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| Open AccessConducting linear chains of sulphur inside carbon nanotubes
Elemental sulphur is an insulator in the bulk phase, although it may become conducting under ultrahigh-pressure conditions. Here, the authors report a one-dimensional conducting form of sulphur formed by encapsulation inside single-walled and double-walled carbon nanotubes.
- Toshihiko Fujimori
- , Aarón Morelos-Gómez
- & Katsumi Kaneko
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Chemical synthesis of lactic acid from cellulose catalysed by lead(II) ions in water
The direct transformation of cellulose into high-value chemicals is a key process in the establishment of biomass-derived chemical production. Here, the authors present the lead(II)-catalysed conversion of cellulose into lactic acid via a cascade reaction, which proceeds in water under mild conditions.
- Yanliang Wang
- , Weiping Deng
- & Huilin Wan
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Article
| Open AccessTetrasaccharide iteration synthesis of a heparin-like dodecasaccharide and radiolabelling for in vivo tissue distribution studies
Heparin-like oligosaccharides are implicated in various diseases. Hansen et al. report an efficient two-cycle [4+4+4] tetrasaccharide-iteration-based approach to synthesize a structurally defined heparin dodecasaccharide with a latent aldehyde tag for labelling and conjugation.
- Steen U. Hansen
- , Gavin J. Miller
- & John M. Gardiner
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Direct measurement and modulation of single-molecule coordinative bonding forces in a transition metal complex
The nature of metal–ligand interactions remains unclear in coordination chemistry. Hao et al. address this question using in situelectrochemically controlled atomic force microscopy, which can monitor and modulate the coordinative bonding in a transition metal complex at a molecular level.
- Xian Hao
- , Nan Zhu
- & Qijin Chi
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Promotion of oxygen reduction by a bio-inspired tethered iron phthalocyanine carbon nanotube-based catalyst
The rational design of inexpensive and durable oxygen reduction catalysts may lead to enhanced fuel cell performance. Here, the authors report a bio-inspired catalyst in which hybridization of iron 3delectrons with a carbon nanotube alters its electronic structure and improves catalytic performance.
- Ruiguo Cao
- , Ranjit Thapa
- & Jaephil Cho
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Photolatently modulable hydrogels using unilamellar titania nanosheets as photocatalytic crosslinkers
Postsynthetic modulation of the structural properties of hydrogels is desirable for a range of biomaterials applications. Here, the authors fabricate photolatently modulable polymer hydrogels crosslinked by titania nanosheets, which may be micropatterned with high spatial and temporal resolution.
- Mingjie Liu
- , Yasuhiro Ishida
- & Takuzo Aida
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Article
| Open AccessA solid with a hierarchical tetramodal micro-meso-macro pore size distribution
Porous solids have potential applications in energy storage, gas separation and catalysis technologies. Here, the authors report a hierarchical solid with porosity spanning the micro, meso and macro ranges, which is synthesized using templating silica, and potassium ions as both templates and reactive species.
- Yu Ren
- , Zhen Ma
- & Peter G. Bruce
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A ladder polysilane as a template for folding palladium nanosheets
Since the isolation of graphene, there has been extensive interest in other two-dimensional structures including metallic nanosheets. Here, the authors report the use of ladder polysilane ligands for the synthesis of palladium clusters containing eleven metal ions, made up of two heptametallic nanosheets.
- Yusuke Sunada
- , Ryohei Haige
- & Hideo Nagashima
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Giant cationic polyelectrolytes generated via electrochemical oxidation of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Reduced carbon nanotube anions can be effectively processed and functionalized. Here, the authors prepare discrete nanotube cations by electrochemical oxidation, and the confirmation of their reactivity towards nucleophiles suggests a new library of covalent nanotube modifications.
- Stephen A. Hodge
- , Mustafa K. Bayazit
- & Milo S. P. Shaffer
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Mechanical stimulation and solid seeding trigger single-crystal-to-single-crystal molecular domino transformations
Despite extensive research on mechanical control of phase change in crystals, a molecular-level understanding of the forces involved is lacking. Here, the authors observe a phase change process optically, and show that it is induced by mechanical stimulation and proceeds through domino-like self-replication.
