1
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Guo J, Chen PK, Chang S. Molecular-Scale Electronics: From Individual Molecule Detection to the Application of Recognition Sensing. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9303-9316. [PMID: 38809941 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
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2
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Ma T, Chang S, He J, Liang F. Emerging sensing platforms based on Cucurbit[ n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 60:150-167. [PMID: 38054368 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04851a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s, n = 5-8, 10, and 14), synthetic macrocycles with unique host-guest properties, have triggered increasing research interest in recent years. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and electrodes stand out as exceptional substrates for sensing due to their remarkable physicochemical characteristics. Coupling the CB[n]s with Au NPs and electrodes has enabled the development of emerging sensing platforms for various promising applications. However, monitoring the behavior of analytes at the single-molecule level is currently one of the most challenging topics in the field of CB[n]-based sensing. Constructing supramolecular junctions in a sensing platform provides an ideal structure for single-molecule analysis, which can provide insights for a fundamental understanding of supramolecular interactions and chemical reactions and guide the design of sensing applications. This feature article outlines the progress in the preparation of the CB[n] functionalized Au NPs and Au electrodes, as well as the construction and application of supramolecular junctions in sensing platforms, based on the methods of recognition tunneling (RT), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), and electrochemical sensing (ECS). A brief perspective on the future development of and challenges in CB[n] mediated sensing platforms is also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Jin He
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA.
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
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3
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He S, Huang B, Xiao B, Chang S, Podalko M, Nau WM. Stabilization of Guest Molecules inside Cation-Lidded Cucurbiturils Reveals that Hydration of Receptor Sites Can Impede Binding. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202313864. [PMID: 37812692 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Docking of alkali metal ions to water-soluble macrocyclic receptors generally reduces the affinity of guest molecules due to competitive binding. The idea that solvation water molecules could display a larger steric hindrance towards guest binding than cations has not been considered to date. We show that the docking of large cations to cucurbit[5]uril (CB5) unexpectedly increases (by a factor of 5-8) the binding of hydrophobic guests, methane and ethane. This is due to the removal of water molecules from the carbonyl portals of CB5 during cation binding, which frees up space for hydrophobe encapsulation. In contrast, smaller cations like sodium protrude deeply into the cavity of CB5 and cause the expected decrease in binding, such that the rational selection of alkali cations allows for a variation of up to a factor of 20 in binding of methane and ethane. The statistical analysis of crystallographic data shows that the cavity volume of CB5 can be enlarged by placing large alkali ions (Rb+ and Cs+ ) centro-symmetrically at the portals. The results reveal a hitherto elusive steric hindrance of solvation water molecules near receptor binding sites, which is pertinent for the design of supramolecular catalysts and the understanding of biological receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhang He
- School of Science, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Kolingasse 14-16, 10905, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bohuai Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Faculty of Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Faculty of Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Marina Podalko
- School of Science, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Werner M Nau
- School of Science, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany
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4
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Li X, Ge W, Guo S, Bai J, Hong W. Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216819. [PMID: 36585932 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non-covalent interactions, including π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host-guest interactions and σ-σ interactions at the single-molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenhui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shuhan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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5
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Lv SL, Zeng C, Yu Z, Zheng JF, Wang YH, Shao Y, Zhou XS. Recent Advances in Single-Molecule Sensors Based on STM Break Junction Measurements. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080565. [PMID: 35892462 PMCID: PMC9329744 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule recognition and detection with the highest resolution measurement has been one of the ultimate goals in science and engineering. Break junction techniques, originally developed to measure single-molecule conductance, recently have also been proven to have the capacity for the label-free exploration of single-molecule physics and chemistry, which paves a new way for single-molecule detection with high temporal resolution. In this review, we outline the primary advances and potential of the STM break junction technique for qualitative identification and quantitative detection at a single-molecule level. The principles of operation of these single-molecule electrical sensing mainly in three regimes, ion, environmental pH and genetic material detection, are summarized. It clearly proves that the single-molecule electrical measurements with break junction techniques show a promising perspective for designing a simple, label-free and nondestructive electrical sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
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Xiao B, He S, Sun M, Zhou J, Wang Z, Li Y, Liu S, Nau WM, Chang S. Dynamic Interconversions of Single Molecules Probed by Recognition Tunneling at Cucurbit[7]uril-Functionalized Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203830. [PMID: 35417083 PMCID: PMC9324061 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We introduce a versatile recognition tunneling technique using doubly cucurbit[7]uril-functionalized electrodes to form supramolecular junctions that capture analytes dynamically by host-guest complexation. This results in characteristic changes in their single-molecule conductance. For structurally related drug molecules (camptothecin, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and berberine) and mixtures thereof, we observed distinct current switching signals related to their intrinsic conductance properties as well as pH-dependent effects which can be traced back to their different states (protonated versus neutral). The conductance variation of a single molecule with pH shows a sigmoidal distribution, allowing us to extract a pKa value for reversible protonation, which is consistent with the reported macroscopic results. The new electronic method allows the characterization of unmodified drug molecules and showcases the transfer of dynamic supramolecular chemistry principles to single molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohuai Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Suhang He
