Chain Growth Research Articles

Carbon dioxide as key player in chain elongation and growth of Clostridium kluyveri: Insights from batch and bioreactor studies

Chain elongation technology allows medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) production as an alternative to fossil resources. Clostridium kluyveri generates n-caproate primarily from ethanol and acetate, presumably requiring CO2 for growth. Here, the impact of CO2 on C. kluyveri was explored. Bottle studies revealed the bacterium's adaptability to low CO2 levels, even in conditions with minimal dissolved NaHCO3 (0.0003 M) and unfavorable pH (below 6) under 1 bar CO2. Bioreactor investigations demonstrated a direct correlation between CO2 availability and bacterial growth. The highest n-caproate production (11.0 g/L) with 90.1 % selectivity was achieved in a bioreactor with continuous CO2 supply at 3 mL/min. Additional bottle experiments pressurized with 1 bar CO2 and varying ethanol:acetate ratios (1:1, 2:1, 4:1) also confirmed CO2 consumption by C. kluyveri. However, increasing the ethanol:acetate ratio did not enhance n-caproate selectivity, likely due to overly acidic pH conditions. These findings provide insights into chain-elongators responses under diverse conditions.

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics study on submicron structuring of calcium silicate hydrate with enhanced tensile modulus and strength

Potential of cement-based materials for energy harvesting is encoded in their elusive mesoporous structure, and understanding the sub-micron structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), a major binding phase of cement, is an important yet challenging task. Nanoscale C–S–H is ductile, while macroscopic performance is brittle, suggesting a gap in the transition of material properties from the nano-to the macro-scale, and a chance in finetuning the submicron (∼100 nm) structure to effectively deliver the atomistic properties to the bulk performance. The refined sub-micron structure of C–S–H can enhance the strength and modulus of concrete, thus providing a base material with better mechanical properties and durability. Here, two critical structural features of C–S–H, including agglomeration of globules and stacking of layers, are modeled by spherical and oblate ellipsoidal units, respectively. Coarse-grained modeling and peridynamics simulations find that the packing of ellipsoidal units is better than that of spherical units, from the perspectives of size distribution, morphology, fractality of pores and tensile properties. The analyses on the mesoporous structure shows that the ellipsoid-packing is more homogeneous than the sphere-packing model, and it yields a refined structure with enhancement in tensile modulus and strength. The submicron finetuning enhancement of C–S–H can be realized through different physical and chemical approaches, like inducing lateral growth of silicate chains by chemical additives, scaffolding materials, and conditioned hydration. This coarse-grained simulation work gives novel insights and fundamental strategies for toughening the cement matrix through delivering ductile nanoscale performance of C–S–H to macroscale cementitious materials, and provides superior performance for concrete in existing and new structures.

Structure–property evolution of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) side‐by‐side self‐crimp filament

AbstractTo investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of self‐crimping two‐component side‐by‐side bicomponent filament, this paper focuses on systematically investigating the structure–property evolution of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) side‐by‐side bicomponent filament prepared via melt spinning with various component ratios, drawing and heating treatment. The investigation was operated upon the combination of morphology analysis, thermal analysis, crystallization, and orientation analysis. The variation of cross section and curl‐morphology, crystallization, and microstructures mainly containing lamellar and microfibrillar crystals as well as their effects on the mechanical and self‐crimping properties were discussed. As the draft ratio (DR) increases, the crystallinity, sonic orientation factor, tensile strength, and crimp‐recovery rate of the filaments were increased. The sonic orientation factor in the crystalline region decreases from 0.923 to 0.777 but increases from 0.677 to 0.903 in the amorphous region. In contrast to the variation of the DR, heating temperature has a limited effect on the tensile strength of the PET/PTT hybrid filaments. Crimp‐recovery rate, however, first increases to 11.8 and then decreases to 9.8 with an increasing heating temperature from 144 to 168°C. Most of these behaviors have been attributed to changes in the ratio of contractile stress for both PTT and PET components, originating from microstructural evolution in hybrid filaments, including crystal growth, breakage, deflection, and deformation of chains along the axial direction. As a summary, an interpretive diagrammatic sketch has been proposed to clarify the structure–property relationships of the commercial PET/PTT filaments.

