Homogeneous solution assembled Turing structures with near zero strain semi-coherence interface

Turing structures typically emerge in reaction-diffusion processes far from thermodynamic equilibrium, involving at least two chemicals with different diffusion coefficients in classic systems. Constructing a Turing structure in homogeneous solutions is challenging because most small-molecule species have similar diffusion coefficients. Here, we show that Turing structures with near-zero strain semi-coherent interfaces can be constructed in homogeneous solutions subject to diffusion kinetics. Experimental results combined with molecular dynamics and numerical simulations confirm Turing structures in spinel ferrite films. Using hard–soft acid–base theory, coordination design can modulate diffusion of molecules in homogeneous solutions, expanding the library of Turing structure designs and providing potential for advanced materials.

Yuanming Zhang, Ningsi Zhang, Yong Liu, Yong Chen, Huiting Huang, Wenjing Wang, Xiaoming Xu, Yang Li, Fengtao Fan, Jinhua Ye, Zhaosheng Li, Zhigang Zou