Our research focuses on the computational and theoretical aspect of polymer physics and soft matter physics. The biophysics and nonequilibrium physics are also complemented to innovate the research paradigm in polymer condense matter physics. We develop theory and apply computational simulation to explore the basic science and the fundamental principles in the interdisciplines covering physics, chemistry and materials, on the basis of macromolecular science.
1. Entropy-Controlled Strategy in various soft matter systems
We explore the rules and principles of entropy in regulating the structural organization and ordering in various soft matter systems, and thereby propose the concept of entropy-controlled strategy. We extend this concept to diverse directions of soft matter systems, as indicated by our book and review papers listed below:
1) Overview of the concept
- Entropy-control strategy of Soft Matter Systems(软物质体系的熵调控), Beijing: Science Press, 2021.
- The entropy-controlled strategy in self-assembling sytems. Chem. Soc. Rev., 2023, 52,6806–6837.
- Superentropic Effect and Entropic Strategy in Structural Control of Macromolecular Systems. Acta Polym. Sin., 2021, 52(9),1076-1099.
2) Interfaces of various soft matter systems
3) Conformational entropy in macromolecular systems
4) Polymer nanocomposites
5) Biological systems and bio-nano interfaces
6) Biological systems and cellular uptake
7) Colloidal systems
2. Diffusive dynamics and transport in complex macromolecular systems
We develop theory of statistical mechanics and apply computational approaches to explore the physics underlying the dynamics of diffusion as well as anomalous diffusion in various bulk and interfacial systems, especially the biointerfaces around cells and macromolecular networks, biological or synthetic. Below we list our relavant review papers:
- Dynamics and Transport in Macromolecular Networks, Weinheim(Germany): Wiley-VCH, 2024.
- Diffusive Transport of Nanoscale Objects with Cell Membranes: A Computational Perspective. Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 3869-3881.
- Interfaces between Nanoparticle and Biomacromolecular Network: Dynamic Behaviors, Confinement and Entropy. Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023, (in review)
3. Nonequilibrium physics related to (bio)macromolecular systems
The nonequilibrium physics points to one of the most important topics of modern physics. This aspect related to the (bio)macromolecular systems, such as the active particles in the biomacromolecular matrix and at the biointerfaces, are investigated in our group, through developing theory and models coupling nonequilibrium thermodynamics and kinetics.