- Hajime Ito
- , Mai Muromoto
- & Tomohiro Seki
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Synthetic regimes due to packing constraints in dendritic molecules confirmed by labelling experiments
Classical theory predicts that branching defects are unavoidable in large dendritic molecules when steric congestion becomes important. Zhang et al. present the first direct evidence of this effect by means of defect labelling of a homologous series of dendronized polymers.
- Baozhong Zhang
- , Hao Yu
- & Martin Kröger
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Multistep kinetic self-assembly of DNA-coated colloids
The final state of self-assembled systems is determined by both their thermodynamic and kinetic pathways. Di Michele et al.develop a strategy to realize predesigned amorphous structures of complex DNA colloidal mixtures by selectively activating local inter- or intra-species interactions upon freezing.
- Lorenzo Di Michele
- , Francesco Varrato
- & Erika Eiser
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Solution-based circuits enable rapid and multiplexed pathogen detection
Rapid, highly multiplexed molecular detection platforms may enable more specific and effective disease diagnosis. Here, a solution-based circuit is reported that enables the analysis of samples for panels of pathogens and antibiotic-resistance profiles at clinically relevant levels in less than 2 min.
- Brian Lam
- , Jagotamoy Das
- & Shana O. Kelley
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Article
| Open AccessNonvolatile liquid anthracenes for facile full-colour luminescence tuning at single blue-light excitation
Nonvolatile luminescent liquids are solvent-free fluids with a range of flexible electronic applications. Here, the authors show that anthracenes enveloped in branched aliphatic compounds are stable emissive liquids, with emissive and thermoresponsive properties that may be tuned by addition of dopants.
- Sukumaran Santhosh Babu
- , Martin J. Hollamby
- & Takashi Nakanishi
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Stable Li-ion battery anodes by in-situ polymerization of conducting hydrogel to conformally coat silicon nanoparticles
Nanostructured silicon is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries but needs to tolerate large volume increase upon lithiation. Wu et al. solve this problem by binding silicon nanoparticles to a conducting polymer hydrogel via in-situpolymerization, which also improves cycling stability.
- Hui Wu
- , Guihua Yu
- & Yi Cui
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Article
| Open AccessCapture and conversion of CO2 at ambient conditions by a conjugated microporous polymer
Conjugated microporous polymers are highly flexible materials that may be used for gas storage and catalysis applications. Here, the authors report metal-functionalized conjugated microporous polymers capable of both capturing CO2and functioning as a heterogeneous catalyst in its conversion to propylene carbonate.
- Yong Xie
- , Ting-Ting Wang
- & Wei-Qiao Deng
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Photo-oxidative enhancement of polymeric molecular sieve membranes
Membranes for molecular-level sieving based on processable, permeable polymers are desirable for industrial processes. Here, the authors report the photo-oxidative surface modification of these membranes, which results in asymmetric materials with high selectivity and permeability for gas separations.
- Qilei Song
- , Shuai Cao
- & Easan Sivaniah
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Catalytically active single-atom niobium in graphitic layers
Noble metallic subnanometre clusters exhibit superior catalytic activities, but their stability remains a problem. Zhang et al. report that single niobium atoms can be stabilized in graphitic layers and the resulting carbide complex exhibits higher activity compared with commercial platinum nanoclusters.
- Xuefeng Zhang
- , Junjie Guo
- & Matthew F. Chisholm
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An influenza virus-inspired polymer system for the timed release of siRNA
Small interfering RNA is degraded by plasma and can’t cross the cell membrane due to its negative charge. Here, the authors present an influenza inspired polymer carrier, capable of local RNA delivery, which degrades to a non-toxic by-product, and is thus suitable for multiple doses.
- Nghia P Truong
- , Wenyi Gu
- & Michael J Monteiro
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Article
| Open AccessAmorphous nickel hydroxide nanospheres with ultrahigh capacitance and energy density as electrochemical pseudocapacitor materials
Nickel hydroxide is a promising material for capacitor electrodes and most research has focussed on the crystalline form. Here, the authors report that amorphous nickel hydroxide nanospheres, which may be synthesized relatively easily, also exhibit excellent integrated electrochemical performance.
