Twining Poly(polyoxometalate) Chains into Nanoropes

Organic polymers and inorganic clusters belong to two different disciplines and have completely different properties and structures. When a cluster is attached to the backbone of a polymer as a pendant, the resultant hybrid polymers (polyclusters) exhibit unique behaviours totally different from those of conventional polymers owing to the nanoscale size of the cluster and its particular interactions. Herein, the aggregation of a poly(polyoxometalate)—a polynorbornene backbone with inorganic polyoxometalate cluster pendants—upon addition of a non-solvent to its dilute solution is reported. A three-dimensional network of tangled and snake-like nanothreads was observed. Direct visualisation of individual nanoscale clusters enabled identification of single chains within the nanothreads. These observations suggest that during the process of aggregation, the hybrid polymer forms curved or extended chains as a consequence of an armouring effect in which the collapsed cluster pendants wrap around the backbone. The collapse occurs because they become less soluble in the solvent/non-solvent mixture. The extended chains then become entwined and form nanoropes consisting of multiple chains wound around each other. This study provides a deeper understanding of the nature of polyclusters and should also prove useful for their future development and application.     

Water-induced formation of an alkali-ion dimer in cryptomelane nanorods

Tunneled metal oxides such as α-Mn₈O₁₆ (hollandite) have proven to be compelling candidates for charge-storage materials in high-density batteries. In particular, the tunnels can support one-dimensional chains of K⁺ ions (which act as structure-stabilizing dopants) and H₂O molecules, as these chains are favored by strong H-bonds and electrostatic interactions. In this work, we examine the role of water molecules in enhancing the stability of K⁺-doped α-Mn₈O₁₆ (cryptomelane). The combined experimental and theoretical analyses show that for high enough concentrations of water and tunnel-ions, H₂O displaces K⁺ ions from their natural binding sites. This displacement becomes energetically favorable due to the formation of K²⁺ dimers, thereby modifying the stoichiometric charge of the system. These findings have potentially significant technological implications for the consideration of cryptomelane as a Li⁺/Na⁺ battery electrode. Our work establishes the functional role of water in altering the energetics and structural properties of cryptomelane, an observation that has frequently been overlooked in previous studies.

Water displaces potassium ions and initiates the formation of a homonuclear dimer ion (K²⁺) in the tunnels of hollandite.     

A new strategy for synthesis of branched cyclic peptide by Asn side-chain hydrazide ligation

Here, we report a new strategy for rapid synthesis of branched peptide by side-chain hydrazide ligation at Asn. The hydrazide was converted to thioester at Asn side chain by NaNO₂ and thiol reagent, and sequential ligation with an N-terminus Cys-peptide efficiently afforded the branched peptide. A branched cyclic peptide was successfully synthesized by side-chain ligation with a two-Cys-peptide and formation of a disulfide bond. This approach provides a new way for expeditious synthesis of branched peptides and facilitates the design of neopeptides as functional bio-mimics.     

Quantifying the quantumness of ensembles via generalized α-z-relative rényi entropy

International Journal of Theoretical Physics - Quantifying the quantumness of ensembles is a vital and practical task in quantum information theory. In this paper, we quantify the quantumness of...     

Eye-safe compact scanning LIDAR technology

A 1.5-μm eye-safe, 3-D scanning, and compact Mie LIght Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is presented. The transmitter of the LIDAR is based on a KTA optical parameter oscillator (OPO) resonator. For detecting return signals, an InGaAs APD is used. The all solid-state OPO laser transmitter has the feature of small volume and lightweight, which allows a 165-lb compact eye-safe scanning LIDAR to be constructed. A system simulation using our own model was conducted to direct the system development. A method to solve the problem with small active area APD detectors was developed and described. The preliminary field-test measurement results indicated that the LIDAR has the capability to detect aerosols and clouds in lower atmospheres up to three dimensions.     

Numerical Evaluation of a Two-Loop Diagram in the Cutoff Regularization

The sunset diagram of λφ4 theory is evaluated numerically in cutoff scheme and a nonzero finite term(in accordance with dimensional regularization (DR) result) is found in contrast to published calculations. This findingdramatically reduces the critical couplings for symmetry breaking in the two-loop effective potential discussed in ourprevious work.     

Catalytic synthesis of single-crystalline gallium nitride nanobelts

Single-crystalline gallium nitride nanobelts have been synthesized through the reaction of gallium vapor with flowing ammonia using nickel as a catalyst. The as-synthesized products were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). XRD and SAED results revealed that the products are pure, single-crystalline GaN with hexagonal structure. The widths and thickness of the nanobelts ranged from 80 to 200 nm, and 10 to 30 nm, respectively. The lengths were up to several tens of micrometers. The nanobelts had smooth surface with no amorphous sheath, and a sharp-tip end. The growth mechanism of nanobelts was discussed.