Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Ting Cheng, Heng-Kwong Tsao, Yu-Jane Sheng
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that various ordered structures of adsorbed nanorods on smooth substrates can be achieved simply by non-affinity adsorption through dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The structures of interfacial assembly depend on nanorod concentration and solvent size, with the arrangement changing from nematic-like to smectic as the concentration increases. The assembly process is driven by entropy and results in a two-dimensional layer-by-layer growth.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Yang, Qianqian Wang, Dongdong Jin, Xingzhou Du, Li Zhang
Summary: This study reports a strategy for optimizing pattern transformation rates of colloidal microswarms by coordinating the inner interactions. The influences of magnetic field parameters on pattern transformation rates are studied, and the feasibility of the strategy is validated in different fluid environments, showing promising potential for practical applications in targeted delivery tasks.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaopeng Bai, Shiu Hei Lam, Jingtian Hu, Ka Kit Chui, Xiao-Ming Zhu, Lei Shao, Tsz Him Chow, Jianfang Wang
Summary: This study reports the gram-scale production of cost-effective TiN nanoparticles with strong plasmonic properties and their application in solar seawater desalination. The TiN nanoparticles achieved high evaporation rates and excellent removal percentages of organic compounds.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Hou, Ling Bai, Derong Lu, Hongwei Duan
Summary: Self-assembly bridges nanoscale and microscale colloidal particles into macroscale functional materials. Surface chemistry of nanoparticles plays a predominant role in driving the self-assembly at water/oil interfaces. Interfacial self-assembly methods are rapid, cost-effective, scalable, and compatible with existing fabrication technologies, thus promoting widespread interest in a broad range of research fields.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Wang, Dongdong Jin
Summary: Colloidal microswarms have gained increasing attention due to their unique capabilities in complex tasks and their ability to exhibit equilibrium and non-equilibrium collective states. Recent studies have focused on their response to external fields, interactions between building blocks, and interactions with the environment. Understanding the behavior of building blocks in collective systems is crucial for designing autonomous and intelligent microswarm systems for practical applications. Colloidal microswarms are expected to have a significant impact on small-scale active delivery and manipulation applications.
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jinming Wan, Genki Ichinose, Michael Small, Hiroki Sayama, Yamir Moreno, Changqing Cheng
Summary: This study presents a multi-layer network model to study contagion dynamics and behavioral adaptation. The model reveals the interaction between physically isolated communities and the coevolution of behavioral change and spreading dynamics. The analytical insights provide compelling guidelines for coordinated policy design to enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
CHAOS SOLITONS & FRACTALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xuejuan Xu, Yuchi Zhang, Yide Han, Junbiao Wu, Xia Zhang, Yan Xu
Summary: A hierarchical hollow Ni/Co-codoped MoS2 architecture was successfully prepared through solvothermal method, showing excellent glucose sensing activity and good anti-interference performance. The feasible synthetic strategy may offer an effective and controlled route for preparing other multi-metal substituted sulfide-based hierarchical structures with high electrochemical sensing performance.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaocong Chang, Yiwen Feng, Bin Guo, Dekai Zhou, Longqiu Li
Summary: This review categorizes and summarizes nature-inspired micro/nanomotors, which are inspired by nature in terms of morphology, structure, and behavior, and possess interesting morphologies, novel preparation methods, innovative propulsion modes, and broad applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Perla Giovanna Fernandes Pacheco, Diego Lourenconi Ferreira, Richard Silveira Pereira, Marcelo Goncalves Vivas
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unique properties that are influenced by factors such as chemical precursors, reducing agents, stabilizing agents, concentration, and density. By combining TEM measurements with a computational framework, crucial information about ultrasmall AgNPs can be accurately extracted, shedding light on their unique properties and paving the way for advancements in their applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao-Hui Liu, Ming-Xue Wei, Chun-Han Hsu, Hong-Ping Lin, Yu-Chun Wu
Summary: In this study, SiO2 porous hollow spheres with ultralow refractive index were synthesized using a templating method, allowing for easy control of refractive indices. A droplet coatings method was proposed for displaying distinct structural colors and high angular resolution. Additionally, metal nanoparticles coated on the SPHS surface increased the SERS intensity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengqi Li, Zhiliang Gao, Jiwei Cui
Summary: Modulating the physicochemical parameters of colloidal particles (CPs) has proven to be a promising approach for improving drug delivery efficacy. Recently, the stiffness of CPs has attracted attention for modulating bio-nano interactions. This perspective outlines strategies for modulating and characterizing CP stiffness and highlights its importance in controlling biological interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Dadkan, Mehrdad Khakbiz, Lida Ghazanfari, Meizi Chen, Ki-Bum Lee
Summary: This study demonstrated that the addition of gold nanoparticles to dentin adhesive can enhance its mechanical properties, antibacterial characteristics, and cell viability. The nanoparticles showed no toxicity to cell growth and improved the adhesive's performance.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Marjolein Dijkstra, Erik Luijten
Summary: This review provides an overview of computational tools and strategies used for the design of soft materials created through self-assembly of colloids and nanoparticles, including simulation methods, machine learning, and reverse-engineering. These tools are essential for guiding experimental synthesis efforts and offer new paradigms for understanding and predicting novel colloidal materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaodi Su, Zhaogang Dong, Jing Wu, Dongzhi Chi, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: IMRE is a research institute under the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore. Founded in September 1997, IMRE conducts world-class research in various material fields, from fundamental discoveries to industrial translation. By partnering with international organizations, research institutes, and industry, IMRE is committed to accelerating materials research and transitioning from "Made in Singapore" to "Created in Singapore".
