Langmuir [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Correction to "Molecular Engineering of Calixarene Dyes on UiO-66-NH: Boosting Electron Transfer for High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution".
Chen QZ, Li XA, Liang ZZ … +3 more , Peng XB, Su PY, Liu JM
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42374649 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Regulation of Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping by Triangular Protrusions on Superhydrophobic Surfaces.
Wang X, Wang J, He Y
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42373570 · Publisher ↗
Coalescence-induced droplet jumping provides a passive, spontaneous route to enhance condensation heat transfer, anti-icing, self-cleaning, and atmospheric water harvesting. However, conventional superhydrophobic surface...
Coalescence-induced droplet jumping provides a passive, spontaneous route to enhance condensation heat transfer, anti-icing, self-cleaning, and atmospheric water harvesting. However, conventional superhydrophobic surfaces are severely constrained by low energy conversion efficiency and uncontrolled jumping directions. Here, we fabricate a monolithic superhydrophobic surface featuring triangular protrusions via 3D printing and systematically investigate the effects of protrusion height (450-900 μm), apex angle (30°-150°), and droplet radius (0.75-1.20 mm) on coalescence-induced jumping dynamics using high-speed imaging. Compared with flat superhydrophobic surfaces, the triangular-protrusion architecture substantially enhances jumping height, dimensionless jumping velocity, and projected directional deflection of the merged droplets. Notably, the energy conversion efficiency, defined here as the experimentally accessible translational energy conversion fraction η, is increased by approximately 827% compared with that on the flat superhydrophobic surface. Parametric analyses reveal that taller protrusions promote directional jumping by suppressing nontarget lateral spreading. The apex-angle dependence exhibits a pronounced nonmonotonic trend, with the 60° geometry delivering optimal performance by balancing directional spreading capability and recoil recovery. Velocity-component decomposition demonstrates that the protrusions regulate droplet jumping primarily by redistributing horizontal and vertical velocity components at detachment. This work establishes a simple macroscopic geometric strategy that increases the experimentally accessible translational energy conversion fraction and improves the projected directional regulation of coalescence-induced droplet jumping, thereby offering design principles for next-generation functional interfaces.
Gradient Interface in Oxygen-Doped Iron Pyrite Thin Films for Hybrid Solar Absorbers.
Chakraborty RN, Senthilkumar K
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42373080 · Publisher ↗
To minimize losses arising from interfacial recombination and band misalignment between the absorber and hole transport layer (HTL) in thin-film solar cells, engineering the doping profile within the absorber layer has e...
To minimize losses arising from interfacial recombination and band misalignment between the absorber and hole transport layer (HTL) in thin-film solar cells, engineering the doping profile within the absorber layer has emerged as an effective strategy where the absorber layer and the HTL are formed with gradient interface through a controlled doping process. However, achieving precise control over the spatial distribution of dopants while maintaining favorable carrier transport remains a significant challenge. In this work, low energy oxygen implantation has been performed in FeS thin films and a depth-resolved doping profile was obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry. A direct correlation between the absolute oxygen content and the resulting hole concentration has been established. The role of spatially nonuniform doping has been systematically investigated through device-level TCAD simulations. The exponentially decaying carrier concentration leads to unfavorable band alignment, resulting in enhanced recombination losses with an efficiency of 3.27%. In contrast, a Gaussian-modulated doping profile, which enables improved band alignment and carrier transport by improving the efficiency to 5.46%, showing an enhancement of ∼67%. These results demonstrate that controlled formation of gradient interfaces through oxygen doping provides an effective route to suppress recombination and enhance carrier extraction, offering a reliable framework for the design of high-performance FeS-based photovoltaic devices.
Surfactant-Mediated Crystallization Patterns in Evaporating Saline Droplets: A Segment Anything Model 2-Based Quantitative Study.
Huang Z, Wang J, Chen H … +6 more , Jia L, Dang C, Yin L, Zhong K, Kang Y, Jia H
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42372191 · Publisher ↗
Controlling deposition patterns from evaporating droplets is key for applications like inkjet printing and functional coatings. This study deciphered the coupled regulation of salt and surfactants on evaporation-driven c...