- School of ScienceJacobs University Bremen28759BremenGermany
| | - Mingjun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Zhiye Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Simin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and MetallurgySchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringWuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
| | - Werner M. Nau
- School of ScienceJacobs University Bremen28759BremenGermany
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgythe Institute of Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyCollege of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430081China
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7
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Xiao B, He S, Sun M, Zhou J, Wang Z, Li Y, Liu S, Nau WM, Chang S. Dynamic Interconversions of Single Molecules Probed by Recognition Tunneling at Cucurbit[7]uril‐Functionalized Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202203830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohuai Xiao
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Suhang He
- Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry Campus Ring 1 28759 Bremen GERMANY
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Zhiye Wang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Yunchuan Li
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Simin Liu
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Werner M. Nau
- Jacobs University Bremen Department of Chemistry Campus Ring 1School of Engineering and Science 28759 Bremen GERMANY
| | - Shuai Chang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
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8
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Chauhan N, Saxena K, Jain U. Single molecule detection; from microscopy to sensors. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1389-1401. [PMID: 35413320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Single molecule detection is necessary to find out physical, chemical properties and their mechanism involved in the normal functioning of body cells. In this way, they can provide a new direction to the healthcare system. Various techniques have been developed and employed for their successful detection. Herein, we have emphasized various traditional methods as well as biosensing technology which offer single molecule sensitivity. The various methods including plasmonic resonance, nanopores, whispering gallery mode, Simoa assay and recognition tunneling are discussed in the initial part which has been followed by a discussion about biosensor-based detection. Plasmonic, SERS, CRISPR/Cas, and other types of biosensors are focused in this review and found to be highly sensitive for single molecule detection. This review provides an overview of progression in different techniques employed for single molecule detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Noida 201313, U.P., India
| | - Kirti Saxena
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Noida 201313, U.P., India
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Noida 201313, U.P., India.
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9
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Xiao B, Dong J, Wang Z, Wang X, Sun M, Guo J, Qian G, Li Y, Chang S. Conductance modulation of metal-molecule-metal junction via extra acid addition and its mechanism investigation. Chemphyschem 2022; 23:e202100833. [PMID: 35138016 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The advance of single molecular device fabrication strongly relies on the understanding of the metal-molecule-metal junction that can response to the external stimulus. A model Lewis basic molecule DBP which can react with Lewis acid and protic acid was synthesized, then the molecular conducting behavior of the original molecule and the resulted Lewis acid-base pair were researched. Allowing for their identical physical paths for charge conducting, these results indicated that adjusting the molecular electronic structure, even not directly changing the conductive molecular backbone, could also tune the charge transporting ability by nearly one order of magnitude. Furthermore, the addition of another Lewis base - Triethylamine to Lewis acid-base pair brought the electrical properties back to that of single DBP junction, which establishs a basic understanding in the design and construction of reversible and controllable molecular device based on pyridine derived molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohuai Xiao
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
| | - Jianqiao Dong
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 947 Heping Avenue, Qingshan District, Wuhan, CHINA
| | - Zhiye Wang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
| | - Xu Wang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
| | - Jing Guo
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
| | - Gongming Qian
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Resources and Environment, CHINA
| | - Yunchuan Li
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, 947 Heping Avenue, Qingshan District, 430081, Wuhan, CHINA
| | - Shuai Chang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, College of Material and Metallurgy, CHINA
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10
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Zhang M, Zhang H, Jin L, Li H, Liu S, Chang S, Liang F. Evidenced cucurbit[ n]uril-based host-guest interactions using single-molecule force spectroscopy. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:1736-1739. [PMID: 35029268 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06791e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In this work, enhanced guest-pair interactions in the cavity of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) are quantitatively determined using single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Significantly, the light-driven dynamic conformational change of guest pairs leads to a rupture force switching between the connected and broken CB[8]-mediated heteroternary complexation with viologen and bis(azobenzene) derivatives. SMFS is further utilized to detect methyl viologen based on the competitive host-guest interaction toward the guest in CB[8] or CB[7]. These findings highlight the extraordinary power of SMFS in supramolecular chemistry and will contribute to the fundamental understanding of the mechanochemical behavior of host-guest interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Lunqiang Jin