Syngas Solubility in the Liquid Phase of the Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis

AbstractOne important technique of producing ultra‐clean fuel or value‐added chemicals is through Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. The solubility of synthesis gases (H2 and CO) in the liquid phase is a significant aspect, which paves the way for evaluation of the product's distribution during the process. In this work, a complete equation has been developed that can predict the solubility of syngas in line with experimental data. The majority of average absolute deviation (AAD) of results was lower than 2.5 %. In addition, the effect of thermodynamic parameters, i.e., pressure and temperature, and the H2/CO ratio is considered in this equation by four different factors. The impact of pressure on syngas is divided into two adjustment components, denoted as n1 for CO and n2 for H2. The subsequent factor is n3, which illustrates how temperature affects the solubility of syngas. Further, the n represents the H2‐to‐CO feed ratio impacts on syngas solubility. Considering these factors and their mutual interactions allows for evaluating syngas solubility and chain growth accurately.

Graphene oxide-doped chiral dextro-hydrogel promotes peripheral nerve repair through M2 polarization of macrophages

Dextro-chirality is reported to specifically promote the proliferation and survival of neural cells. However, applying this unique performance to nerve repair remains a great challenge. Graphite oxide (GO)-phenylalanine derivative hydrogel system was constructed through doping 5% GO into self-assembly dextro- or levo-hydrogels (named as dextro and levo group, respectively), which exhibited identical physical and chemical properties, cyto-compatibility, and mirror-symmetrical chirality. In vivo experiments using rat sciatic nerve repair models showed that the functional recovery and histological restoration of regenerating nerves in the dextro group were significantly improved, approaching that of autograft implantation. The doped GO promoted M2 polarization of macrophages, increasing the expression of platelet-derived growth factor BB chain and vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby improving angiogenesis in regenerating nerves. A mechanism is proposed for the facilitated nerve repair through the synergistic effect of GO and dextro-hydrogel, involving dextro-chirality selection of neural cells and GO-induced M2 polarization, which promotes microvascular regeneration and myelination. This study showcases the immense potential of chirality in addressing neurological issues by providing a compelling demonstration of the development of effective therapies that leverage the unique matrix chirality selection of nerve cells to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

In-situ preparation of triazole polymerization films on copper surface via SI-ATRP method and their performance against copper corrosion

As one of the most advanced film forming technologies, the surface-initiated controlled/living radical polymerization provides an effective method for in-situ fabricating functional films on material surface. In this paper, the triazole film of polymerized (1-tosyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) methyl acrylate (P-TTMA) is in-situ prepared on copper surface via Cu catalyzed surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) method. The P-TTMA film with different degree of polymerization (DP) is obtained by varying its molecular weight, which is achieved via regulating the polymerization time of SI-ATRP reaction. When the polymerization time is within 48 h, the SI-ATRP system can achieve a regular chain growth of P-TTMA film, the DP value of P-TTMA film shows an S-shaped variation as the polymerization time increasing. The electrochemical test is performed to evaluate the anticorrosion performance of different P-TTMA films for copper. The result demonstrates that the P-TTMA films exhibit good anticorrosion performance for Cu in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The P-TTMA obtained by 48 h polymerization time, with the DP value of 105, exhibits the stable and good protection performance. The anticorrosion performance of P-TTMA film can be optimized via regulating the SI-ATRP reaction. This paper provides a new idea for preparing inhibition film with a certain degree of polymerization and protection performance on metal surface. It is expected to be a theoretical guidance for fabricating triazole polymer film using ATRP with lower catalyst loading or metal-free ATRP in the coming future.