Controlling deposition patterns from evaporating droplets is key for applications like inkjet printing and functional coatings. This study deciphered the coupled regulation of salt and surfactants on evaporation-driven crystallization of sessile saline droplets. Using the Segment Anything Model 2 (SAM 2) for quantitative dynamics analysis, we systematically investigated four surfactant-salt systems [polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80)-sodium chloride (NaCl), cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)-NaCl, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-NaCl, and sodium cocoyl glycinate (SCG)-NaCl] across a full concentration matrix. A crystal area radial distribution coefficient () was introduced, delineating three distinct patterns: ring-like ( ≤ 0.4), uniform discrete (0.4 < < 0.6), and central aggregation ( ≥ 0.6). These patterns are governed respectively by outward capillary flow, inward Marangoni compensatory flow, and dynamic equilibrium between the two antagonistic flows. Crystallization patterns show strong salt-surfactant concentration coupling. Notably, pattern tunability differs: Tween, CAPB, and CTAB systems enable pattern evolution from ring-like to central aggregation via concentration adjustment, while the SCG system exhibits concentration robustness, exclusively forming stable ring-like deposits. Surfactants also diversify evaporation pathways, inducing a multistage "spreading-constant contact radius (CCR)-mixed" mode in most systems, while the SCG system enforces a CCR mode. Moreover, surfactants enhance nucleation density and refine crystal size. Ionic surfactants stabilize growth kinetics and strongly suppress crystal migration, promoting edge immobilization. This study provides quantitative analytical methods and mechanistic insights for synergistic regulation of crystallization patterns via salt-surfactant combinations.
In Situ Fabricated Three-Dimensional Composite Electrode of Mo-NiS/Nickel Foam for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.
Ren X, Liu T, Wang F … +6 more , Li H, Huang Z, Li Y, Liu J, Wei Y, Gao Y
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42372009 · Publisher ↗
Electrochemical water splitting is a crucial pathway for clean hydrogen production, but hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrodes often suffer from poor performance in alkaline conditions due to sluggish kinetics and...
Electrochemical water splitting is a crucial pathway for clean hydrogen production, but hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrodes often suffer from poor performance in alkaline conditions due to sluggish kinetics and weak durability. In this work, ammonium tetrathiomolybdate ((NH)MoS) is used as a dual-functional precursor to transform Ni(OH) nanosheets into 3D Mo-NiS nanostructures. The fabricated electrode, Mo-NiS/Nickel Foam, with an enlarged electrochemical active surface area, exhibits a low overpotential of 166 mV at 100 mA cm in 1 M KOH and outstanding durability (>300 h). When integrated into anion-exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEMWE), it maintains stability for over 360 h at 500 mA cm. The enhanced performance could potentially be attributed to the hierarchical nanostructure that provides abundant active sites, and the in situ fabrication method ensures the durability of the electrode.
Effect of Inorganic Counterions on the Self-Assembly Behavior and Rheological Properties of Ultralong-Chain Cationic Surfactant.
Cao R, Yin H, Pi Y … +4 more , Li B, Feng Y, Yan W, Wang L
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42370499 · Publisher ↗
Ultralong-chain quaternary ammonium surfactants serve as promising clean fracturing-fluid thickeners owing to their facile formation of wormlike micelles (WLMs) in salt solution. However, the ion-specific effects of comm...
Ultralong-chain quaternary ammonium surfactants serve as promising clean fracturing-fluid thickeners owing to their facile formation of wormlike micelles (WLMs) in salt solution. However, the ion-specific effects of common inorganic counterions on the formation of WLMs still remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the aqueous solution of docosyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride (DCTAC) with NaBr, NaNO, or NaI at temperatures of 60 °C and above through steady/oscillatory rheology, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). By integrating the results of previous research, we found that the four comparable counterions, namely Cl, Br, NO, and I, can induce a sphere-to-wormlike transition and result in a pronounced maximum viscosity. Nevertheless, the optimal counterion-to-surfactant ratios for rheological properties vary significantly (80, 6, 3, and 1 eq. for Cl, Br, NO, and I, respectively). Counterion binding affinity to DCTAC plays a crucial role in determining the self-assembly behavior and rheological properties. The effects of these four counterions precisely adhere to the Hofmeister series, , Cl < Br < NO < I. SANS and cryo-TEM verify the emergence of elongated cylindrical micelles. Meanwhile, rheology demonstrates that I ions generate substantially stronger micellar networks with excellent temperature resistance, which can be attributed to its strong affinity for the micellar interior. These findings establish a connection between counterion affinity, WLM growth, and thermal robustness, offering practical guidance for the design of high-temperature cationic viscoelastic surfactant fluids in complex brines.