- H. B. Li
- , M. H. Yu
- & G. W. Yang
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High-performance rechargeable lithium-iodine batteries using triiodide/iodide redox couples in an aqueous cathode
Aqueous lithium batteries can store more energy because of their high ionic conductivity compared with the all-solid-state or non-aqueous electrolyte based counterparts. Zhao et al. report a large energy storage density by using safe and low-cost triiodide/iodide redox reaction in an aqueous cathode.
- Yu Zhao
- , Lina Wang
- & Hye Ryung Byon
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Controlled multi-vinyl monomer homopolymerization through vinyl oligomer combination as a universal approach to hyperbranched architectures
Hyperbranched polymers have desirable properties as novel materials, and may be synthesized from homopolymerization of multi-vinyl momomers, although this can form insoluble products at low conversions. Here, the authors produce hyperbranched polymers in high yield owing to a kinetic control mechanism.
- Tianyu Zhao
- , Yu Zheng
- & Wenxin Wang
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Stimuli-responsive selection of target DNA sequences by synthetic bZIP peptides
The expression of specific genes can be controlled by the combination of DNA-binding proteins, which determines their binding site selectivity. Here, simplified synthetic basic region leucine zipper-based peptides are induced to dimerize either through their C- or N-terminus, and thus are targeted to different DNA sequences.
- Jesús Mosquera
- , Adrián Jiménez-Balsa
- & José L Mascareñas
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Article
| Open AccessAssembly of a π–π stack of ligands in the binding site of an acetylcholine-binding protein
AChBP is used as a structurally accessible prototype for studying ligand binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Stornaiuolo et al. report that a small molecule binds AChBP in an ordered p–p stack of three molecules per binding site, which may lead to new approaches in drug design.
- Mariano Stornaiuolo
- , Gerdien E. De Kloe
- & Titia K. Sixma
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Direct atomic-scale confirmation of three-phase storage mechanism in Li4Ti5O12 anodes for room-temperature sodium-ion batteries
The development of suitable anode materials for room-temperature sodium-ion batteries remains a challenging issue. Sun et al. show that the well-known zero-strain Li4Ti5O12anode for lithium storage is capable of reversibly hosting sodium ions via a three-phase storage mechanism.
- Yang Sun
- , Liang Zhao
- & Xuejie Huang
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Article
| Open AccessSelective isolation of gold facilitated by second-sphere coordination with α-cyclodextrin
Currently, gold recovery from waste materials requires inorganic cyanides and more environmentally benign methods are required. Here, the authors report that host–guest interactions between α-cyclodextrin and gold lead to the precipitation of one-dimensional superstructures, offering a selective and green alternative.
- Zhichang Liu
- , Marco Frasconi
- & J. Fraser Stoddart
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Advanced zinc-air batteries based on high-performance hybrid electrocatalysts
Metal-air batteries are promising for energy storage because of their high theoretical energy density, but their realization is hampered by the lack of efficient and robust air catalysts. Li et al. construct stable zinc-air batteries using novel catalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.
- Yanguang Li
- , Ming Gong
- & Hongjie Dai
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A reversible long-life lithium–air battery in ambient air
Lithium air batteries have among the highest energy storage capacities, but their effective lifetime is short when using liquid electrolytes. Zhang et al. realize a lithium air battery with much improved cycling stability in ambient air by combining a solid electrolyte and a gel cathode.
- Tao Zhang
- & Haoshen Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessLinkage control between molecular and supramolecular chirality in 21-helical hydrogen-bonded networks using achiral components
Chiral molecules form one-handed supramolecular assemblies but may be induced to switch to the other handed assembly, although the mechanisms driving these processes are unclear. Here, the authors demonstrate control of the supramolecular assembly handedness via the introduction of achiral counter ions.
