The adsorption of flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） with the smeared charge distribution onto an oppositely charged sphere immersed in a PE solution is studied numerically with the continuum self-consistent field theory...The adsorption of flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） with the smeared charge distribution onto an oppositely charged sphere immersed in a PE solution is studied numerically with the continuum self-consistent field theory. The power law scaling relationships between the boundary layer thickness and the surface charge density and the charge fraction of PE chains revealed in the study are in good agreement with the existing analytical result. The curvature effect on the degree of charge compensation of the total amount of charges on the adsorbed PE chains over the surface charges is examined, and a clear understanding of it based on the dependences of the degree of charge compensation on the surface charge density and the charge fraction of PE chains is established.展开更多
Bilayer membranes self-assembled from amphiphilic molecules such as lipids, surfactants, and block copolymers are ubiquitous in biological and physiochemical systems. The shape and structure of bilayer membranes depen...Bilayer membranes self-assembled from amphiphilic molecules such as lipids, surfactants, and block copolymers are ubiquitous in biological and physiochemical systems. The shape and structure of bilayer membranes depend crucially on their mechanical properties such as surface tension, bending moduli, and line tension. Understanding how the molecular properties of the amphiphiles determine the structure and mechanics of the self-assembled bilayers requires a molecularly detailed theoretical framework. The self-consistent field theory provides such a theoretical framework, which is capable of accurately predicting the mechanical parameters of self-assembled bilayer membranes. In this mini review we summarize the formulation of the self-consistent field theory, as exemplified by a model system composed of flexible amphiphilic chains dissolved in hydrophilic polymeric solvents, and its application to the study of self-assembled bilayer membranes.展开更多
Self-assembled nanostructures of lipids and nanoparticles hold great promise for applications in such fields as nanomedicine. This paper uses the self-consistent field theory to investigate the self-assembly behavior ...Self-assembled nanostructures of lipids and nanoparticles hold great promise for applications in such fields as nanomedicine. This paper uses the self-consistent field theory to investigate the self-assembly behavior of lipid molecules and nanoparticles with different shapes in an aqueous solution. It is found that the lipid molecules can form monolayered and bilayered nanostructures around the nanopartieles with different shapes （e.g., triangular, square, hexagonal and octangular）. With decreasing the size of nanoparticles or increasing the number of polygon edges, the shape of lipid layers will approach an approximately spherical shape. These findings may help to predict and design novel drug delivery nanocarriers.展开更多
Self assemblies of ABC triblock copolymer thin films on a densely brush-coated substrate were investigated by using the self-consistent field theory.The middle block B and the coated polymer form one phase and the alt...Self assemblies of ABC triblock copolymer thin films on a densely brush-coated substrate were investigated by using the self-consistent field theory.The middle block B and the coated polymer form one phase and the alternating phase A and phase C occur when the film is very thin either for the neutral or selective hard surface(which is opposite to the brushcoated substrate).The lamellar phase is stable on the hard surface when it is neutral and interestingly,the short block tends to stay on this hard surface...展开更多
The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) based upon coarse-grained model is especially suitable for investigating thermodynamic equilibrium morphology and the phase diagram of inhomo-geneous polymer systems subjected t...The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) based upon coarse-grained model is especially suitable for investigating thermodynamic equilibrium morphology and the phase diagram of inhomo-geneous polymer systems subjected to phase separation. The advantage of this model is that the details of the chain such as the architecture of the chain and the sequence of blocks can be consid-ered. We present here an overview of SCFT approach and its applications in polymeric systems. In particular, we wish to focus on our group’s achievements in applications of SCFT in such fields: simulation of microphase separation morphologies of multiblock copolymers with a complex molecular architecture, interactions between brush-coated sheets in a polymer matrix, mixtures of flexible poly-mers and small molecular liquid crystals at the interface, shapes of polymer-chain-anchored fluid vesicles, self-assembled morphologies of block copolymers in dilute solution, and so on. Finally, the further developments as well as the perspective applications of SCFT are discussed.展开更多
