We investigate the folding transition of a single diblock copolymer consisting of a semiflexible and a flexible block. We obtain a Saturn-shaped core-shell conformation in the folded state, in which the flexible block forms a core and the semiflexible block wraps around it. We demonstrate two distinctive features of the core-shell structures: (i) The kinetics of the folding transition in the co...

Ligand molecules tethered on the surface of inorganic nanoparticles play an important role in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles due to their dramatic influence over surface properties. Tailoring of nanoparticle surfaces with ligands is therefore a key factor for stabilizing nanoparticles in various solvents as well as for controlling hierarchical assembly of nanoparticles to give f...