analyzing displacement and strain fields.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sena Ciftbudak, Nermin Orakdogen
Summary: By investigating the relationship between swelling and deformation properties, the study aimed to establish a correlation between microstructure and charge density in anionic polyacrylamide/itaconic acid (PAAm/ITA) hydrogels. The effective charge density of the network played a dominant role in determining the microstructure of the hydrogels. Various factors such as effective charge density, crosslink density, pH, and surfactant type were explored to understand their effects on swelling and elasticity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xuhan Ding, Dengfei Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Tao Wang, Jun Deng
Summary: This study conducted a Multiscale study on the agglomerating and wetting behaviour of binary electrolyte-surfactant in coal dust suppression. The results showed that the binary surfactant-electrolyte solution had improved surface tension and sink time reduction compared to individual surfactants, and also had a higher stability index.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jayant Sarolia, Shailesh A. Shah, Vinod K. Aswal, Sanjay Tiwari
Summary: This study demonstrates the stabilization of TPGS micelles by crosslinking their shell, providing superior dilution stability in phosphate buffer. The crosslinked micelles can be de-crosslinked under reductive conditions and low pH without complete dissociation, allowing for triggered release without premature release.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
R. K. Thomas, J. Penfold
Summary: Understanding and optimizing the mixing properties of surfactants at interfaces and in bulk solution is crucial for their diverse applications in industry, technology, biology, and households. The use of neutron reflectivity (NR) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) with isotopic substitution has enabled quantitative analysis and understanding of surfactant mixing at the air-water interface and in self-assembled aggregates or micelles in solution. This approach provides important insights into the thermodynamic properties and trends of mixed surfactants, which are not readily obtainable from analyzing data solely based on the variation in critical micelle concentration (cmc) alone.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Masao Nagao, Abdul-Hackam Ranneh, Yasunori Iwao, Katsuhiko Yamamoto, Yukihiro Ikeda
Summary: Gemini surfactant DLGL was found to improve the structural stability of PHY cubosomes at specific concentrations, forming stable Im $(3) over bar $m cubosomes under low-temperature storage conditions. Excess DLGL interfered with cubosome formation and led to the transformation into small unilamellar vesicles.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joo Sung Kim, Jung-Min Heo, Gyeong-Su Park, Seung-Je Woo, Changsoon Cho, Hyung Joong Yun, Dong-Hyeok Kim, Jinwoo Park, Seung-Chul Lee, Sang-Hwan Park, Eojin Yoon, Neil C. Greenham, Tae-Woo Lee
Summary: This study reports the development of ultra-bright, efficient, and stable light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) made of core/shell perovskite nanocrystals. The nanocrystals, obtained through in situ reaction of benzylphosphonic acid with polycrystalline perovskite films, demonstrate strong carrier confinement and maintain good charge-transport properties.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yongchun Wang, Xiang Li, Xusheng Zhou, Panqi Song, Muling Zeng, Wenhui Shang, Yan-Qing Xu, Zhiyu Jia, Guo-Yu Yang
Summary: In this paper, an iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-UiO-68-terNap) containing semirigid conjugated aromatic ligands is prepared for the capture and solar-light photodegradation of multiple water contaminants. The formation of Fe-O-Zr enhances the charge-separation ability resulting in the successful degradation of micropollutants in 240 min.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mario Reiser, Joerg Hallmann, Johannes Moeller, Karina Kazarian, Davide Orsi, Lisa Randolph, Hendrik Rahmann, Fabian Westermeier, Eric Stellamanns, Michael Sprung, Federico Zontone, Luigi Cristofolini, Christian Gutt, Anders Madsen
Summary: The study investigates the localization and transport of nanoparticles in microscopic networks, highlighting the interplay between network structure and dynamics on the microscopic scale. It is found that the mobility of nanoparticles can be controlled by adjusting the network mesh size and micelle length, which can be tuned by UV-illumination. The data reveal that transport through the network is determined by the ratio between the nanoparticle size and the network mesh size, with nanoparticle mobility being significantly enhanced upon UV illumination.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kevin Schindler, Youri Cortat, Miroslava Nedyalkova, Aurelien Crochet, Marco Lattuada, Aleksandar Pavic, Fabio Zobi
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to human health and has a major impact on the global economy. Metal complexes, including rhenium complexes, have untapped potential as antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of rhenium di- and tricarbonyl diimine complexes and identifies two potential targets for these compounds. The findings have implications for the future design of rhenium tricarbonyl diimine-based antibiotics.
