Light-fueled dissipative self-assembly at molecular and macro-scale enabled by a visible-light-responsive transient hetero-complementary quadruple hydrogen bond

The development of out-of-equilibrium self-assembly systems using light as input fuel is highly desirable and promising for the fabrication of smart supramolecular materials. Herein, we report the construction of new artificial light-fueled dissipative molecular and macroscopic self-assembly systems based on a visible-light-responsive transient quadruple H-bonding array, which consists of an azobenzene-modified ureidopyrimidinone(UPy) module(Azo-O-UPy) and a nonphotoactive diamidonaphthyridine(DAN) derived competitive binder(Napy-1). The visible light(410 nm) irradiation can induce the E to Z isomerization of the azobenzene unit of E-Azo-O-UPy to produce Z-Azo-O-UPy with an opened UPy binding site, which can complex with Napy-1 to form a quadruply H-bonded heterodimer. The heterodimer is metastable and can be quickly disassembled in dark, owing to the fast thermal relaxation of Z-Azo-O-UPy to E-Azo-O-UPy. While introducing such transient quadruple H-bonding interaction into a linear polymer system or a polymeric gel system, light-fueled out-of-equilibrium polymeric assembly both at molecular and macro-scale can be achieved.

Nonlinearly induced entanglement in dissipatively coupled optomechanical system

Nonlinearly induced steady-state photon–phonon entanglement of a dissipative coupled system is studied in the bistable regime. Quantum dynamical characteristics are analysed by solving the mean-field and fluctuation equations of the system. It is shown that dissipative coupling can induce bistable behaviour for the effective dissipation of the system.Under suitable parameters, one of the steady states significantly reduces the dissipative effect of the system. Consequently,a larger steady-state entanglement can be achieved compared to linear dynamics. Furthermore, the experimental feasibility of the parameters is analysed. Our results provide a new perspective for the implementation of steady-state optomechanical entanglement.

Self-assembly of perovskite nanocrystals:From driving forces to applications

Self-assembly of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)into superlattices can exhibit unique collective properties,which have significant application values in the display,detector,and solar cell field.This review discusses the driving forces behind the self-assembly process of perovskite NCs,and the commonly used self-assembly methods and different self-assembly structures are detailed.Subsequently,we summarize the collective optoelectronic properties and application areas of perovskite superlattice structures.Finally,we conclude with an outlook on the potential issues and future challenges in developing perovskite NCs.

Alcohol solvent effect on the self-assembly behaviors of lignin oligomers

The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.

Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Hollow tubes constructed by carbon nanotubes self-assembly for CO_(2) capture

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have garnered significant attention in the fields of science,engineering,and medicine due to their numerous advantages.The initial step towards harnessing the potential of CNTs involves their macroscopic assembly.The present study employed a gentle and direct self-assembly technique,wherein controlled growth of CNT sheaths occurred on the metal wire’s surface,followed by etching of the remaining metal to obtain the hollow tubes composed of CNTs.By controlling the growth time and temperature,it is possible to alter the thickness of the CNTs sheath.After immersing in a solution containing 1 g/L of CNTs at 60℃for 24 h,the resulting CNTs layer achieved a thickness of up to 60μm.These hollow CNTs tubes with varying inner diameters were prepared through surface reinforcement using polymers and sacrificing metal wires,thereby exhibiting exceptional attributes such as robustness,flexibility,air tightness,and high adsorption capacity that effectively capture CO_(2) from the gas mixture.

Simulation of nanofluid natural convection based on single-particle hydrodynamics in energy-conserving dissipative particle dynamics(eDPD)

In the present study,the nanofliud natural convection is investigated by the energy-conserving dissipative particle dynamics(eDPD)method,where the nanoparticles are considered at the single-particle level.The thermal expansion coefficientβand the viscosityμof the simulated system containing nanoparticles are calculated and found to be in close alignment with the previous simulation results.The single-particle hydrodynamics in e DPD enables simulations of nanofluid natural convection with higher Rayleigh numbers and greater nanoparticle volume fractions.Additionally,this approach is utilized to simulate the nanoparticle distribution during the enhanced heat transfer process in the nanofluid natural convection.The localized aggregation of nanoparticles enhances the heat transfer performance of the nanofluid under specific Rayleigh numbers and nanoparticles volume fractions.