Studying the mechanical behavior of a generic thermoplastic by means of a fast coarse-grained molecular dynamics model

Polymers play an emerging role in modern engineering applications due to their comparatively low cost, low density, and versatile manufacturing. The addition of nano-sized fillers further enhances the polymer’s properties but also induces a strong dependence on the resulting microstructure, particularly the matrix-filler interphase. Since an experimental characterization of this nano-sized interphase is extremely difficult, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study the effects at such small scales. However, MD’s high computational costs usually limit the scope of a mechanical characterization. Therefore, this study presents the methodology and tools to generate and analyze samples of an efficient generic thermoplastic model. In this first contribution, we focus on the neat polymer and introduce a versatile and numerically stable self-avoiding random walker with adjustable linearity of chain growth. Moreover, we verify our equilibration procedure by preparing samples in liquid and solid state which behave physically sound. Finally, we perform uniaxial tensile tests with a maximum strain of 10 % to evaluate the mechanical properties. In the liquid case, the polymer chains are sufficiently mobile, such that the tensile stresses fluctuate only around zero, while the solid exhibits an almost linear elastic regime followed by a nonlinear part. This contribution forms the basis for a thorough mechanical characterization of polymer nanocomposites which we will address in future studies. The methodology and tools introduced are not limited to our generic polymer, but applicable to many coarse-grained models.

Unique Polymer-Stabilized Liquid Crystal Structure Prepared by Addition of a Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Agent.

Polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs) are important electrically switchable materials due to their superior electro-optical properties. Nevertheless, it remains a formidable challenge to balance PSLCs' instant electro-optical performance and long-term durability due to their relatively low polymer content and the related sensitivity to external force. Herein, we demonstrate the possibility of regulating the polymer network structure in PSLCs via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization reactions of acrylate monomers with a chain transfer agent (CTA). By controlling the concentration of CTA and conditions of photopolymerization, the kinetics of the polymerization reaction can be modified. Compared to conventional free-radical (FR) polymerization, the reduced chain growth rate leads to sufficient chain relaxation, reorientation of liquid crystal (LC) directors, and alleviation of shrinkage stresses in the RAFT polymerization process. This in turn produces an ordered polymer network structure in the vertical direction and a uniform distribution in the horizontal plane. As a result, the PSLC network presents increased elasticity with a lower hysteresis effect and greatly improved durability. Our research offers insightful guidance for the fine-tuning of polymer network structures to prepare advanced LC/polymer composite structures with outstanding performances.

Localization of composite prosthetic feet: manufacturing processes and production guidelines

Amputation levels in Egypt and the surrounding neighborhood require a state intervention to localize the manufacturing of prosthetic feet. Amputations are mainly due to chronic diseases, accidents, and hostilities’ casualties. The prosthetic foot type is traditionally classified according to the number of axial rotational movements, and is recently classified according to the energy activeness of the foot. The localization of this industry needs a preliminary survey of the domestic technological levels with respect to the foot type. Upon the results of this survey, the energy storage response foot has appealing metrics to proceed with its manufacturing. A prototype manufacturing chain is designed and a set of these feet with a certain commercial size of 27 is manufactured. Resin impregnation technology for carbon fiber composites is followed in this work. The feet are tested according to ISO 22,675. Based on the dimensional and mechanical results, a manufacturing value chain is proposed with the prospective resin transfer molding technology. This value chain will guarantee the required localization as well as the natural growth of this value chain with all related activities like accreditation of practices as well as manpower certification.

The role of carbon monoxide in the catalytic synthesis of endohedral carbyne

The unique physical properties of carbyne, a novel carbon nanostructure, have attracted considerable interest in modern nanotechnology. While carbyne synthesis has been accomplished successfully using diverse techniques, the underlying mechanisms governing the carbon monoxide-dependent catalytic synthesis of endohedral carbyne remain poorly understood. In this simulation-based study, we investigate the synthesis of endohedral carbyne from carbon and carbon monoxide radicals in the presence of a nickel catalyst inside double-walled carbon nanotubes with a (5,5)@(10,10) structure. The outcome of our investigation demonstrates that the incorporation of the carbon atom within the Nin@(5,5)@(10,10) model system initiates the formation of an elongated carbon chain. In contrast, upon the introduction of carbon monoxide radicals, the growth of the carbyne chain is inhibited as a result of the oxidation of endohedral nickel clusters by oxygen atoms after the initial steps of nucleation. Our findings align with prior theoretical, simulation, and experimental investigations, reinforcing their consistency and providing valuable insights into the synthesis of carbyne-based nanodevices that hold promising potential for future advancements in nanotechnology.

