Spatially controlled reversible colloidal self-assembly
We studied the localized self-assembly of colloidal crystals on a topographically patterned substrate. A competition between particle and pattern interactions provided the ability to reversibly assemble quasi-two-dimensional colloidal crystals on a periodic landscape. The assembly process was visual...
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Veröffentlicht in: | The Journal of chemical physics 2009-10, Vol.131 (13), p.134705-134705-7 |
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Hauptverfasser: | , , |
Format: | Artikel |
Sprache: | eng |
Online-Zugang: | Volltext |
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Zusammenfassung: | We studied the localized self-assembly of colloidal crystals on a topographically patterned substrate. A competition between particle and pattern interactions provided the ability to reversibly assemble quasi-two-dimensional colloidal crystals on a periodic landscape. The assembly process was visualized and controlled in real-space and real-time using video microscopy. Independent measurements and computer simulations were used to quantify all interactions controlling self-assembly. Steady-state studies characterized spatially inhomogeneous, coexisting fluid and crystal microstructures at various stages of assembly. Microstructures arise from a balance of local sedimentation equilibria within potential energy features and a tunable pairwise depletion attraction between colloids. Transient colloidal crystal self-assembly occurred via a quasiequilibrium process as characterized by continuously evolving spatial profiles of local density, bond orientational order, and self-diffusivities. |
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ISSN: | 0021-9606 1089-7690 |
DOI: | 10.1063/1.3243686 |