pH- and Salt-Responsive Pickering Polymer Emulsion for Controllable Release of Drag Reducers.
Zhang Y, Tong D, Li Q … +4 more , Qi J, Wu Y, Ma Y, Lu H
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42370467 · Publisher ↗
To address the limitation of a single stimulus source in traditional switching emulsion drag reducers, increasing the variety of responsive groups to emulsifiers is one of the effective measures to broaden the release wi...
To address the limitation of a single stimulus source in traditional switching emulsion drag reducers, increasing the variety of responsive groups to emulsifiers is one of the effective measures to broaden the release window of switchable emulsions and enhance the dissolution efficiency of the drag reducer. By leveraging the strong designability and interfacial stability of nanoparticles, multiresponsive switchable emulsion drag reducers were constructed, which effectively simplify the complexity of controlling the release of drag reducers. Herein, based on the concept that the pH sensitivity of the imine bond and the complexation of N with lone electron pairs to metal ions, we have developed a novel strategy for the synthesis of pH-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high stability and recyclability. A nanoparticle (SiO-NH@DF-DAP) with pH- and salt responsiveness was constructed to stabilize the switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer. The response behavior of switching Pickering emulsions was confirmed by the conductivity and fluorescence methods. The most stable Pickering emulsion optimized by centrifugation was used as a template for the preparation of a switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer. The switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer exhibited remarkable storage stability even after 45 days because the nanoparticles could stably adsorb on the oil-water interface to form an interfacial film with a rigid multilayer structure. Importantly, the switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer was completely released in only 20 s under the dual response of pH (4) and salt (the concentration of MgCl was 70 mM). Besides, the drag reduction rate of the switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer was 65% at a concentration of 0.05 wt %. The successful construction of a switching Pickering emulsion drag reducer provides new strategies and insights for the efficient and rapid release of drag reducers.
Functionalized UNT-14 Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced CO Adsorption and Separation: Insights from Monte Carlo Simulations and Density Functional Theory.
Islam SMS, Yasmeen R, Du J … +1 more , Omary MA
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42367177 · Publisher ↗
Carbon dioxide (CO) is a major greenhouse gas responsible for global warming/climate change, whereas methane (CH) is the primary component of natural gas and serves as a comparatively cleaner energy source than coal and...
Carbon dioxide (CO) is a major greenhouse gas responsible for global warming/climate change, whereas methane (CH) is the primary component of natural gas and serves as a comparatively cleaner energy source than coal and oil. Efficient separation of CO from CH- and N-containing gas mixtures is therefore critical for both environmental mitigation and energy applications. Herein, we investigate the effect of linker functionalization on CO adsorption and separation performance in a metal-organic framework we recently developed, UNT-14, using a combined computational approach. Two functionalized analogues, UNT-14-CN and UNT-14-NO, incorporating cyano (-CN) and nitro (-NO) groups, respectively, were constructed and systematically analyzed. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations were employed to predict pure-component adsorption isotherms of CO, CH, and N, while density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to evaluate CO binding energies. Both functionalized frameworks exhibit significantly enhanced CO uptake relative to parent UNT-14, concomitant with higher Henry's constants () and isosteric heats of adsorption at infinite dilution (). DFT results corroborate these trends, revealing stronger CO···framework interactions in the functionalized materials. Radial distribution function analysis reveals preferential CO adsorption near the -CN and -NO groups in the functionalized structures, in contrast to adsorption near the Cu clusters in parent UNT-14. Ideal adsorbed solution theory calculations further demonstrate improved CO/CH and CO/N separation selectivities under ambient conditions. This suggests that linker functionalization is an effective strategy for tuning the adsorption behavior of UNT-14 toward enhanced CO capture and separation, thereby guiding future synthetic efforts.