High‐Density Polyethylene with In‐Chain Photolyzable and Hydrolyzable Groups Enabling Recycling and Degradation

AbstractPolyethylenes endowed with low densities of in‐chain hydrolyzable and photocleavable groups can improve their circularity and potentially reduce their environmental persistency. We show with model polymers derived from acyclic diene metathesis polymerization that the simultaneous presence of both groups has no adverse effect on the polyethylene crystal structure and thermal properties. Post‐polymerization Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of keto‐polyethylenes from non‐alternating catalytic ethylene‐CO chain growth copolymerization yield high molecular weight in‐chain keto‐ester polyethylenes (Mn≈50.000 g mol−1). Oxidation can proceed without chain scission and consequently the desirable materials properties of HDPE are retained. At the same time we demonstrate the suitability of the in‐chain ester groups for chemical recycling by methanolysis, and show that photolytic degradation by extended exposure to simulated sunlight occurs via the keto groups.

High-Density Polyethylene with In-Chain Photolyzable and Hydrolyzable Groups Enabling Recycling and Degradation.

Polyethylenes endowed with low densities of in-chain hydrolyzable and photocleavable groups can improve their circularity and potentially reduce their environmental persistency. We show with model polymers derived from acyclic diene metathesis polymerization that the simultaneous presence of both groups has no adverse effect on the polyethylene crystal structure and thermal properties. Post-polymerization Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of keto-polyethylenes from non-alternating catalytic ethylene-CO chain growth copolymerization yield high molecular weight in-chain keto-ester polyethylenes (Mn ≈50.000 g mol-1 ). Oxidation can proceed without chain scission and consequently the desirable materials properties of HDPE are retained. At the same time we demonstrate the suitability of the in-chain ester groups for chemical recycling by methanolysis, and show that photolytic degradation by extended exposure to simulated sunlight occurs via the keto groups.

Synthesis of Liquid Hydrocarbon via Direct Hydrogenation of CO2 over FeCu-Based Bifunctional Catalyst Derived from Layered Double Hydroxides.

Here, we report a Na-promoted FeCu-based catalyst with excellent liquid hydrocarbon selectivity and catalytic activity. The physiochemical properties of the catalysts were comprehensively characterized by various characterization techniques. The characterization results indicate that the catalytic performance of the catalysts was closely related to the nature of the metal promoters. The Na-AlFeCu possessed the highest CO2 conversion due to enhanced CO2 adsorption of the catalysts by the introduction of Al species. The introduction of excess Mg promoter led to a strong methanation activity of the catalyst. Mn and Ga promoters exhibited high selectivity for light hydrocarbons due to their inhibition of iron carbides generation, resulting in a lack of chain growth capacity. The Na-ZnFeCu catalyst exhibited the optimal C5+ yield, owing to the fact that the Zn promoter improved the catalytic activity and liquid hydrocarbon selectivity by modulating the surface CO2 adsorption and carbide content. Carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation to liquid fuel is considered a method for the utilization and conversion of CO2, whereas satisfactory activity and selectivity remains a challenge. This method provides a new idea for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 and from there the preparation of high-value-added products.

Factors Influencing Cassava Sales and Income Generation among Cassava Producers in South Africa

Assessing the factors influencing cassava sales and income generation among South African cassava farmers is critical for informed decision-making, policy formulation, targeted interventions, and the long-term growth of the cassava value chain. By recognizing these elements, stakeholders can improve market efficiency, increase income opportunities, reduce poverty, promote rural development, and nurture a sustainable and inclusive cassava value chain. This study examines factors that influence cassava sales and positive income generation along the cassava value chain. Using a simple sample method, we collected data from 240 farmers in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. A logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of explanatory variables on the probability of selling cassava and earning a positive income. Findings show that having access to output markets, owning livestock, being a female, and having sizable land under cassava production enhances the possibility of cassava sales and generating a positive income. In contrast, age has a detrimental influence on cassava sales, while access to extension services and harvesting for household food consumption exhibited no substantial effects. The findings underline the importance of market access, gender equality, integrating livestock farming among cassava farmers, support for elderly farmers, and sustainable agricultural practices. To ensure the long-term positive generation of income by farmers and the sustainability of the cassava value chain, policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate and execute policies and interventions that address these essential concerns.