- Toshiyuki Sasaki
- , Ichiro Hisaki
- & Mikiji Miyata
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Porous boron nitride nanosheets for effective water cleaning
The development of materials for the effective removal of oils and solvents from water is of global importance. Here, the authors show that porous, hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are capable of absorbing many times their own weight in oil while repelling water, and may be cleaned for reuse by heating or burning in air.
- Weiwei Lei
- , David Portehault
- & Ying Chen
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Using 20-million-year-old amber to test the super-Arrhenius behaviour of glass-forming systems
Classical theory predicts that glass dynamics exhibit a singularity at some finite temperature. Zhao et al. test this theory in fossil amber by determining upper bounds of the equilibrium relaxation times, and find no such behaviour even far below the glass transition challenging conventional assumptions.
- Jing Zhao
- , Sindee L. Simon
- & Gregory B. McKenna
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Article
| Open AccessA synthetic route to ultralight hierarchically micro/mesoporous Al(III)-carboxylate metal-organic aerogels
Hierarchically porous metal-organic monoliths are potential materials for mass transfer applications. Here, the authors synthesize metal-organic aerogels via the gelation of metal-organic frameworks, and are able to tune their porosity exploiting the properties of both crystalline and aerogel materials.
- Lei Li
- , Shenglin Xiang
- & Cheng-Yong Su
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Article
| Open AccessCalix[n]imidazolium as a new class of positively charged homo-calix compounds
Only two types of neutral homo-calix compounds, including analogues, have been reported. Chun et al. now describe a new class of positively charged calix[n]imidazolium, which is synthesized in one pot and is able to recognize anions and fullerenes in aqueous media.
- Young Chun
- , N Jiten Singh
- & Kwang S Kim
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Article
| Open AccessNanobatteries in redox-based resistive switches require extension of memristor theory
The original definition of a memristor envisions a two-terminal memory device with a pinched, zero-crossing hysteresis loop. As the authors show here, an electromotive force leads to non-zero-crossing characteristics in nanoionic-type memristors, implying that the memristor definition must be amended.
- I. Valov
- , E. Linn
- & R. Waser
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A top–down strategy towards monodisperse colloidal lead sulphide quantum dots
Quantum dots with a fine size dispersion offer attractive levels of functional control and manipulation. In this study, Yang et al. report an environmentally friendly top–down synthesis technique, based on laser irradiation of a polydisperse of lead sulphide nanocrystals.
- Jing Yang
- , Tao Ling
- & Xi-Wen Du
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High-power lithium ion microbatteries from interdigitated three-dimensional bicontinuous nanoporous electrodes
Microbatteries offer new opportunities for microelectronics, but performance and integration remain a challenge. Pikul et al. develop a lithium ion microbattery with fully integrated nanoporous electrodes, which exceeds the power densities of most supercapacitors while retaining high-energy density.
- James H. Pikul
- , Hui Gang Zhang
- & William P. King
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Codoping titanium dioxide nanowires with tungsten and carbon for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Titanium dioxide nanowires are used as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Here Zheng et al. demonstrate that doping these nanowires with tungsten and carbon atom pairs considerably enhances their performance.
- In Sun Cho
- , Chi Hwan Lee
- & Xiaolin Zheng
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New materials for methane capture from dilute and medium-concentration sources
Methane is an important greenhouse gas but its capture presents a challenge due to its weak interactions with most materials. Here the authors perform a systematic screening of liquid solvents and nanoporous zeolites, and identify zeolite structures with good potential for methane uptake and separation.
- Jihan Kim
- , Amitesh Maiti
- & Roger D. Aines
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Highly sensitive sulphide mapping in live cells by kinetic spectral analysis of single Au-Ag core-shell nanoparticles
H2S is an important gasotransmitter in many physiological processes but its concentrations are difficult to measure in vivo. Xiong et al. demonstrate that local variations in H2S levels in live cells can be mapped in real time via spectral shift rates of Au-Ag core-shell plasmonic nanoprobes.
