Thio-ether-footed resorcin[4]arenes: self-assembly in solution and interaction with gold nanoparticles as viewed by diffusion NMR

In this paper we present the synthesis and characterization of a new family of thio-ether-footed resorcin[4]arenes (2-4). Diffusion NMR was used to follow the self-assembly of 2-4 in CDCl₃ and CHCl₃ solutions. We found that all three molecules self-assemble into hexameric capsules. These capsules can accommodate both tertiary alkylamines and ammonium salts. From the diffusion NMR data we could conclude that the hexameric capsules of compounds 2-4 are of nearly equal stability and prevail in other organic solvents, such as dichloromethane and benzene but not in tetrahydrofuran (THF). By measuring the diffusion coefficients of 2-4 in different concentrations, we found that further aggregation, beyond the hexameric aggregates, is obtained, especially in the case of 2 at high concentrations. Different diffusion NMR techniques revealed that water molecules are part of the hexameric capsules of 2-4 in chloroform solutions. In addition diffusion NMR was used to examine the interactions of compounds 2-4 with gold nanoparticles in chloroform solution and provided an unequivocal evidence for the attachment of 2-4 to the surface of gold nanoparticles. No evidence was found for the formation of higher aggregates on the gold nanoparticles.     

Plasma jets produced by low energy laser pulse interaction with planar and cratered targets

Laser experiments of the plasma jet formation using nanosecond laser pulses with low energy, i.e., <20 J, are presented. Planar and cratered gadolinium and aluminum targets are irradiated with laser intensities of several 10¹⁴ W/cm². Spatially-resolved time-integrated X-ray spectra were recorded in the spectral range from 7 to 10 Å. A jet-like structure is obtained from aluminum targets with a preformed crater, which is not seen in planar target irradiation. For gadolinium, a jet is observed from both planar and preformed cratered targets, suggesting that the collimation is dominated by radiative cooling. A radiation-hydrodynamics code coupled to a non-LTE ionization code was used to model the plasma. The calculated plasma emission was found to be consistent with the experimental results.     

Public channel cryptography by synchronization of neural networks and chaotic maps

Two different kinds of synchronization have been applied to cryptography: synchronization of chaotic maps by one common external signal and synchronization of neural networks by mutual learning. By combining these two mechanisms, where the external signal to the chaotic maps is synchronized by the nets, we construct a hybrid network which allows a secure generation of secret encryption keys over a public channel. The security with respect to attacks, recently proposed by Shamir et al., is increased by chaotic synchronization.     

Generic approach for dispersing single-walled carbon nanotubes: the strength of a weak interaction

A generic noncovalent approach for dispersing high concentrations of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in organic as well as aqueous solutions of synthetic block copolymers is presented. It is suggested that a weak, long-ranged entropic repulsion among polymer-decorated tubes acts as a barrier that prevents the tubes from approaching the attractive part of the intertube potential. The method opens a new route for utilization of block copolymers as compatibilizers for SWNT, improving the incorporation of de-agglomerated SWNT into target polymeric matrixes.     

Partial wetting of chemically patterned surfaces: the effect of drop size

Partial wetting of chemically heterogeneous substrates is simulated. Three-dimensional sessile drops in equilibrium with smooth surfaces supporting ordered chemical patterns are considered. Significant features are observed as a result of changing the drop volume. The number of equilibrated drops is found either to remain constant or to increase with growing drop volume. The shape of larger drops appears to approach that of a spherical cap and their three-phase contact line seems, on a larger scale, more circular in shape than that of smaller drops. In addition, as the volume is increased, the average contact angle of drops whose free energy is lowest among all equilibrium-shaped drops of the same volume appears to approach the angle predicted by Cassie. Finally, contrary to results obtained with two-dimensional drops, contact angle hysteresis observed in this system is shown to exhibit a degree of volume dependence in the advancing and receding angles. Qualitative differences in the wetting behavior associated with the two different chemical patterns considered here, as well as differences between results obtained with two-dimensional and three-dimensional drops, can possibly be attributed to variations in the level of constraint imposed on the drop by the different patterns and by the dimensionality of the system.     

Shear-induced ordering of micellar arrays in the presence of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes were found to induce elongation and alignment of surfactant micelles in thin films under the action of shear, leading to the formation of ordered arrays over micron lengths.     

Strongly fluorescent, switchable perylene bis(diimide) host-guest complexes with cucurbit[8]uril in water

Supramolecular complexation of perylene bis(diimide) (PDI) dyes with the macrocyclic host cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) prevents self-aggregation of the dye molecules and enables their use as highly (photo)chemically stable, strongly-emitting fluorophores in water. The complexes are stimuli-responsive to binders and can be electrochemically cycled, leading to reversible on-off fluorescence switching and access to noncovalent formation of higher-order architectures in water.