Fe/Zn Bimetallic-Functionalized Biochar Cathodes for Enhanced Electro-Fenton Performance: Mechanism and Characterization.
Li J, Wu T, Liu M … +3 more , Zhou X, Zhang D, Zhu W
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42367162 · Publisher ↗
This study fabricated a novel bifunctional bamboo-derived ZnFe-BC cathode to enhance pollutant degradation in the electro-Fenton process. The prepared cathode exhibited a well-developed porous morphology, a high specific...
This study fabricated a novel bifunctional bamboo-derived ZnFe-BC cathode to enhance pollutant degradation in the electro-Fenton process. The prepared cathode exhibited a well-developed porous morphology, a high specific surface area, and abundant active sites originating from iron silicate species. These features enabled high electro-Fenton performance, characterized by sustained HO activation and significantly enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby achieving highly efficient pollutant degradation. Specifically, the cathode delivered an HO yield of 13.8 mg L and removed 95.4% of tetracycline (20 mg L) within 120 min. The Zn/Fe codoping strategy applied in cathode preparation increased the specific surface area, generated abundant active sites, and induced numerous oxygen vacancies (O), which contributed to the enhanced cathodic performance in the electro-Fenton process. Mechanistic studies revealed that superoxide radicals (O) served as a key intermediate in the two-electron oxygen reduction pathway for HO production, whereas hydroxyl radicals (OH) acted as the predominant reactive oxygen species responsible for pollutant degradation. Furthermore, the prepared ZnFe-BC cathode demonstrated high stability and reusability even in real complex water matrices, with a degradation efficiency of over 85% and maintained a degradation efficiency of 90% after five consecutive reuse cycles. This work highlights the critical role of bimetallic doping in improving the structural stability and catalytic efficiency of cathodes in the electro-Fenton, providing a promising and sustainable strategy for designing robust biomass-derived bifunctional materials for wastewater treatment.
Asphaltene-Induced Deactivation and Solvent Regeneration of Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanodemulsifiers.
Xue Y, Chen J, Liao Z … +6 more , He C, Luo S, Duan B, Qian G, Sui H, He L
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42367012 · Publisher ↗
The widespread application of magnetic nanodemulsifiers (MNDs) in sustainable oil-water separation is hindered by their progressive deactivation during cyclic operation, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poo...
The widespread application of magnetic nanodemulsifiers (MNDs) in sustainable oil-water separation is hindered by their progressive deactivation during cyclic operation, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the deactivation pathways of polymer-grafted MNDs and propose a designed regeneration strategy based on intermolecular interaction analysis. Using a combination of surface-sensitive spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that asphaltenes, rather than bulk organic deposition, constitute the primary cause of performance degradation. Heteroatom-rich asphaltene molecules anchor to both the polymer brush and the underlying silica surface via a cooperative hydrogen-bonding network, forming patchy deposits that mediate nanoparticle bridging. This aggregation reduces the mean diffusion coefficient by 66% and severely compromises interfacial activity, leading to a >90% loss in demulsification efficiency. Guided by this mechanistic insight, we develop a synergistic regeneration protocol using a xylene/ethanol binary mixed solvent under ultrasonic-thermal agitation. This approach disrupts the hydrogen-bond network and removes 70.5% of surface-bound asphaltenes, restoring ∼71% of the original activity and extending the service life from 3 to 8 cycles. These findings establish a molecular-level framework for understanding deactivation and provide a scalable regeneration strategy, paving the way for sustainable nanotechnology applications in petroleum processing and beyond.
pH- and Ionic Strength-Controlled Switching between Protein Monolayer and Multilayer Adsorption on Gold Nanoparticles.
Mahur P, Mishra K
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366996 · Publisher ↗
The phenomenon of protein adsorption on nanoparticle surfaces in a biological milieu leads to the formation of a protein corona (PC) and its formation is governed by competing intermolecular forces. Among the different i...