Pickering emulsion transport in skeletal muscle tissue:A dissipative particle dynamics simulation approach

Lymph node targeting is a commonly used strategy for particulate vaccines,particularly for Pickering emulsions.However,extensive research on the internal delivery mechanisms of these emulsions,especially the complex intercellular interactions of deformable Pickering emulsions,has been surprisingly sparse.This gap in knowledge holds significant potential for enhancing vaccine efficacy.This study aims to address this by summarizing the process of lymph-node-targeting transport and introducing a dissipative particle dynamics simulation method to evaluate the dynamic processes within cell tissue.The transport of Pickering emulsions in skeletal muscle tissue is specifically investigated as a case study.Various factors impacting the transport process are explored,including local cellular tissue environmental factors and the properties of the Pickering emulsion itself.The simulation results primarily demonstrate that an increase in radial repulsive interaction between emulsion particles can decrease the transport efficiency.Additionally,larger intercellular gaps also diminish the transport efficiency of emulsion droplet particles due to the increased motion complexity within the intricate transport space compared to a single channel.This study sheds light on the nuanced interplay between engineered and biological systems influencing the transport dynamics of Pickering emulsions.Such insights hold valuable potential for optimizing transport processes in practical biomedical applications such as drug delivery.Importantly,the desired transport efficiency varies depending on the specific application.For instance,while a more rapid transport might be crucial for lymph-node-targeted drug delivery,certain applications requiring a slower release of active components could benefit from the reduced transport efficiency observed with increased particle repulsion or larger intercellular gaps.

A Non-parametric Gradient-Based Shape Optimization Approach for Solving Inverse Problems in Directed Self-Assemblyof Block Copolymers

We consider the inverse problem of finding guiding pattern shapes that result in desired self-assembly morphologies of block copolymer melts.Specifically,we model polymer selfassembly using the self-consistent field theory and derive,in a non-parametric setting,the sensitivity of the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies to arbitrary perturbations in the guiding pattern shape.The sensitivity is then used for the optimization of the confining pattern shapes such that the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies is minimized.The efficiency and robustness of the proposed gradient-based algorithm are demonstrated in a number of examples related to templating vertical interconnect accesses(VIA).

Layer by Layer Self-assembly Fiber-based Flexible Electrochemical Transistor

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyethiophene)-polystyrene sulfonic acid(PEDOT:PSS)/polyallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride modified reduced graphene oxide(PDDA-rGO)was layer by layer self-assembled on the cotton fiber.The surface morphology and electric property was investigated.The results confirmed the dense membrane of PEDOT:PSS and the lamellar structure of PDDA-rGO on the fibers.It has excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.The fiber based electrochemical transistor(FECTs)prepared by the composite conductive fiber has a maximum output current of 8.7 mA,a transconductance peak of 10 mS,an on time of 1.37 s,an off time of 1.6 s and excellent switching stability.Most importantly,the devices by layer by layer self-assembly technology opens a path for the true integration of organic electronics with traditional textile technologies and materials,laying the foundation for their later widespread application.

Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulations of the Self-assembly Mechanisms of Fluorinated Ordered Mesoporous Carbon in the Aqueous Phase

To clarify the preparation mechanisms of uorinated ordered mesoporous carbon materials (FOMCs), the dissipative par- ticle dynamics method was used to simulate the self-assembly process of the amphiphilic triblock poly(ethylene oxide)- poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer Pluronic F127 in the aqueous system. The self-assembly mechanisms in aqueous phase and the formation mechanisms of micropores and mesopores were investigated. It was found that the mesoporous structure of the FOMCs was formed by the hydrophobic segments of F127, while the pore wall was formed by both the hydrophilic segments and the carbon precursor in the system. The microporous structure on the pore wall was con- structed by the carbon source in the hydrophilic segments’ spaces after the template was removed. Our ndings could provide understanding and knowledge for the synthesis of mesoporous carbon by the self-assembly method on the mesoscopic scale.

Combination therapy to overcome ferroptosis resistance by biomimetic self-assembly nano-prodrug

Ferroptosis has emerged as a potent form of no-apoptotic cell death that offers a promising alternative to avoid the chemoresistance of apoptotic pathways and serves as a vulnerability of cancer.Herein,we have constructed a biomimetic self-assembly nano-prodrug system that enables the co-delivery of gefitinib(Gefi),ferrocene(Fc)and dihydroartemisinin(DHA)for the combined therapy of both ferroptosis and apoptosis.In the tumor microenvironment,this nano-prodrug is able to disassemble and trigger drug release under high levels of GSH.Interestingly,the released DHA can downregulate GPX4 level for the enhancement of intracellular ferroptosis from Fc,further executing tumor cell death with concomitant chemotherapy by Gefi.More importantly,this nano-prodrug provides highly homologous targeting ability by coating related cell membranes and exhibits outstanding inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis,as well as no noticeable side-effects during treatments.This simple small molecular self-assembled nano-prodrug provides a new reasonably designed modality for ferroptosis-combined chemotherapy.