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Hao Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Simin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
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11
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Yuan S, Qian Q, Zhou Y, Zhao S, Lin L, Duan P, Xu X, Shi J, Xu W, Feng A, Shi J, Yang Y, Hong W. Tracking Confined Reaction Based on Host-Guest Interaction Using Single-Molecule Conductance Measurement. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2104554. [PMID: 34796644 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The host-guest interaction acts as an essential part of supramolecular chemistry, which can be applied in confined reaction. However, it is challenging to obtain the dynamic process during confined reactions below micromolar concentrations. In this work, a new method is provided to characterize the dimerization process of the guest 1,2-bis(4-pyridinyl) ethylene in host cucurbit[8]curil using scanning tunneling microscope-break junction (STM-BJ) technique. The guest reaction kinetics is quantitatively by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and in situ single-molecule junctions. It is found that in the single-molecule conductance measurements, the electrical signals of the reactants with a concentration as low as 5 × 10-6 m are clearly detected, and the reaction kinetics at micromolar concentrations are further obtained. However, in NMR measurements, the characteristic peak signal of the reactants is undetectable when the concentration of the reactants is lower than 0.5 × 10-3 m and it cannot be quantified. In addition, the strong electric field from the nanogap accelerates the reaction. This work reveals that single-molecule STM-BJ techniques are more sensitive for tracking confined reactions than that by NMR techniques and can be used to study effect of extremely strong electric field on kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Qiaozan Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Luchun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Ping Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xinghai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Anni Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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12
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Wang R, Qian G, Guo J, Ai Q, Liu S, Liu Y, Liang F, Chang S. Nanocollision mediated electrochemical sensing of host-guest chemistry at a nanoelectrode surface. Faraday Discuss 2021; 233:222-231. [PMID: 34889917 DOI: 10.1039/d1fd00054c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemical (EC) measurements of dynamic nanoparticle collisions on a support electrode provide a powerful approach to study the electrical properties of interfacial molecules self-assembled on the electrode surface. By introducing a special cage-shaped macrocyclic molecule, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), onto a gold nanoelectrode surface, we show that the dynamic interactions between CB7 and the colliding nanoparticles can be real-time monitored via the appearance of distinct EC current switching signals. When a guest molecule is included in the CB7 cavity, the changed host-guest chemistry can be probed via the amplitude change of the EC current signals. In addition, different guest molecules can be recognized by CB7 on the nanoelectrode surface, giving rise to distinguishable current jump signals for different host-guest systems. Remarkably, two well-defined current states are observed in the EC measurements of the CB7-ferrocene complex, indicating two orientation geometries of ferrocene inside the CB7 cavity can be resolved in this EC sensing platform. This work demonstrates an effective approach for studying the dynamics of host-guest chemistry at the liquid-solid interface and sheds light on a convenient EC sensor for the recognition of target molecules with the aid of CB7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Gongming Qian
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Jing Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Qiushuang Ai
- Institute for Quality & Safety and Standards of Agricultural Products Research, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, China
| | - Simin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory for Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yichong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory for Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
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13
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Huang M, Yu L, Zhang M, Wang Z, Xiao B, Liu Y, He J, Chang S. Developing Longer-Lived Single Molecule Junctions with a Functional Flexible Electrode. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101911. [PMID: 34292668 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Creating single-molecule junctions with a long-lived lifetime at room temperature is an open challenge. Finding simple and efficient approaches to increase the durability of single-molecule junction is also of practical value in molecular electronics. Here it is shown that a flexible gold-coated nanopipette electrode can be utilized in scanning tunneling microscope (STM) break-junction measurements to efficiently enhance the stability of molecular junctions by comparing with the measurements using conventional solid gold probes. The stabilizing effect of the flexible electrode displays anchor group dependence, which increases with the binding energy between the anchor group and gold. An empirical model is proposed and shows that the flexible electrode could promote stable binding geometries at the gold-molecule interface and slow down the junction breakage caused by the external perturbations, thereby extending the junction lifetime. Finally, it is demonstrated for the first time that the internal conduit of the flexible STM tip can be utilized for the controlled molecule delivery and molecular junction formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
- Department of Physics, Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Lei Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Mingyang Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Bohuai Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Yichong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Physics, Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
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Ai Q, Fu Q, Liang F. pH-Mediated Single Molecule Conductance of Cucurbit[7]uril. Front Chem 2020; 8:736. [PMID: 33195012 PMCID: PMC7477741 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition tunneling technique owns the capability for investigating and characterizing molecules at single molecule level. Here, we investigated the conductance value of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and melphalan@CB[7] (Mel@CB[7]) complex molecular junctions by using recognition tunneling technique. The conductances of CB[7] and Mel@CB[7] with different pH values were studied in aqueous media as well as organic solvent. Both pH value and guest molecule have an impact on the conductance of CB[7] molecular junction. The conductances of CB[7] and Mel@CB[7] both showed slightly difference on the conductance under different measurement systems. This work extends the molecular conductance measurement to aqueous media and provides new insights of pH-responsive host-guest system for single molecule detection through electrical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushuang Ai