Article
Biology
Min Zhang, Henrik Pinholt, Xin Zhou, Soren Bohr, Luca Banetta, Alessio Zaccone, Vito Fodera, Nikos Hatzakis
Summary: Real-time super-resolution microscopy analysis was used to study the growth kinetics, morphology, and abundance of human insulin amyloid spherulites with different growth pathways. The study revealed that even microscopically identical aggregates can follow distinct growth pathways.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yong Luo, Yuhui Xie, Wei Geng, Junhan Chu, Hua Wu, Delong Xie, Xinxin Sheng, Yi Mei
Summary: In this study, black phosphorus was modified with MXene and polydopamine to improve its structural stability and dispersibility in the matrix. The resulting BP-MXene@PDA nanohybrid was found to enhance the mechanical performance, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yirou Du, Yuhui Xie, Xianshuai Liu, Hao Jiang, Feng Wu, Hua Wu, Yi Mei, Delong Xie
Summary: A phosphorus-modified gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was fabricated by incorporating black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets into a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix, which exhibited high ionic conductivity, enhanced Li+ transference number, wide electrochemical stability window, as well as good thermal stability and flame retardancy. The incorporation of BP nanosheets effectively immobilized anions and facilitated Li+ ion transport, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and safety properties of lithium-ion batteries.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kata Dorbic, Marco Lattuada
Summary: This paper reviews the development of emulsion polymerization techniques and their exceptional control over the size, size distribution, and composition of polymer particles. It also covers the synthesis, functionalization, and applications of particles with protrusions and concavities. The rationalization of the various approaches used for particle preparation and the discussion of formation mechanisms are highlighted. The goal is to promote a broader use of these particles and the development of more effective synthetic protocols.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Giovanni Russo, Marco Lattuada
Summary: Post-synthesis modifications have been used to prepare non-spherical polymer particles with Janus characteristics. By selectively dissolving one face of the Janus colloids, intriguing shapes such as mushroom-like and Janus dimpled particles can be obtained. The composition of the PMMA face and the addition of a cross-linker also affect the particles' morphology. This method provides a new approach for controlling the shape of polymer particles.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kata Dorbic, Marco Lattuada
Summary: Controlling the shape of colloidal particles is an important area of research in colloidal science. pH value and MPS concentration have been found to significantly affect the morphology of particles.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Luca Banetta, Francesco Leone, Carmine Anzivino, Michael S. Murillo, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: In this study, a theoretical framework is proposed to investigate the microscopic structure of concentrated hard-sphere colloidal suspensions under strong shear flows. The theory takes into account the boundary-layer structure of convective diffusion and predicts a phase transition induced by the shear flow.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daniele Di Miceli, Chandan Setty, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: This article introduces the possible superconducting phase in topological phononic insulators and establishes a theoretical framework to explain its mechanism. The study finds that under specific conditions, the interaction between phonons and electrons can increase the electron-phonon binding energy, thus enhancing the superconducting critical temperature.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Simone Riva, Luca Banetta, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: The study presents an analytical theoretical method for determining the microscopical structure of colloidal suspensions under weak to moderate shear conditions in dilute settings. The method allows for a more accurate prediction of structural changes under shear, independent of the type of interaction potential.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Ivan Kriuchevskyi, Timothy W. Sirk, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: In this study, a mathematical description of amorphous solid deformation and plasticity is presented by extending the concept of instantaneous normal modes (INMs) to deformed systems. The linear response theory is formulated by considering the strain-dependent tangent modulus, and the prediction shows good agreement with simulations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelia C. Y. Liu, Espen D. Bojesen, Rico F. Tabor, Stephen T. Mudie, Alessio Zaccone, Peter Harrowell, Timothy C. Petersen
Summary: This study reveals a strong correlation between the centrosymmetry of nearest-neighbor polyhedra and the local mechanical stability in glasses. By examining the distribution of local stability and centrosymmetry, the underlying relationship between particle-level structure and larger-scale behavior is uncovered, demonstrating the significance of local structural transformations in predicting stability.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Matteo Baggioli, Michael Landry, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: We developed a general theory of phonons as Goldstone bosons in crystals, glasses, and liquids by combining hydrodynamic and field theoretic methods. Our theory is based on nonaffine displacements and the consequent Goldstone phase relaxation. We found a connection between the conservation of specific higher-form currents and the properties of the underlying deformation field. Our formalism predicted the presence of propagating shear waves above a critical wave vector in liquids, and provided a theoretical explanation for the positive sound dispersion phenomenon for longitudinal sound. The main collective relaxation timescale of a liquid or a glass was found to be determined by the phase relaxation time, which is not necessarily related to the Maxwell time. We also built a non-equilibrium effective action using the in-in formalism on the Schwinger-Keldysh contour, which further supported our findings.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chandan Setty, Matteo Baggioli, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: We present a minimal theory of superconductivity enhancement in ferroelectric-type materials. It is shown that the enhancement in the superconducting critical temperature Tc upon approaching the ferroelectric transition from either side is due to the Stokes electron-phonon scattering processes promoted by strong phonon damping effects.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeng-Yu Yang, Yun-Jiang Wang, Alessio Zaccone
Summary: The boson peak, a universal feature in both disordered and crystalline materials, has an inverse relationship with the activation energy of excitations in the potential energy landscape. Larger boson peaks are associated with shallower basins, lower activation barriers, and emergent anharmonic sectors in the PEL.