Efficient conversion of lignin waste and self-assembly synthesis of C@MnCo_(2)O_(4)for asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density

Lignin waste from the papermaking and biorefineries industry is a significantly promising renewable resource to prepare advanced carbon materials for diverse applications,such as the electrodes of supercapacitors;however,the improvement of their energy density remains a challenge.Here,we design a green and universal approach to prepare the composite electrode material,which is composed of lignin-phenolformaldehyde resins derived hierarchical porous carbon(LR-HPC)as conductive skeletons and the self-assembly manganese cobaltite(MnCo_(2)O_(4))nanocrystals as active sites.The synthesized C@MnCo_(2)O_(4)composite has an abundant porous structure and superior electronic conductivity,allowing for more charge/electron mass transfer channels and active sites for the redox reactions.The composite shows excellent electrochemical performance,such as the maximum specific capacitance of~726 mF cm^(-2)at 0.5 mV s^(-1),due to the significantly enhanced interactive interface between LR-HPC and MnCo_(2)O_(4)crystals.The assembled all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor,with the LR-HPC and C@MnCo_(2)O_(4)as cathode and anode,respectively,exhibits the highest volumetric energy density of 0.68 mWh cm^(-3)at a power density of 8.2 mW cm^(-3).Moreover,this device shows a high capacity retention ratio of~87.6%at 5 mA cm^(-2)after 5000 cycles.

A cladding-pumping based power-scaled noise-like and dissipative soliton pulse fiber laser

We report a high-average-power noise-like pulse(NLP) and dissipative soliton(DS) pulse fiber laser. Average power as high as 4.8 W could be obtained at the fundamental mode-locked repetition rate. The NLP can also be transformed into a more powerful DS mode-locking state by optimizing the polarization and losses of intra-cavity pulses in the nonlinear polarization evolution regime. The operation mode between the NLP and DS can be switched, and the laser output performance in both modes has been studied. The main advantage of this work is switchable high-power operation between the NLP and DS. In comparison with conventional single-mode NLP fiber lasers, the multi-function high-power optical source will greatly push its application in supercontinuum generation, coherence tomography, and industrial processing.

Deterministic remote preparation of multi-qubit equatorial states through dissipative channels

We investigate the influence of a noisy environment on the remote preparation of the multi-qubit equatorial state, and specifically deduce the final states and fidelities of the remote preparation of the three-qubit and four-qubit equatorial states under diverse types of noisy environments, namely, amplitude damping, bit flip, phase damping, phase flip, bit-phase flip,depolarization, and non-Markov environments. The results show that when the decoherence factors of the front six noises are equal, the influence degrees of phase damped noise, bit flip noise, phase flip noise, and bit-phase flip noise are similar,while the information loss caused by the amplitude damped noise and depolarizing noise is less. In particular, the bit flip noise and depolarizing noise may have more complex effects on the remote state preparation(RSP) schemes depending on the phase information of the target states, even for the ideal cases where the fidelity values are always 1 for specific phase relations. In the non-Markov environment, owing to the back and forth of information between the environment and systems, fidelities exhibit oscillating behavior and the minimum value may stay greater than zero for a long evolutionary time. These results are expected to have potential applications for understanding and avoiding the influence of noise on remote quantum communication and quantum networks.

Corrigendum to “The transition from conservative to dissipative flows in class-B laser model with fold-Hopf bifurcation andcoexisting attractors”

Recently, we received a letter from Prof. G. L. Oppo, which indicated that he had doubts about the transformation of the system in the article Chin. Phys. B 31 060503 (2022) and gave other considerations. After inspection, we found that there was a clerical error in the article. Based on this, we have made corrections and supplements to the original article.