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francis Jose, Shalabh K. Anand, Sunil P. Singh
Summary: The study investigates the impact of concentration-dependent motility on the phase separation and dynamics of colloids, revealing that the system can phase separate at very low packing fractions at higher self-propulsion speeds. In the phase-separated regime, the effective diffusivity shows a crossover behavior with the self-propulsion speed, and decreases exponentially with packing fraction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yaoye Hong, Yinding Chi, Shuang Wu, Yanbin Li, Yong Zhu, Jie Yin
Summary: This article introduces a 3D shape morphing strategy based on cut boundary curvature and discusses its applications in grippers and heaters. By programming the curvature of cut boundaries, the authors successfully designed a universal gripper for delicate objects and created dynamically conformable heaters for human knees.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marius Schoettle, Tobias Lauster, Lukas J. Roemling, Nicolas Vogel, Markus Retsch
Summary: Researchers have developed a general synthetic approach to creating continuous size gradient colloidal ensembles. By synthesizing a dispersion with a specifically designed gradual particle size distribution and then allowing self-assembly, they obtained a photonic colloidal glass with a continuous size gradient. Characterization methods demonstrated the potential of this mesostructure, including vivid structural colors and superior light scattering across the gradient.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marius Schoettle, Thomas Tran, Harald Oberhofer, Markus Retsch
Summary: By combining materials synthesis and colloidal mesostructure, a method is demonstrated to measure time and temperature independently based on the material properties of complex colloidal crystal mixtures. Utilizing machine learning-enabled image analysis, the colloidal crystal arrays can autonomously record isothermal heating events, with readout obtained by capturing photographs of the sensor using a standard smartphone camera.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Linn Leppert, Raisa-Ioana Biega, Menno Bokdam, Kai Herrmann, John Mohanraj, Dominik Skrybeck, Mukundan Thelakkat, Markus Retsch
Summary: This study investigates the thermal and electronic properties of A2PbI4 Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites and compares them with CH3NH3PbI3 using computational and experimental techniques. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that dynamic fluctuations in the organic sublattice determine the distortions of these materials at room temperature, which explains the significant differences in their electronic density of states. Furthermore, the analysis of the organic layer dynamics provides a mechanistic explanation for the phase transition of BA2PbI4 at 274K. The organic interlayer plays a crucial role in the electronic and thermal transport properties of Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Andreas Karg, Sebastian Goedrich, Philipp Dennstedt, Nicolas Helfricht, Markus Retsch, Georg Papastavrou
Summary: Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a versatile technique for monitoring electrochemical reactions on a highly resolved local scale. This research presents a novel approach to implement a three-electrode setup for SECM in any fluid cell, allowing for high-resolution imaging and equivalent electrochemical performance to macroscopic electrodes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marius Schoettle, Maximilian Theis, Tobias Lauster, Stephan Hauschild, Markus Retsch
Summary: Thin films of mixtures of colloids provide a simple way to adjust optical properties. However, predicting UV-vis spectra for different compositions in colloidal crystals and glasses is challenging due to the degree of disorder and the influence of volume ratio and morphology. This study presents a method for screening materials using gradient colloidal crystals and glasses, which allows for characterization of the entire composition range with high reproducibility and reduced experimental effort. The results show an optimum scattering efficiency close to the order/disorder transition, indicating the potential for machine-learning-enabled optimization of self-assembled optical materials.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tobias Lauster, Anika Mauel, Kai Herrmann, Viktoria Veitengruber, Qimeng Song, Juergen Senker, Markus Retsch
Summary: Passive radiative daytime cooling is a promising technology for carbon-neutral heat management, using optically engineered materials with distinct absorption and emission properties in the solar and mid-infrared range. To have a significant impact on global warming, large areas need to be covered with passive cooling materials or coatings due to their low emissive power during daytime. This study demonstrates the production of chitosan films from slightly acidic aqueous solutions, converting them into insoluble chitin through spectroscopic monitoring. With a reflective backing material, the films exhibit below-ambient temperature cooling capabilities with suitable emissivity and low solar absorption. This work highlights the potential of chitosan and chitin as biocompatible polymers for passive radiative cooling applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaojian Liao, Jakob Denk, Thomas Tran, Nobuyoshi Miyajima, Lothar Benker, Sabine Rosenfeldt, Stefan Schaffoener, Markus Retsch, Andreas Greiner, Guenter Motz, Seema Agarwal