The self-consistent field theory has been employed to numerically study the response of bi-disperse flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） brushes grafted on an electrode to electric fields generated by opposite surface char...The self-consistent field theory has been employed to numerically study the response of bi-disperse flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） brushes grafted on an electrode to electric fields generated by opposite surface charges on the PE-grafted electrode and a second parallel electrode. The numerical study reveals that, under a positive external electric field, the shorter and negatively charged PE chains are more responsive than the longer PE chains in terms of the relative changes in their respective brush heights. Whereas under a negative external electric field, the opposite was observed. The total electric force on the grafted PE chains was calculated and it was found that, under a positive external electric field, the magnitude of the total electric force acting on one shorter PE chain is larger than that on one longer PE chain, or vice versa. The underlying mechanism was unraveled through analyzing the total electric field across the two oppositely charged electrodes.展开更多
Self-consistent field theory（SCFT）, as a state-of-the-art technique for studying the self-assembly of block copolymers, is attracting continuous efforts to improve its accuracy and efficiency. Here we present a four...Self-consistent field theory（SCFT）, as a state-of-the-art technique for studying the self-assembly of block copolymers, is attracting continuous efforts to improve its accuracy and efficiency. Here we present a fourth-order exponential time differencing Runge-Kutta algorithm（ETDRK4） to solve the modified diffusion equation（MDE） which is the most time-consuming part of a SCFT calculation. By making a careful comparison with currently most efficient and popular algorithms, we demonstrate that the ETDRK4 algorithm significantly reduces the number of chain contour steps in solving the MDE, resulting in a boost of the overall computation efficiency, while it shares the same spatial accuracy with other algorithms. In addition, to demonstrate the power of our ETDRK4 algorithm, we apply it to compute the phase boundaries of the bicontinuous gyroid phase in the strong segregation regime and to verify the existence of the triple point of the O70 phase, the lamellar phase and the cylindrical phase.展开更多
采用密度泛函理论的B3LYP方法、微扰理论的MP2方法和自洽反应场理论的smd模型方法,对标题反应进行了研究。反应通道研究发现:标题反应有2条通道a和b,分别是质子H只以氨基和以羰基与氨基顺次为桥,从手性碳的一侧迁移到另一侧。结构分析表...采用密度泛函理论的B3LYP方法、微扰理论的MP2方法和自洽反应场理论的smd模型方法,对标题反应进行了研究。反应通道研究发现:标题反应有2条通道a和b,分别是质子H只以氨基和以羰基与氨基顺次为桥,从手性碳的一侧迁移到另一侧。结构分析表明:过渡态a TS2·2H_2O分子内的7元环结构基本共面,7元环结构的各个氢键角接近平角。势能面计算表明:a是主反应通道,决速步自由能垒为249.5 k J·mol^(-1),由质子从手性碳向氨基氮迁移的过渡态产生;2个水分子作H迁移媒介,同时考虑连续介质模型的水溶剂化效应时,决速步自由能垒降到113.2 k J·mol^(-1),反应速率常数为5.85×10^(-8)s^(-1);水溶剂化效应使氨基异构反应的能垒从裸反应的13.4 k J·mol^(-1)升高到19.3 k J·mol^(-1)。结果表明:水溶剂化效应对非质子迁移的异构反应具有阻碍作用;水分子的催化和水溶剂化效应的共同作用,使质子从手性碳向氨基迁移反应的能垒大幅度降低。展开更多
基金Project supports by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.21074062 and 11174163)the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,Ministry of Education of Chinathe Scientific Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Educational Department,China(Grant No.Y200907455)
文摘The adsorption of flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） with the smeared charge distribution onto an oppositely charged sphere immersed in a PE solution is studied numerically with the continuum self-consistent field theory. The power law scaling relationships between the boundary layer thickness and the surface charge density and the charge fraction of PE chains revealed in the study are in good agreement with the existing analytical result. The curvature effect on the degree of charge compensation of the total amount of charges on the adsorbed PE chains over the surface charges is examined, and a clear understanding of it based on the dependences of the degree of charge compensation on the surface charge density and the charge fraction of PE chains is established.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11421101 and 21274005)the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council(NSERC)of Canada
文摘Bilayer membranes self-assembled from amphiphilic molecules such as lipids, surfactants, and block copolymers are ubiquitous in biological and physiochemical systems. The shape and structure of bilayer membranes depend crucially on their mechanical properties such as surface tension, bending moduli, and line tension. Understanding how the molecular properties of the amphiphiles determine the structure and mechanics of the self-assembled bilayers requires a molecularly detailed theoretical framework. The self-consistent field theory provides such a theoretical framework, which is capable of accurately predicting the mechanical parameters of self-assembled bilayer membranes. In this mini review we summarize the formulation of the self-consistent field theory, as exemplified by a model system composed of flexible amphiphilic chains dissolved in hydrophilic polymeric solvents, and its application to the study of self-assembled bilayer membranes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(10972121)the Ministry of Education (SRFDP 20090002110047)the 973 Program of MOST(2012CB934101)
文摘Self-assembled nanostructures of lipids and nanoparticles hold great promise for applications in such fields as nanomedicine. This paper uses the self-consistent field theory to investigate the self-assembly behavior of lipid molecules and nanoparticles with different shapes in an aqueous solution. It is found that the lipid molecules can form monolayered and bilayered nanostructures around the nanopartieles with different shapes （e.g., triangular, square, hexagonal and octangular）. With decreasing the size of nanoparticles or increasing the number of polygon edges, the shape of lipid layers will approach an approximately spherical shape. These findings may help to predict and design novel drug delivery nanocarriers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundations of China(Nos.20504013,20674035,20874046 and50533020)the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2007CB825101)+1 种基金the Nanjing University TalentDevelopment Foundation(No.0205004107)the Natural Science Foundation of Nanjing University(No.0205005216).
