Structural prediction of super-diffusion in multiplex networks

Diffusion dynamics in multiplex networks can model a diverse number of real-world processes. In some specific configurations of these systems, the super-diffusion phenomenon arises, in which the diffusion is faster in the multiplex network than in any of its layers. Many studies attempt to characterize this phenomenon by examining its dependency on structural properties of the network, such as overlap, average degree, network dissimilarity, and others. While certain properties show a correlation with super-diffusion in specific networks, a broader characterization is still missing. Here, we introduce a structural parameter based on the minimum node strength that effectively predicts the occurrence of super-diffusion in multiplex networks. Additionally, we propose a novel framework for deriving analytical bounds for several multiplex networks structures. Finally, we analyze and justify why certain arrangements of the inter-layer connections induce super-diffusion. These findings provide novel insights into the super-diffusion phenomenon and the interplay between network structure and dynamics. •Structural parameter to predict super-diffusion in multiplex networks.•Super-diffusion analytical bounds for multiplex networks.•Inducing super-diffusion by selecting inter-layer connections based on node strength.•Strength distribution plays a pivotal role in the diffusion dynamics of networks.