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Twisting, untwisting, and retwisting of elastic Co-based nanohelices

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Du

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing Tech University)

  • Feng Gao

    (Nanjing University)

  • Peng Cui

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhiwu Yu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wei Tong

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jihao Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhuang Ren

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chuang Song

    (Nanjing University)

  • Jiaying Xu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Haifeng Ma

    (Nanjing University)

  • Liyun Dang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Di Zhang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Qingyou Lu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jun Jiang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Junfeng Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Li Pi

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhigao Sheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qingyi Lu

    (Nanjing University)

Abstract

The reversible transformation of a nanohelix is one of the most exquisite and important phenomena in nature. However, nanomaterials usually fail to twist into helical crystals. Considering the irreversibility of the previously studied twisting forces, the reverse process (untwisting) is more difficult to achieve, let alone the retwisting of the untwisted crystalline nanohelices. Herein, we report a new reciprocal effect between molecular geometry and crystal structure which triggers a twisting-untwisting-retwisting cycle for tri-cobalt salicylate hydroxide hexahydrate. The twisting force stems from competition between the condensation reaction and stacking process, different from the previously reported twisting mechanisms. The resulting distinct nanohelices give rise to unusual structure elasticity, as reflected in the reversible change of crystal lattice parameters and the mutual transformation between the nanowires and nanohelices. This study proposes a fresh concept for designing reversible processes and brings a new perspective in crystallography.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Du & Feng Gao & Peng Cui & Zhiwu Yu & Wei Tong & Jihao Wang & Zhuang Ren & Chuang Song & Jiaying Xu & Haifeng Ma & Liyun Dang & Di Zhang & Qingyou Lu & Jun Jiang & Junfeng Wang & Li Pi & Zhigao Sh, 2023. "Twisting, untwisting, and retwisting of elastic Co-based nanohelices," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40001-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40001-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Randall M. Erb & Jonathan S. Sander & Roman Grisch & André R. Studart, 2013. "Self-shaping composites with programmable bioinspired microstructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, June.
    2. K. Robbie & D. J. Broer & M. J. Brett, 1999. "Chiral nematic order in liquid crystals imposed by an engineered inorganic nanostructure," Nature, Nature, vol. 399(6738), pages 764-766, June.
    3. Jian Huang & Hong-ming Ding & Yan Xu & Dai Zeng & Hui Zhu & Dong-Mian Zang & Song-Song Bao & Yu-qiang Ma & Li-Min Zheng, 2017. "Chiral expression from molecular to macroscopic level via pH modulation in terbium coordination polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
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