Polymer-based solid acids with adjustable textural and hydrophobic properties for polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers synthesis from formaldehyde and methanol

Cation exchange resins are widely utilized in polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODEn) synthesis due to considerable catalytic performance. However, low specific surface area and strong hydrophilicity hinder the generation of long-chain PODEn and industrial applications. Herein, polymer-based solid acids with adjustable textural and hydrophobic properties were prepared by hydrothermal method. Results indicated that the use of tetrahydrofuran and water as solvents in the preparation process resulted in a significant increase in the specific surface area and pore size distribution of the catalysts. Meanwhile, hydrophobic catalysts prepared by copolymerization under optimal solvent exhibited superior performance over commercial resins. Moreover, two reaction pathways for the reaction of hemiformal (HF1, CH3OCH2OH) with formaldehyde and methanol were investigated by DFT calculations. The intermediate formed by combining sulfonic acid group with carbocation is favorable for embedding formaldehyde in HF1 to promote chain growth, while the direct attack of methanol on HF1 is conducive to chain termination.

Polyaniline nanosheets templated from aniline‒acid precipitates and their electrochemical performance for flexible supercapacitor

The simple synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) polyaniline (PANI) structures remains a big challenge owing to the intrinsic growth of PANI chains into one-dimensional structures and the curling of the PANI chains into spherical particles. In this contribution, we report on the simple synthesis of PANI nanosheets by oxidizing aniline–acid precipitates with ammonium persulfate (APS) through a chemical oxidation polymerization method. The tested acids include methylene disulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid. The aniline–acid precipitates serve as separation-free templates for producing PANI nanosheets. The yield, oxidation level, electronic conductivity, conjugation length, and thickness of the PANI nanosheets can be tuned by controlling the molar ratio of aniline/APS. The electrochemical performance of PANI nanosheets-based symmetric supercapacitors was examined at the temperature ranging from room temperature to –60 °C. The PANI nanosheets with relatively high specific surface area rather than the oxidation level manifest superior electrochemical performance.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis coupled with a novel reaction kinetics using trimetallic catalyst over a biomass-based support

A mathematical modeling based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was performed in this work. The reactive flow behavior in a tubular reactor was modeled for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using a novel trimetallic catalyst supported on a low-cost and renewable carbonaceous material. The fixed bed reactor was simulated as a porous media using a commercial software package (COMSOL Multiphysics). In this study, major attention has been paid to the species transport and reaction kinetics, as a fundamental stage in CFD simulation of FTS. The reaction kinetics was evaluated using Eley-Rideal theory assuming the molecular adsorption of CO based on the enol mechanism. Furthermore, the products distribution was accounted in the kinetics study by defining a mathematical expression and the kinetics parameters were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA). The activation energy and heat of H2 adsorption were estimated as 62.63 and −29.52 kJ/mol, respectively. The role of operational conditions was critically evaluated on the partial pressure profiles of the species, and the CFD results were validated with the experimental data. While increasing total pressure improved the partial pressure of C5+ hydrocarbons to 1.2 bar, increasing temperature to 310 °C limited the chain growth. The employed modeling and novel catalyst design can provide promising overview of the FTS reaction mechanism and products selectivity in fixed bed reactors.