Summary: Materials with low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity are required for sustainable applications in energy converters, miniaturized electronics, and high-temperature fuel cells. To achieve this, innovative design concepts that decouple phonon and electron transport are necessary. By incorporating carbon and silicon-based ceramics into electrospun nonwovens, we achieved a unique combination of thermal and electrical conductivity, which can inspire the design of similar materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qimeng Song, Thomas Tran, Kai Herrmann, Holger Schmalz, Markus Retsch
Summary: Plastic pollution has caused environmental issues and recycling challenges. This study proposes a new strategy to reuse aluminum-plastic laminates (APL) for passive daytime cooling applications. By coating the reflective layer of APL waste and applying a high emissive polydimethylsiloxane layer, a promising and flexible passive cooling foil is constructed. The low-cost APL waste-based passive cooling foil will contribute to energy and environmental issues.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gregory M. Grason, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: The article presents a framework for understanding the structure of supramolecular network crystals in soft matter using mesoatomic building blocks. These building blocks play a similar role to atomic or molecular subunits in hard matter crystals. By analyzing the shapes, internal structures, and local packing of these mesoatomic elements, the article proposes a set of rules for decomposing network crystals into unique mesoatomic building blocks. Additionally, the article suggests that mesoatoms are kinetically favored intermediate structures that guide the assembly of network crystals.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ilaie Nadejde, Edwin L. Thomas, Pavel I. Galich
Summary: This study expands the complete omnidirectional bandgaps of high symmetry two-dimensional phononic crystal designs through simple geometric changes. The experimental validation demonstrates the feasibility of achieving extreme ultrasonic attenuation using non-symmetric designs for both P- and S-waves. Practical insights into improving acoustic properties of phononic crystals are discussed.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kishin Matsumori, Ryushi Fujimura, Markus Retsch
Summary: In this study, the effect of phase-retarded coupling on electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) is investigated using theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The results show that the absorption of plasmonic particles can be significantly enhanced by tuning the interparticle distance and achieving constructive interference.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qimeng Song, Markus Retsch
Summary: Upcycling aluminum laminated plastic waste is a sustainable method to fabricate passive daytime cooling foils, providing a solution for the increasing energy demand for space cooling and environmental pollution caused by post-consumer plastic waste. The resulting cooling foil, made from mirror-like aluminum-plastic laminate waste combined with a laminated pouch foil, is flexible, easily scalable, low-cost, and can be fabricated with a common laminator. This enables the nonexperts to produce passive cooling materials, offering advanced sun shelters and comfortable temperatures to a wider community.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kishin Matsumori, Ryushi Fujimura, Markus Retsch
Summary: Electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) is an optical phenomenon that enhances light absorption of plasmonic systems by controlling the ratio of coupling strength to the total damping. In this study, a unified interpretation of EIA is provided for plasmonic-dielectric composites and all-plasmonic dipolar-quadrupolar antennas. The finite element method is used to reveal the mechanism of EIA by demonstrating the absorption enhancement of a resonance mode excited by near-field coupling. This generalized interpretation of EIA is essential for designing future optical components and devices.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
I-Ming Lin, Chih-Ying Yang, Yi-Ming Wang, Wei-En Wang, Yu-Chueh Hung, Edwin L. Thomas, Yeo-Wan Chiang
Summary: By using bicontinuous and nanoporous ordered nanonetworks, innovative materials with exceptional optical and mechanical properties can be created. These materials have a high surface-to-volume ratio and porosity, opening up new possibilities for material design.