scholarly journals Tunable corrugated patterns in an active nematic sheet

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (45) ◽  
pp. 22464-22470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anis Senoussi ◽  
Shunnichi Kashida ◽  
Raphael Voituriez ◽  
Jean-Christophe Galas ◽  
Ananyo Maitra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Topological Defects ◽  
Hydrodynamic Theory ◽  
Active Matter ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Chaotic Flows ◽  
Protein Motors ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Restoring Forces ◽  
Far From Equilibrium

Active matter locally converts chemical energy into mechanical work and, for this reason, it provides new mechanisms of pattern formation. In particular, active nematic fluids made of protein motors and filaments are far-from-equilibrium systems that may exhibit spontaneous motion, leading to actively driven spatiotemporally chaotic states in 2 and 3 dimensions and coherent flows in 3 dimensions (3D). Although these dynamic flows reveal a characteristic length scale resulting from the interplay between active forcing and passive restoring forces, the observation of static and large-scale spatial patterns in active nematic fluids has remained elusive. In this work, we demonstrate that a 3D solution of kinesin motors and microtubule filaments spontaneously forms a 2D free-standing nematic active sheet that actively buckles out of plane into a centimeter-sized periodic corrugated sheet that is stable for several days at low activity. Importantly, the nematic orientational field does not display topological defects in the corrugated state and the wavelength and stability of the corrugations are controlled by the motor concentration, in agreement with a hydrodynamic theory. At higher activities these patterns are transient and chaotic flows are observed at longer times. Our results underline the importance of both passive and active forces in shaping active matter and demonstrate that a spontaneously flowing active fluid can be sculpted into a static material through an active mechanism.

scholarly journals Emergence of dynamic vortex glasses in disordered polar active fluids

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (10) ◽  
pp. e2018218118
Author(s):  
Amélie Chardac ◽  
Suraj Shankar ◽  
M. Cristina Marchetti ◽  
Denis Bartolo
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystals ◽  
Heterogeneous Media ◽  
Broad Class ◽  
Condensed Matter ◽  
Topological Defects ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Quenched Disorder ◽  
Active Matter ◽  
Far From Equilibrium ◽  
Topological Singularities

In equilibrium, disorder conspires with topological defects to redefine the ordered states of matter in systems as diverse as crystals, superconductors, and liquid crystals. Far from equilibrium, however, the consequences of quenched disorder on active condensed matter remain virtually uncharted. Here, we reveal a state of strongly disordered active matter with no counterparts in equilibrium: a dynamical vortex glass. Combining microfluidic experiments and theory, we show how colloidal flocks collectively cruise through disordered environments without relaxing the topological singularities of their flows. The resulting state is highly dynamical but the flow patterns, shaped by a finite density of frozen vortices, are stationary and exponentially degenerated. Quenched isotropic disorder acts as a random gauge field turning active liquids into dynamical vortex glasses. We argue that this robust mechanism should shape the collective dynamics of a broad class of disordered active matter, from synthetic active nematics to collections of living cells exploring heterogeneous media.

Topological Defects in Two-Dimensional Crystals: The Stress Buildup and Accumulation

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhigong Song ◽  
Zhiping Xu
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
2D Materials ◽  
Topological Defects ◽  
Theory Of Elasticity ◽  
Material Strength ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Mechanical Modulation ◽  
Stress Buildup ◽  
Stress Accumulation

Topological defects (TDs) arise in the growth process of two-dimensional (2D) materials, as well as after-growth heat treatment or irradiation. Our atomistic simulation results show that their mechanical modulation of material properties can be understood qualitatively through the theory of elasticity. We find that the in-plane lattice distortion and stress induced by experimentally characterized pentagon-heptagon (5|7) pairs or pentagon-octagon-pentagon (5|8|5) triplets can be captured by 2D models of dislocations or disclinations, although the out-of-plane distortion of the lattice reduces stress localization. Lineups of these TDs create nonlocal stress accumulation within a range of ∼10 nm. Interestingly, pileups of 5|7 and 5|8|5 defects show contrasting tensile and compressive buildups, which lead to opposite grain size dependence of the material strength. These findings improve our understandings of the mechanical properties of 2D materials with TDs, as well as the lattice perfection in forming large-scale continuous graphene films.