- The State Key Laboratory for Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Jiangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory for Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Ai Q, Zhou J, Guo J, Pandey P, Liu S, Fu Q, Liu Y, Deng C, Chang S, Liang F, He J. Observing dynamic molecular changes at single-molecule level in a cucurbituril based plasmonic molecular junction. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:17103-17112. [PMID: 32785409 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr03360j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a prominent tool for probing molecular interaction and reaction with single-molecule sensitivity. Here we use SERS to investigate the dynamic changes of the cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) based plasmonic molecular junctions in solution, which are spontaneously formed by the adsorption of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) at the CB[7] modified gold nanoelectrode (GNE) surface. The typical fingerprint Raman peaks of CB[7] are very weak in the SERS spectra. However, chemically enhanced peaks are prominent in the spectra due to the charge transfer across the metal-molecule interface through specific noncovalent interactions between the gold atoms and CB[7] or its guest molecule. We first investigated the selectively enhanced and greatly shifted C[double bond, length as m-dash]O peak of CB[7] in the SERS spectra. Based on the bias-dependent changes of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O peak, we found the gold-carbonyl interaction was strengthened by the positive bias applied to the GNE, resulting in stable CB[7] junctions. Next, we found the CB[7] junction could also be stabilized by the inclusion of a guest molecule amino-ferrocene, attributed to the interactions between gold adatoms and the cyclopentadienyl ring of the guest molecule. Because this interaction is sensitive to the orientation of the guest molecule in the cavity, we revealed the rotational motion of a guest molecule inside the CB[7] cavity based on the dynamic spectral changes of the cyclopentadienyl ring peak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushuang Ai
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China. and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China and Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA.
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China. and Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA.
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA.
| | - Popular Pandey
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA.
| | - Simin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China. and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Jiangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Jiangxi, 344000, China
| | - Yichong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Chengji Deng
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China.
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China. and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China. and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA. and Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
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Ai Q, Jin L, Gong Z, Liang F. Observing Host-Guest Interactions at Molecular Interfaces by Monitoring the Electrochemical Current. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:10581-10585. [PMID: 32426616 PMCID: PMC7227043 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrocyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecules have triggered renewed interest because of their outstanding capabilities as host molecules to selectively interact with a wide range of small guest molecules. Here, CB[7]-based host-guest interactions were investigated for a guest-modified nanoelectrode by monitoring the electrochemical current. A ferrocene (Fc)-terminated molecule immobilized on a gold nanoelectrode (GNE) showed suitable affinity with CB[7] when the effective exposing area of the GNE was between 5.3 and 12 μm2 and the bias applied on the GNE was -500 mV. Monitoring the dynamics of nanoparticles (NPs) on a nanoelectrode provides new insights into the host-guest interactions at molecular interfaces.
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17
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Chen H, Li Y, Chang S. Hybrid Molecular-Junction Mapping Technique for Simultaneous Measurements of Single-Molecule Electronic Conductance and Its Corresponding Binding Geometry in a Tunneling Junction. Anal Chem 2020; 92:6423-6429. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, The Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, P. R. China
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18
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Huang M, Dong J, Wang Z, Li Y, Yu L, Liu Y, Qian G, Chang S. Revealing the electronic structure of organic emitting semiconductors at the single-molecule level. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:14789-14792. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05602b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule conductance measurements of OLED molecules show that the holes injected from metal electrode can be suppressed by adding electron-withdrawing arms, benefiting the electron–hole balance of OLED devices whose holes are excessive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Jianqiao Dong
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Zhiye Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Lei Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Yichong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Gongming Qian
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
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19
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Li Y, Xiao B, Chen R, Chen H, Dong J, Liu Y, Chang S. Single-molecule conductance investigation of BDT derivatives: an additional pattern found to induce through-space channels beyond π–π stacking. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:8325-8328. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc02998b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Beyond π–π stacked benzene rings, non-bonded conducting channels are also confirmed in non-strict face-to-face aligned thiophenes or phenyl-thiophene in BDT derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Bohuai Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Rongsheng Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Haijian Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Jianqiao Dong
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Yichong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy
- and Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan 430081
- China
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