The phenomenon of protein adsorption on nanoparticle surfaces in a biological milieu leads to the formation of a protein corona (PC) and its formation is governed by competing intermolecular forces. Among the different intermolecular forces, electrostatic interactions play a significant role, which can be tuned using pH and ionic strength. This study systematically investigates the effect of pH and ionic strength on the adsorption of three proteins: bovine serum albumin (BSA), myoglobin (Myo), and papain (Pap) onto citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of varying diameters (15-60 nm). Protein adsorption was examined at pH 5.2, 7.4, and 10.2, corresponding to conditions below, near, and above each protein's isoelectric point (pI). Protein adsorption was monitored in situ by dynamic light scattering (DLS), enabling direct tracking of hydrodynamic size evolution without separation artifacts. At pH 5.2, all proteins showed multilayer adsorption, quantified with BET fitting, revealing distinct first-layer binding constants () and subsequent-layer binding constants () with Gibbs free energies Δ° ≈ -49.5 to -53.7 kJ/mol and Δ° ≈ -41.9 to -44.8 kJ/mol. At pH 7.4 and 10.2, adsorption saturated at monolayer coverage, modeled by modified Langmuir isotherms (Δ° ≈ -52.6 to -60.6 kJ/mol). Generally, multilayer adsorption is found at higher concentrations but here we use very low concentrations and use the pH and ionic strength of the medium to probe the role of electrostatics in multi and monolayer adsorption. Further, to delineate the contributions of electrostatic and nonelectrostatic forces, salt titration experiments were performed. Increasing ionic strength systematically reduced multilayer formation, indicating that electrostatic screening weakens interprotein interactions within the corona and goes back to monolayer. Quantitative BET analysis and polyelectrolyte theory yielded the electrostatic free energy component (Δ°) and salt-dependence parameter (). Smaller GNPs (15 nm) promoted stronger interprotein electrostatic coupling, reflected by Δ° compared to larger GNPs (60 nm).
Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Conductive MOFs/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Films with Superior Areal Capacitance for Flexible Transparent Supercapacitors.
Cai X, Shen Y, Gao X … +5 more , Li J, Chen Y, Liu L, Lin X, Zhao CE
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366964 · Publisher ↗
Flexible transparent supercapacitors (FTSCs) have been rapidly developed for next-generation intelligent electronics. Nonetheless, it remains challenging to balance the optical transparency and the areal capacitance of F...
Flexible transparent supercapacitors (FTSCs) have been rapidly developed for next-generation intelligent electronics. Nonetheless, it remains challenging to balance the optical transparency and the areal capacitance of FTSCs because they are often contradictory. Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as appealing electrode materials due to their ultrathin nanosheets and accessible active sites; however, the intrinsically poor electrical conductivity of 2D MOFs hinders their advances in FTSCs. Herein, a layer-by-layer assembly strategy is proposed to fabricate the transparent conductive electrode of MOFs/PEDOT/PSS hybrid films, by employing NiCo-BDC (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) nanosheets and conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS). NiCo-BDC/PEDOT/PSS can synergistically utilize abundant redox-active sites of 2D NiCo-BDC and high electrical conductivity of PEDOT/PSS, enabling fast charge transport and electrolyte ion diffusion. As a consequence, the NiCo-BDC/PEDOT/PSS FTSCs show a superior areal capacitance of 4.0 mFcm, a high optical transparency of 56%, an outstanding energy capacity of 110 μW h cm at 0.13 mW cm, excellent mechanical flexibility, and cycle stability. This work opens a new avenue for the fabrication of transparent conductive electrodes and is promising for high-performance flexible transparent energy storage devices.
Nitrogen Vacancy-Engineered Copper-Loaded g-CN for Enhanced Photo-Fenton-Like Activity: Synergistic Electron Trapping and Migration Mechanism.
Gan Q, Feng X, Wang D … +2 more , Lin Y, Xie T
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366622 · Publisher ↗
In the heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like system, enhanced separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers can further accelerate the redox cycle of metal ions and promote both HO activation and the generation of...
