Crystal phase control in two-dimensional materials

It is the nature of crystals to exist in different polymorphs. The recent emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials has evoked the discovery of a number of new crystal phases that are different from their bulk structures at ambient conditions, and revealed novel structure-dependent properties, which deserve in-depth understanding and further exploration. In this contribution, we review the recent development of crystal phase control in 2D materials, including group V and VI. transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), group IVA metal chalcogenides and noble metals. For each group of materials, we begin with introducing the various existing crystal phases and their structure-related properties, followed by a detailed discussion on factors that influence these crystal structures and thus the possible strategies for phase control. Finally, after summarizing the whole paper, we present the challenges and opportunities in this research direction.     

Novel identification approach for nonlinear systems with hysteresis

Nonlinear Dynamics - A new identification approach for a nonlinear system with hysteresis, namely a cascading Bouc–Wen hysteresis model with linear dynamics, is proposed in this study. The...     

Fractional-order sliding mode control of uncertain QUAVs with time-varying state constraints

Nonlinear Dynamics - In this paper, a novel robust fractional-order sliding mode (FOSM)-based state constrained control scheme is designed for uncertain quadrotor UAVs (QUAVs). Model uncertainties...     

Characteristic parameter extraction of running-in attractors based on phase trajectory and grey relation analysis

Nonlinear Dynamics - The coefficient of friction signals were extracted throughout the friction process, and the morphology of phase trajectory reconstructed from the obtained scalar time series...     

Visual and spectrophotometric detection of metformin based on the host-guest molecular recognition of cucurbit[6]uril-modified silver nanoparticles

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - A simple, sensitive, and naked-eye assay of metformin (MET), based on the host–guest molecular recognition of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6])-modified silver...     

Absolute control of helicity at the C-termini in quinoline oligoamide foldamers by chiral oxazolylaniline moieties

Absolute one-handed chiral quinoline tetramers andoctamers containing different oxazolylanilines at the C-terminus have been synthesized.The absolute one-handed sense and diastereomeric excess values were valued by^1H NMR.X-ray crystal diffractionand CD studies reveal that the S-oxazolylaniline always induces a P-handed helicity and the absolute helicity is driven by the stable three-center hydrogen bonding between protons in the amide and N atoms in oxazolylaniline and adjacent quinoline ring.CPL investigations demonstrated that S-CQn-a-d are CPL active and its g(lum)values are dependent on its length.Interestingly,the sizes of the substituents in the chiral centers are different,howeve r,they exert no effect on the dissymmetric factors g(abs)and g(lum)of quinoline oligoamide foldamers.     

Design and development of self-repairable and recyclable crosslinked poly(thiourethane-urethane) via enhanced aliphatic disulfide chemistry

Thermoset polymer elastomers that are capable of autonomous repairability upon physical damage at ambient temperature are highly desirable because of their thermal and environmental resistance, outstanding mechanical toughness and stability. To aim at this goal, we demonstrated that tris(diethylamino)phosphine was initially proven as an efficient catalyst for the aliphatic disulfide exchange at mild condition. By making use of the aliphatic disulfide bond reshuffling and elasticity of polyurethane elastomers, the inherently cross-linked polysulfide-based poly(thiourethane-urethane) elastomers were prepared and exhibited the ability to mend without extrinsic stimuli in the presence of phosphorus catalyst at room temperature after artificially damaged. The self-healing efficiency via the mechanical recovery approach was investigated to be mainly dependent upon the cross-linking density of polysulfide and hard segments chemistry, which in turns determined the molecular chain diffusion and reshuffling that was corroborated by the stress-relaxation study. The thermoset elastomer based on asymmetric diisocynate showed a maximum self-healing efficiency of 85.6% compared to 71.6% for the elastomer with symmetric monomer building blocks. The self-healable polymer was confirmed to be recyclable and reprocessable through a cut-compression processing cycle under a quite mild pressure and temperature thanks to the disulfide bond reshuffling. Meanwhile, the recycled thermoset elastomer well maintained the mechanical properties to its original material.     

Retraction Note to: Chattering-free variable structure controller design via fractional calculus approach and its application

Nonlinear Dynamics - TheEditor-in-Chief has retracted this article [1] because it overlaps significantly with an     

Nonlinear stochastic dynamics of a rub-impact rotor system with probabilistic uncertainties

Nonlinear Dynamics - This paper presents a stochastic model for performing the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of a Jeffcott rotor system with fixed-point rub-impact and multiple uncertain...