Analysis on the formation principle and present situation of nano phase state of multi-component self-assembly of traditional Chinese compound medicine decoction

Traditional Chinese medicine decoction is a complex polydispersed phase system containing real solution,colloid solution,emulsion and suspension.The compound decoction of traditional Chinese medicine has complex components,including saponins,alkaloids,polysaccharides,flavonoids,amino acids and so on,which can be self-assembled to form gels,fibers,micelles,vesicles and so on.The self-assembled nano-phase not only neutralizes the single drug and reduces the toxicity and side effects,but also has its own pharmacological effects,which complement each other to achieve synergistic effect,so as to achieve the role of drug supplement,which is of research significance.The formation principle,solubilization and synergism principle and characterization method of multi-component self-assembly of traditional Chinese medicine compound decoction are discussed in this paper.

THE STABILITY OF BOUSSINESQ EQUATIONS WITH PARTIAL DISSIPATION AROUND THE HYDROSTATIC BALANCE

This paper is devoted to understanding the stability of perturbations around the hydrostatic equilibrium of the Boussinesq system in order to gain insight into certain atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena.The Boussinesq system focused on here is anisotropic,and involves only horizontal dissipation and thermal damping.In the 2D case R^(2),due to the lack of vertical dissipation,the stability and large-time behavior problems have remained open in a Sobolev setting.For the spatial domain T×R,this paper solves the stability problem and gives the precise large-time behavior of the perturbation.By decomposing the velocity u and temperatureθinto the horizontal average(ū,θ)and the corresponding oscillation(ū,θ),we can derive the global stability in H~2 and the exponential decay of(ū,θ)to zero in H^(1).Moreover,we also obtain that(ū_(2),θ)decays exponentially to zero in H^(1),and thatū_(1)decays exponentially toū_(1)(∞)in H^(1)as well;this reflects a strongly stratified phenomenon of buoyancy-driven fluids.In addition,we establish the global stability in H^(3)for the 3D case R^(3).

Mechanical response and dilatancy characteristics of deep marble under different stress paths:A sight from energy dissipation

Dilatancy is a fundamental volumetric growth behavior observed during loading and serves as a key index to comprehending the intricate nonlinear behavior and constitutive equation structure of rock.This study focuses on Jinping marble obtained from the Jinping Underground Laboratory in China at a depth of 2400 m.Various uniaxial and triaxial tests at different strain rates,along with constant confining pressure tests and reduced confining pressure tests under different confining pressures were conducted to analyze the mechanical response and dilatancy characteristics of the marble under four stress paths.Subsequently,a new empirical dilatancy coefficient is proposed based on the energy dissipation method.The results show that brittle failure characteristics of marble under uniaxial compression are more obvious with the strain rate increasing,and plastic failure characteristics of marble under triaxial compression are gradually strengthened.Furthermore,compared to the constant confining pressure,the volume expansion is relatively lower under unloading condition.The energy dissipation is closely linked to the process of dilatancy,with a rapid increase of dissipated energy coinciding with the beginning of dilatancy.A new empirical dilatancy coefficient is defined according to the change trend of energy dissipation rate curve,of which change trend is consistent with the actual dilatancy response in marble under different stress paths.The existing empirical and theoretical dilatancy models are analyzed,which shows that the empirical dilatancy coefficient based on the energy background is more universal.

Paving continuous heat dissipation pathways for quantum dots in polymer with orangeinspired radially aligned UHMWPE fibers

Thermal management of nanoscale quantum dots(QDs)in light-emitting devices is a long-lasting challenge.The existing heat transfer reinforcement solutions for QDs-polymer composite mainly rely on thermal-conductive fillers.However,this strategy failed to deliver the QDs’heat generation across a long distance,and the accumulated heat still causes considerable temperature rise of QDs-polymer composite,which eventually menaces the performance and reliability of lightemitting devices.Inspired by the radially aligned fruit fibers in oranges,we proposed to eliminate this heat dissipation challenge by establishing long-range ordered heat transfer pathways within the QDs-polymer composite.Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers(UPEF)were radially aligned throughout the polymer matrix,thus facilitating massive efficient heat dissipation of the QDs.Under a UPEF filling fraction of 24.46 vol%,the in-plane thermal conductivity of QDs-radially aligned UPEF composite(QDs-RAPE)could reach 10.45 W m^(−1) K^(−1),which is the highest value of QDs-polymer composite reported so far.As a proof of concept,the QDs’working temperature can be reduced by 342.5℃ when illuminated by a highly concentrated laser diode(LD)under driving current of 1000 mA,thus improving their optical performance.This work may pave a new way for next generation high-power QDs lighting applications.