In the heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like system, enhanced separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers can further accelerate the redox cycle of metal ions and promote both HO activation and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, copper-loaded carbon nitride with nitrogen vacancies (Cu-Nv-CN) was synthesized. Cu-Nv-CN exhibits outstanding heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like activity, 94.0% of tetracycline (TCH) is eliminated within 50 min in the presence of 10 mM HO, and the corresponding degradation rate constant reached 0.0522 min. Surface photovoltage and femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy measurements revealed that Cu sites act as effective electron trapping centers. Furthermore, the introduction of Nv drives the rapid migration of photogenerated electrons to the Cu sites. The synergistic interplay between these two factors significantly improves the utilization efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The photo-Fenton-like pollutant degradation mechanism of Cu-Nv-CN was systematically elucidated by combining radical trapping experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. This study proposes a viable strategy for boosting the catalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride-based photocatalysts in advanced photo-Fenton-like systems.
Elimination of Sodium Hexametaphosphate Depression on Fluorite Flotation by Lead Ions.
Liu G, Ren L, Bao S … +2 more , Zhang Y, Ma X
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366610 · Publisher ↗
Fluorite is a vital strategic nonmetallic mineral resource. In the processing of complex associated fluorite ores, it is typically recovered from flotation tailings. However, its flotation performance is severely depress...
Fluorite is a vital strategic nonmetallic mineral resource. In the processing of complex associated fluorite ores, it is typically recovered from flotation tailings. However, its flotation performance is severely depressed by residual sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) from upstream flotation operations. In this study, Pb was adopted as a high-efficiency activator to reverse the depression of SHMP on fluorite flotation, with octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) as the collector. Microflotation results showed that Pb significantly restored the floatability of SHMP-depressed fluorite, increasing its recovery from only 1.11% to 90.63%. Mechanism studies confirmed a synergistic activation pathway: "liquid-phase consumption and solid-phase reconstruction". In the liquid phase, Pb reacted with free SHMP to form Pb-SHMP coprecipitates, thus reducing the depressant concentration in the pulp. On the solid surface, adsorbed Pb-SHMP precipitates and hydrolyzed lead species acted as new active sites for OHA anions.
Ultrahigh Stretchability of Organogel Networks: Fiber Evolution and the "Fishing Net Model".
Tong X, Guan J, Yuan H … +3 more , Zhou L, Chen S, Wang X
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366606 · Publisher ↗
Stretchable gels have attracted tremendous attention in the fields of flexible electronics and wearable devices. However, the lack of systematic observations on microstructural evolution during ultrahigh stretching (abov...
Stretchable gels have attracted tremendous attention in the fields of flexible electronics and wearable devices. However, the lack of systematic observations on microstructural evolution during ultrahigh stretching (above 400%) restricts the rational design of high-performance stretchable gel materials. In this work, a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based organogel with 0.5 wt % POSS-G1-BOC (POSS = polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, a POSS core organic-inorganic hybrid dendrimer) as the gelator (denoted as MMA/0.5 wt % POSS-G1-BOC) was fabricated. Assisted by 3 M VHB tape, the organogel achieves an unprecedented uniaxial tensile deformation up to 800%. Combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), six regular evolutionary behaviors of the fiber network during stretching from 0% to 900% are systematically revealed: (1) a progressive decrease in fiber diameter; (2) a gradual reduction in mother-fiber spacing; (3) enhanced uniaxial orientation along the stretching direction; (4) an increase in the number of mother-fibers accompanied by shortened and reduced daughter-fibers; (5) the fusion of mother/daughter-fibers with regular-shaped defects at 900% stretching; and (6) stretch-induced growth of POSS-G1-BOC crystalline dots. To elucidate the uniform energy dissipation during ultrahigh stretching, a "Fishing Net model" is proposed, in which the dynamic breakage and recombination of hydrogen bonds between POSS-G1-BOC molecules act as the core driving force. Furthermore, by comparing with the liquid crystal (5CB, 4-cyano-4'-biphenyl)-based gel system, the regulatory role of solvent polarity in fiber formation and tensile performance is clarified. This work provides direct experimental evidence and a theoretical framework for understanding the microstructural changes of gels under ultrahigh stretching and thus guides the development of next-generation stretchable materials.