scholarly journals Thermoelectric Properties of Thin Films from Sorted Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 3808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blazej Podlesny ◽  
Bogumila Kumanek ◽  
Angana Borah ◽  
Ryohei Yamaguchi ◽  
Tomohiro Shiraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Thermoelectric Properties ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Parent Material ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Single Walled Carbon ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Aqueous Two Phase Extraction

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) remain one of the most promising materials of our times. One of the goals is to implement semiconducting and metallic SWCNTs in photonics and microelectronics, respectively. In this work, we demonstrated how such materials could be obtained from the parent material by using the aqueous two-phase extraction method (ATPE) at a large scale. We also developed a dedicated process on how to harvest the SWCNTs from the polymer matrices used to form the biphasic system. The technique is beneficial as it isolates SWCNTs with high purity while simultaneously maintaining their surface intact. To validate the utility of the metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs obtained this way, we transformed them into thin free-standing films and characterized their thermoelectric properties.

Organic solvent-assisted free-standing Li2MnO3·LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 on 3D graphene as a high energy density cathode

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (91) ◽  
pp. 16381-16384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuelong Xin ◽  
Liya Qi ◽  
Yiwei Zhang ◽  
Zicheng Zuo ◽  
Henghui Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Organic Solvent ◽  
Freeze Drying ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
3D Graphene ◽  
Active Particles

A novel organic solvent-assisted freeze-drying pathway, which can effectively protect and uniformly distribute active particles, is developed to fabricate a free-standing Li2MnO3·LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LR)/rGO electrode on a large scale.

Immobilized Covalent Triazine Frameworks Films as Effective Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xunliang Hu ◽  
Irshad Hussain ◽  
Bien Tan
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Water Splitting ◽  
Crystalline Structure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Interfacial Polymerization ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Lateral Size ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Synthetic Approaches

Abstract Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have recently been demonstrated as promising materials for photocatalytic water splitting and are usually used in the form of suspended powder. From a practical point of view, immobilized CTFs materials are more suitable for large-scale water splitting applications, owing to their convenient separation and recycling potential. However, existing synthetic approaches mainly result in insoluble and unprocessable powders, which makes their future device application still a huge challenge. Herein, we report an aliphatic amine-assisted interfacial polymerization method to obtain free-standing, crystalline CTFs film with excellent photoelectric performance. The lateral size of the film was up to 250 cm2, the average thickness can be regulated from 30-500 nm. The crystalline structure was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Intrigued by the good light absorption, crystalline structure, and big lateral size of the film, it was immobilized on a glass support that exhibited good photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance (5.4 mmol h-1 m-2) and was easy to recycle.

scholarly journals Towards large-scale in free-standing graphene and N-graphene sheets

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Tatarova ◽  
A. Dias ◽  
J. Henriques ◽  
M. Abrashev ◽  
N. Bundaleska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Graphene Sheets ◽  
Free Standing

scholarly journals X-ray absorption spectroscopy by full-field X-ray microscopy of a thin graphite flake: Imaging and electronic structure via the carbon K-edge

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 345-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Bittencourt ◽  
Adam P Hitchock ◽  
Xiaoxing Ke ◽  
Gustaaf Van Tendeloo ◽  
Chris P Ewels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Structure ◽  
Topological Defects ◽  
Sodium Cholate ◽  
Graphite Flake ◽  
Full Field ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Graphene Layers ◽  
Metal Impurities ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
X Ray Absorption

We demonstrate that near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectra combined with full-field transmission X-ray microscopy can be used to study the electronic structure of graphite flakes consisting of a few graphene layers. The flake was produced by exfoliation using sodium cholate and then isolated by means of density-gradient ultracentrifugation. An image sequence around the carbon K-edge, analyzed by using reference spectra for the in-plane and out-of-plane regions of the sample, is used to map and spectrally characterize the flat and folded regions of the flake. Additional spectral features in both π and σ regions are observed, which may be related to the presence of topological defects. Doping by metal impurities that were present in the original exfoliated graphite is indicated by the presence of a pre-edge signal at 284.2 eV.

