Advances in colloid and interface science最新文献

In the realm of hybrid nanomaterials, the construction of core/shell nanoparticles offer an effective strategy for encompassing a particle by a polymeric or other suitable material, leading to a nanocomposite with distinct features within its structure. The polymer shell can be formed via nanoprecipitation, optimized by manipulating fluid flow, fluid mixing, modulating device features in microfluidics. In addition to the process optimization, success of polymer assembly in encapsulation strongly lies upon the favorable molecular interactions originating from the diverse chemical environment shared between core and shell materials facilitating formation of core/shell nanostructure. Therefore, understanding particle surface related properties and interaction profile of core/shell, is pertinent to fully harness control over core/shell structure formation. In our study, employing microfluidics-assisted screening of diverse MSN cores with contrasting charged dextran derived polymers, we conducted detailed characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging, and molecular simulations (MD) for analyzing interaction energies and molecular interactions. Our findings reveal that self-assembly of a polymer around the MSN cores majorly proceeds among counter charged entities (core and shell). From molecular perspective, in addition to the electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonded interactions also contribute to stabilizing polymer assembly. Contrarily, out data reveals that in case pi-cation and van der Waals interactions are dominant, encapsulation of MSN cores accomplishes regardless of particle surface charge. Therefore, by integrating morphological characterization and molecular insights from computational studies, we summarize the synthesis mechanism of core/shell nanostructures.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of porous crystalline materials with high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and customizable surface chemistry, making them ideal for selective metal ion separation. This review explores the nanoarchitectonics, mechanisms, and applications of COFs in metal ion separation. We highlight the diverse bonding types (e.g., imine, boronic ester) and topologies (2D and 3D) that enable precise separation for alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and precious metals. The influence of COFs' pore characteristics, such as surface area, pore size, and distribution, on their adsorption capacity and selectivity is discussed. Additionally, surface functionalization enhances ion adsorption through electrostatic, coordination, and polarity interactions. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including optimizing functional design for complex metal systems, improving material stability, and developing cost-effective synthesis methods. COFs also show promise in energy material recovery, biomedical diagnostics, and environmental remediation. Combining COFs with other separation technologies can enhance performance, and integrating AI and robotics in COF design may address current limitations, enabling broader industrial and environmental applications.

Biopolymers derived from natural resources are highly abundant, biodegradable, and biocompatible, making them promising candidates to replace non-renewable fossil fuels and mitigate environmental and health impacts. Nano-fibrous biopolymers possessing advantages of biopolymers entangle with each other through inter-/intra-molecular interactions, serving as ideal building blocks for gel construction. These biopolymer nanofibers often synergize with other nano-building blocks to enhance gels with desirable functions and eco-friendliness across various applications in biomedical, environmental, and energy sectors. The inter-/intra-molecular interactions directly affect the assembly of nano-building blocks, which determines the structure of gels, and the integrity of connected nano-building blocks, influencing the mechanical properties and the performance of gels in specific applications. This review focuses on four biopolymer nanofibers (cellulose, chitin, silk, collagen), commonly used in gel preparations, as representatives for polysaccharides and polypeptides. The covalent and non-covalent interactions between biopolymers and other materials have been categorized and discussed in relation to the resulting gel network structures and properties. Nanomechanical characterization techniques, such as surface forces apparatus (SFA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), have been employed to precisely quantify the intermolecular interactions between biopolymers and other building blocks. The applications of these gels are classified and correlated to the functions of their building blocks. The inter-/intra-molecular interactions act as "sewing threads", connecting all nano-building blocks to establish suitable network structures and functions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions involved in gel preparation and the design principles needed to achieve targeted functional gels.