CO2 hydrogenation to linear α-olefins on FeCx/ZnO catalysts: Effects of surface oxygen vacancies

Selective formation of hydrocarbons from CO2 hydrogenation via the FTS pathway has been attracting interest. Oxygen vacancies (Ov) on the catalyst surface show a subtle role during CO2 activation. Herein, the effects of Ov on FeCx/ZnO catalysts are presented for CO2 hydrogenation to linear α-olefins (LAOs). ZnO with surface Ov of varied concentrations was firstly obtained using heated H2-treatment and used to support active FeCx phases. FeCx/ZnO with appropriate surface Ov achieved CO2 conv. of 48.86% with LAOs sel. of 49.38% and C1 product below 10%. Characterizations confirmed that the Ov concentration exhibited a positive correlation with the interaction between the iron species and ZnO. With H2-treatment of ZnO at 500–600 °C, FeCx/ZnO-T showed 26–33% Ov in all the oxygen species, which increased the surface C/H ratio and promoted the formation of the key intermediate HCOO− and CHx species for chain growth. Excessive Ov accelerated secondary hydrogenation and increased CH4.

Neurofilament light chain in plasma as a sensitive diagnostic biomarker of peripheral neurotoxicity: In Vivo mouse studies with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel - NeuroDeRisk project

Identifying compounds that are neurotoxic either toward the central or the peripheral nervous systems (CNS or PNS) would greatly benefit early stages of drug development by derisking liabilities and selecting safe compounds. Unfortunately, so far assays mostly rely on histopathology findings often identified after repeated-dose toxicity studies in animals. The European NeuroDeRisk project aimed to provide comprehensive tools to identify compounds likely inducing neurotoxicity. As part of this project, the present work aimed to identify diagnostic non-invasive biomarkers of PNS toxicity in mice. We used two neurotoxic drugs in vivo to correlate functional, histopathological and biological findings. CD1 male mice received repeated injections of oxaliplatin or paclitaxel followed by an assessment of drug exposure in CNS/PNS tissues. Functional signs of PNS toxicity were assessed using electronic von Frey and cold paw immersion tests (oxaliplatin), and functional observational battery, rotarod and cold plate tests (paclitaxel). Plasma concentrations of neurofilament light chain (NF-L) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were measured, and histopathological evaluations were performed on a comprehensive list of CNS and PNS tissues. Functional PNS toxicity was observed only in oxaliplatin-treated mice. Histopathological findings were observed dose-dependently only in paclitaxel groups. While no changes of VEGF-A concentrations was recorded, NF-L concentrations were increased only in paclitaxel-treated animals as early as 7 days after the onset of drug administration. These results show that plasma NF-L changes correlated with microscopic changes in the PNS, thus strongly suggesting that NF-L could be a sensitive and specific biomarker of PNS toxicity in mice.

Synergism of Cl− and Br− on the controllable synthesis of flexible silver nanowires

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) exhibit excellent electrical conductivity and hold significant potential for usage in flexible electronics. AgNs can possess a suitable aspect ratio, uniformity, and flexibility that are essential for achieving high-performance flexible transparent conductive films. However, the synthesis of AgNWs presents a challenge in controlling its morphology, often resulting in varying lengths and aspect ratios that are difficult to regulate. Thus, the controlled preparation of AgNWs holds great significance. Herein, AgNWs were synthesized via a polyol method with FeCl3 and KBr composite metal salt as control agents, silver nitrate as a silver source, ethylene glycol as a reducing agent and solvent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a growth director. By adjusting the ratio and dosage of FeCl3 and KBr, the morphology controllability of AgNWs was realized, and the obtained AgNWs can be straight or bendable. The surface morphology and microstructure of the AgNWs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to the synergistic effect of FeCl3 and KBr, flexible AgNWs with an average diameter of 25–35 nm, an average length of 35–45 um, and an aspect ratio of over 1000 can be obtained. Mechanism studies have shown that through electrostatic interactions, AgCl, AgBr, NO3−, and PVP in the reaction mixture can form binding sites for AgCl-PVP-NO3− and AgBr-PVP-NO3−, thus causing the silver nanowires to become flexible. Meanwhile, the strong polarization effect caused by Br− in the reaction causes the chain growth to become subject to the dual effects of electrostatic repulsion and external forces, resulting in the formation of flexible and soft silver nanowires.