Synthesis of Na+/Ca2+ ions modified TiO2 xerogels through co precipitation method

747-751We report a facile method for the synthesis of Na+/Ca2+ ions modified TiO2 xerogels by coprecipitation followed by calcination process. The resultant materials are well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Presence of sodium and calcium ions can influence the crystallinity of rutile TiO2. The photocatalytic performances of bare rutile TiO2 along with modified materials such as Na-TiO2, Ca-TiO2, Na-Ca-TiO2 materials are evaluated by calculating the amount of hydrogen evolved during the photocatalytic decomposition of water under light irradiation.This study will be effective informulating the effect of alkali/alkaline earth metal ions on the photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO2

Worm blobs as entangled living polymers:From topological active matter to flexible soft robot collectives

Recently, the study of long, slender living worms has gained attention due to their unique ability to form highly entangled physical structures, exhibiting emergent behaviors. These organisms can assemble into an active three-dimensional soft entity referred to as the “blob”, which exhibits both solid-like and liquid-like properties. This blob can respond to external stimuli such as light, to move or change shape. In this perspective article, we acknowledge the extensive and rich history of polymer physics, while illustrating how these living worms provide a fascinating experimental platform for investigating the physics of active, polymer-like entities. The combination of activity, long aspect ratio, and entanglement in these worms gives rise to a diverse range of emergent behaviors. By understanding the intricate dynamics of the worm blob, we could potentially stimulate further research into the behavior of entangled active polymers, and guide the advancement of synthetic topological active matter and bioinspired tangling soft robot collectives.</p