scholarly journals Atomistic potential for graphene and other sp2 carbon systems

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zacharias G. Fthenakis ◽  
George Kalosakas ◽  
Georgios D. Chatzidakis ◽  
Costas Galiotis ◽  
Konstantinos Papagelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Force Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dft Calculation ◽  
Carbon Materials ◽  
Phonon Dispersion ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Atomistic Simulations ◽  
Carbon Structures ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Plane Deformations

<div>We introduce a torsional force field for sp<sup>2</sup> carbon to augment an in-plane atomistic potential of a previous work (Kalosakas et al, J. Appl. Phys. 113, 134307 (2013)) so that it is applicable to out-of-plane deformations of graphene and related carbon materials. The introduced force field is fit to reproduce DFT calculation data of appropriately chosen structures. The aim is to create a force field that is as simple as possible so it can be efficient for large scale atomistic simulations of various sp<sup>2</sup> carbon structures without significant loss of accuracy. We show that the complete proposed potential reproduces characteristic properties of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. In addition, it reproduces very accurately the out-of-plane ZA and ZO modes of graphene’s phonon dispersion as well as all phonons with frequencies up to 1000 cm<sup>−1</sup>.</div>

The Dynamic Strength of a Representative Double Layer Prismatic Core: A Combined Experimental, Numerical, and Analytical Assessment

2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Ferri ◽  
V. S. Deshpande ◽  
A. G. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Double Layer ◽  
Dynamic Compression ◽  
Dynamic Strength ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
The Core ◽  
Impulsive Loads ◽  
Back Face ◽  
Out Of Plane

Dynamic out-of-plane compressive testing was used to characterize the dynamic strength of stainless steel prismatic cores with representative double layer topology to be employed in sandwich panels for blast protection. Laboratory-scaled samples of the representative core unit cell were manufactured (relative density of 5.4%) and tested at constant axial impact velocities (ranging from quasi-static to 140 ms−1). The dynamic strength was evaluated by measuring the stresses transmitted to a direct impact Hopkinson bar. Two-dimensional, plane strain, finite element calculations (with a stationary back face) were used to replicate the experimental results upon incorporating imperfections calibrated using the observed dynamic buckling modes. To infer the response of cores when included in a sandwich plate subject to blast loading, the finite element model was modified to an unsupported (free-standing) back face boundary condition. The transmitted stress is found to be modulated by the momentum acquired by the back face mass and, as the mass becomes larger, the core strength approaches that measured and simulated for stationary conditions. This finding justifies the use of a simple dynamic compression test for calibration of the dynamic strength of the core. An analytical model that accounts for the shock effects in a homogenized core and embodies a simple dual-level dynamic strength is presented and shown to capture the experimental observations and simulated results with acceptable fidelity. This model provides the basis for a constitutive model that can be used to understand the response of sandwich plates subject to impulsive loads.

scholarly journals Extra Surfactant-Assisted Self-Assembly of Highly Ordered Monolayers of BaTiO3 Nanocubes at the Air—Water Interface

Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Itasaka ◽  
Ken-Ichi Mimura ◽  
Kazumi Kato
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Water Interface ◽  
Compression Pressure ◽  
Air Water Interface ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Evaporation Induced Self Assembly ◽  
20 Nm

Assembly of nanocrystals into ordered two- or three-dimensional arrays is an essential technology to achieve their application in novel functional devices. Among a variety of assembly techniques, evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) is one of the prospective approaches because of its simplicity. Although EISA has shown its potential to form highly ordered nanocrystal arrays, the formation of uniform nanocrystal arrays over large areas remains a challenging subject. Here, we introduce a new EISA method and demonstrate the formation of large-scale highly ordered monolayers of barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) nanocubes at the air-water interface. In our method, the addition of an extra surfactant to a water surface assists the EISA of BT nanocubes with a size of 15–20 nm into a highly ordered arrangement. We reveal that the compression pressure exerted by the extra surfactant on BT nanocubes during the solvent evaporation is a key factor in the self-assembly in our method. The BT nanocube monolayers transferred to substrates have sizes up to the millimeter scale and a high out-of-plane crystal orientation, containing almost no microcracks and voids.

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