- Bin Xiong
- , Rui Zhou
- & Edward S. Yeung
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Externally controlled on-demand release of anti-HIV drug using magneto-electric nanoparticles as carriers
Magneto-electric nanoparticles may facilitate the low-energy and dissipation-free field-triggered release of drugs across the blood–brain barrier. Here, the authors demonstrate the a.c. field-triggered release of anti-HIV drugs and confirm the in vitrodrug integrity after release.
- Madhavan Nair
- , Rakesh Guduru
- & Sakhrat Khizroev
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Intercalation and delamination of layered carbides and carbonitrides
Intercalation materials are of interest for batteries because of their capability of accommodating ions in their layered structures. Mashtalir et al. develop a new battery electrode material using two-dimensional intercalated carbides, which exhibit high lithium-ion conductivity and capacity.
- Olha Mashtalir
- , Michael Naguib
- & Yury Gogotsi
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Polaron hopping mediated by nuclear tunnelling in semiconducting polymers at high carrier density
Although polymers are widely used in electric and photonic devices, the mechanism of charge transport across polymer chains is still not well understood. Here de Leeuw and colleagues propose a model that unifies experimental observations at high carrier densities.
- Kamal Asadi
- , Auke J. Kronemeijer
- & Dago M. de Leeuw
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A violation of the uncertainty principle implies a violation of the second law of thermodynamics
The laws of thermodynamics and of quantum mechanics are usually derived within different theoretical frameworks. But, Haenggi and Wehner show they are intimately related, such that a violation of quantum uncertainty would allow a heat cycle with a net work gain, violating the second law of thermodynamics.
- Esther Hänggi
- & Stephanie Wehner
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Graphene-modified LiFePO4 cathode for lithium ion battery beyond theoretical capacity
The specific capacity of an important commercial cathode material, lithium iron phosphate, is much lower than its theoretical value. Hu et al. report that incorporation of electrochemically exfoliated graphene layers in a carbon coating improves capacity beyond that predicted by theory.
- By Lung-Hao Hu
- , Feng-Yu Wu
- & Lain-Jong Li
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Article
| Open AccessReactivity mapping with electrochemical gradients for monitoring reactivity at surfaces in space and time
Liquid chemical reactions on surfaces are important, but conventional characterization techniques for solutions cannot be directly applied. This study shows a high-throughput method to control and monitor chemical reactivity on surfaces via an electrochemically produced pH gradient in solutions.
- Sven O. Krabbenborg
- , Carlo Nicosia
- & Jurriaan Huskens
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Article
| Open AccessDesign principle for increasing charge mobility of π-conjugated polymers using regularly localized molecular orbitals
Polymers are good potential processable materials for electronic components; however, their charge mobilities are quite low. Here, the authors show that wrapping polymers with macrocycles and localization of π-orbitals realizes an ideal orbital alignment for charge hopping with subsequently increased mobility.
- Jun Terao
- , Akihisa Wadahama
- & Yasushi Tsuji
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Stepwise self-assembly of C60 mediated by atomic scale moiré magnifiers
A promising route towards molecular devices is the self-assembly of atoms or molecules on a surface. Here, Gruznev et al. show that the synthesis of unique geometries of C60molecules on gold–indium-covered crystalline silicon is governed by moiré interference.
- D.V. Gruznev
- , A.V. Matetskiy
- & Y.L. Wang
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Mass spectrometric analysis of mono- and multi-phosphopeptides by selective binding with NiZnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles
The isolation of phosphorylated peptides is important for understanding protein function. Here, the authors use magnetic nanoparticles for the selective analysis of phosphorylated peptides, and show that the composition of the nanoparticles affects the selectivity for mono- or multi-phosphorylated compounds.
- Hongying Zhong
- , Xiao Xiao
- & Jie Kang
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Photochemical activity of Titan’s low-altitude condensed haze
The atmosphere of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, consists of orange-yellow haze, but its formation and dynamics are not well understood. Here laboratory studies show that Titan’s lower atmosphere is photochemically active and the formation of complex prebiotic precursor molecules occurs at lower altitudes.
- Murthy S. Gudipati
- , Ronen Jacovi
- & Mark Allen
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