Improved Colloidal Stability and Phase Transfer of Gold Nanoparticles with Bidentate Dendritic Ligands.
Huang C, Ning Y, Chang J … +2 more , Yang S, Murray CB
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366568 · Publisher ↗
The stability and dispersibility of nanoparticles (NPs) directly affect their physicochemical properties and functional performance. In this study, we systematically investigate how ligand structure influences the colloi...
The stability and dispersibility of nanoparticles (NPs) directly affect their physicochemical properties and functional performance. In this study, we systematically investigate how ligand structure influences the colloidal stability of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) under aggregation-inducing chemical conditions. Key structural parameters of ligands, including dendricity, binding groups, and spacer length, are varied to establish design principles for protecting the NPs. Au NPs of varying diameters (and thus surface curvatures), synthesized in both organic and aqueous media, are functionalized with these customized ligands to evaluate how ligand architecture influences colloidal stability and phase transfer efficiency. Oleylamine (OLAM)- or citrate-coated Au NPs are functionalized with these customized ligands via direct ligand exchange and subsequently exposed to a reactive solution of 1,4-butanedithiol (BDT) that triggers ligand displacement and aggregation. Our findings emphasize that the bidentate chelating effect of the lipoic acid (LA) binding group and the diverging terminal chains in the dendritic structures are pivotal in preventing ligand competition-induced clustering and aggregation. Higher-generation dendrons confer greater stability compared to small-molecule ligands, whereas ligands bearing a LA binding group are pivotal for successful phase transfer and stabilization of Au@citrate.
Mechanistic Insights into MoS Functionalization via Thiol Groups of 4-Aminothiophenol.
Azpeitia J, Mendieta-Moreno JI, León-Boigues L … +4 more , García-Hernández M, Martín-Gago JÁ, Munuera C, Palacio I
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366565 · Publisher ↗
Functionalization of transition metal dichalcogenides is a key process for future technological applications. To date, various routes, primarily chemical, have been proposed for efficient functionalization with thiol moi...
Functionalization of transition metal dichalcogenides is a key process for future technological applications. To date, various routes, primarily chemical, have been proposed for efficient functionalization with thiol moieties. Previous functionalization protocols have generally taken advantage of intrinsic defects typically present on the surface. However, the specific nature of the molecule-substrate bond, covalent or noncovalent, has always remained controversial. In this work, we present a study of the functionalization of MoS by physical vapor deposition in ultrahigh vacuum conditions of the 4-aminothiophenol molecule. We have investigated its interaction with the intrinsic sulfur vacancies present in MoS and with additional vacancies generated by ion bombardment. We observe that the molecule is found in planar configuration on the surface and the thiol moiety remains intact. Atomic force microscopy measurements show high diffusion of molecules through the surface, along with a strong interaction between the thiol moieties and the tip itself. Interestingly, this interaction leads to a contrast inversion in the acquired AFM images, which is a key observation that leads to consider that molecules are not covalently bonded. Density functional theory calculations rule out thiol dehydrogenation, attributing the observed contrast inversion to molecular tip functionalization. These findings provide compelling evidence of a nonspecific physisorption interaction, confirming the absence of covalent bonding between the molecule and the surface.
Synergistic Interfacial Interaction of Au and MnO Dual Cocatalysts on Facet-Engineered BiOBr for Photocatalytic Glyphosate Degradation.
Jiang Y, Fang Y, Gao Q … +2 more , Ge L, Ye S
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366562 · Publisher ↗
Glyphosate, a nonselective broad-spectrum herbicide widely used globally, has accumulated in the environment, posing significant risks to ecological balance and human health. Although solar-driven photocatalysis offers a...
Glyphosate, a nonselective broad-spectrum herbicide widely used globally, has accumulated in the environment, posing significant risks to ecological balance and human health. Although solar-driven photocatalysis offers a promising remediation strategy, practical applications are hindered by severe charge carrier recombination and low solar energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report a dual-cocatalyst-modified BiOBr system, in which Au nanoparticles and MnO nanosheets are selectively photodeposited on the lateral (200) facet and the dominant (001) facet, respectively. Under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), Au/MnO/BiOBr exhibits the optimal photocatalytic activity with a glyphosate degradation rate constant of 0.0907 min, which is 50-fold higher than that of pristine BiOBr (0.0019 min). The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of efficient internal carrier transfer and accelerated surface charge separation, which collectively suppress charge recombination. This study underscores the critical role of spatial cocatalyst distribution in designing high-efficiency photocatalysts for sustainable environmental remediation.