文摘Self assemblies of ABC triblock copolymer thin films on a densely brush-coated substrate were investigated by using the self-consistent field theory.The middle block B and the coated polymer form one phase and the alternating phase A and phase C occur when the film is very thin either for the neutral or selective hard surface(which is opposite to the brushcoated substrate).The lamellar phase is stable on the hard surface when it is neutral and interestingly,the short block tends to stay on this hard surface...
基金This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2005CB623800) the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20474012, 20374016 & 20104002)This review was recommended by Prof.Li Lemin,member of editorial of Science in China.
文摘The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) based upon coarse-grained model is especially suitable for investigating thermodynamic equilibrium morphology and the phase diagram of inhomo-geneous polymer systems subjected to phase separation. The advantage of this model is that the details of the chain such as the architecture of the chain and the sequence of blocks can be consid-ered. We present here an overview of SCFT approach and its applications in polymeric systems. In particular, we wish to focus on our group’s achievements in applications of SCFT in such fields: simulation of microphase separation morphologies of multiblock copolymers with a complex molecular architecture, interactions between brush-coated sheets in a polymer matrix, mixtures of flexible poly-mers and small molecular liquid crystals at the interface, shapes of polymer-chain-anchored fluid vesicles, self-assembled morphologies of block copolymers in dilute solution, and so on. Finally, the further developments as well as the perspective applications of SCFT are discussed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21374052)the support from K.C.Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University
文摘The self-consistent field theory has been employed to numerically study the response of bi-disperse flexible polyelectrolyte （PE） brushes grafted on an electrode to electric fields generated by opposite surface charges on the PE-grafted electrode and a second parallel electrode. The numerical study reveals that, under a positive external electric field, the shorter and negatively charged PE chains are more responsive than the longer PE chains in terms of the relative changes in their respective brush heights. Whereas under a negative external electric field, the opposite was observed. The total electric force on the grafted PE chains was calculated and it was found that, under a positive external electric field, the magnitude of the total electric force acting on one shorter PE chain is larger than that on one longer PE chain, or vice versa. The underlying mechanism was unraveled through analyzing the total electric field across the two oppositely charged electrodes.
基金financially supported by the China Scholarship Council (No. 201406105018)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21004013)the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2011CB605701)
文摘Self-consistent field theory（SCFT）, as a state-of-the-art technique for studying the self-assembly of block copolymers, is attracting continuous efforts to improve its accuracy and efficiency. Here we present a fourth-order exponential time differencing Runge-Kutta algorithm（ETDRK4） to solve the modified diffusion equation（MDE） which is the most time-consuming part of a SCFT calculation. By making a careful comparison with currently most efficient and popular algorithms, we demonstrate that the ETDRK4 algorithm significantly reduces the number of chain contour steps in solving the MDE, resulting in a boost of the overall computation efficiency, while it shares the same spatial accuracy with other algorithms. In addition, to demonstrate the power of our ETDRK4 algorithm, we apply it to compute the phase boundaries of the bicontinuous gyroid phase in the strong segregation regime and to verify the existence of the triple point of the O70 phase, the lamellar phase and the cylindrical phase.
文摘采用密度泛函理论的B3LYP方法、微扰理论的MP2方法和自洽反应场理论的smd模型方法,对标题反应进行了研究。反应通道研究发现:标题反应有2条通道a和b,分别是质子H只以氨基和以羰基与氨基顺次为桥,从手性碳的一侧迁移到另一侧。结构分析表明:过渡态a TS2·2H_2O分子内的7元环结构基本共面,7元环结构的各个氢键角接近平角。势能面计算表明:a是主反应通道,决速步自由能垒为249.5 k J·mol^(-1),由质子从手性碳向氨基氮迁移的过渡态产生;2个水分子作H迁移媒介,同时考虑连续介质模型的水溶剂化效应时,决速步自由能垒降到113.2 k J·mol^(-1),反应速率常数为5.85×10^(-8)s^(-1);水溶剂化效应使氨基异构反应的能垒从裸反应的13.4 k J·mol^(-1)升高到19.3 k J·mol^(-1)。结果表明:水溶剂化效应对非质子迁移的异构反应具有阻碍作用;水分子的催化和水溶剂化效应的共同作用,使质子从手性碳向氨基迁移反应的能垒大幅度降低。