Amorphous FeBP Magnetic Beads with l-Ascorbic Acid Modification for Efficient Sperm Separation in Forensic Analysis.
Yan J, Zhao D, Wang L … +11 more , Liu S, Zhao C, Li X, Yao J, Chen Y, Wang Q, Zheng M, Zhang L, Xu D, Wang Q, Pei W
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42363892 · Publisher ↗
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), utilizing the magnetism and specificity of antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, holds significant promise for forensic identification. However, current commercial magnetic beads fac...
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), utilizing the magnetism and specificity of antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, holds significant promise for forensic identification. However, current commercial magnetic beads face limitations in efficient separation due to their slow magnetic responsiveness and the influence of residual carbodiimide reagents used for surface activation. Herein, we report a core-shell magnetic bead with high-magnetic responsiveness and good suspension based on amorphous magnetic particles and l-ascorbic acid (ASA) surface modification. The particle size, coating thickness, and structure of the magnetic particles and coated magnetic beads were characterized by SEM, TEM, and XRD, respectively. The ζ-potential, FTIR spectroscopy, and XPS were selected as surface analysis methods. The magnetic properties of the magnetic beads were characterized by VSM, and the sperm separation performance was evaluated by obtaining Ct values through qPCR. These amorphous FeBP cores exhibit high saturation magnetization (surpassing conventional iron oxide particles by >40%), high susceptibility, and low coercivity, enabling both precise particle size control and enhanced magnetic responsiveness. Modification with ASA provides excellent biocompatibility and a mild chemical environment for the effective immobilization of the SPACA1 antibody based on the Schiff base structure, facilitating the specific separation of sperm using FeBP magnetic beads. ASA-modified FeBP beads achieved an 84% sperm cell capture rate, representing a 25.4% enhancement over commercial beads, and demonstrated a magnetic response speed approximately 3 times faster. Furthermore, ASA-modified beads exhibited excellent long-term stability, retaining 97% of the capture rate even after 60 days of storage. This work provides insights into the structural design and surface modification of high-magnetic-response and biocompatible magnetic beads and has positive significance for achieving efficient separation of different cells.
Suppressing NO Byproduct in Photocatalysis: An Environment-Adaptive Composite Coating via an Engineered Hydrophobic and Thermally Insulating Microenvironment.
Xia H, Guo C, He G … +3 more , Song L, Yan N, Zhang W
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42361260 · Publisher ↗
Conventional photocatalytic coatings for nitric oxide (NO) abatement often suffer from the accumulation of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO) as an intermediate byproduct, undermining their environmental friendliness. To addres...
Conventional photocatalytic coatings for nitric oxide (NO) abatement often suffer from the accumulation of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO) as an intermediate byproduct, undermining their environmental friendliness. To address this challenge, a layered composite coating was designed and fabricated by integrating the photocatalytic CN/BiWO heterojunction onto hollow glass microspheres, followed by fluorination and incorporation into a polymer matrix. This process engineered a robust and hydrophobic surface microenvironment, which remained conducive to the NO/O interfacial reaction even under adverse conditions. Consequently, the composite coating exhibits high selectivity in NO oxidation, achieving substantial removal rates (25.4-69.1%) while minimizing the NO conversion rate (2.6%) in a low-temperature and dry environment, as verified by in situ monitoring. Interface engineering enhances selectivity by optimizing the adsorption and activation of reactants. The synergy between the coating's excellent durability, inherent antibacterial, and self-cleaning properties underpins its long-term functional stability. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the enhanced charge separation/transfer, which in turn promotes a reaction pathway conducive to the selective formation of nitrate. Consequently, this work establishes a practical strategy of microenvironment engineering via rational coating design, advancing photocatalytic technology toward sustainable air pollution control.
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