Formation of two-dimensional structures from colloidal particles on fluorinated oil substrate

Abstract

We propose a new type of liquid substrate, perfluorinated oil (F-oil), for the formation of two-dimensional arrays from colloidal particles. The appropriate conditions for particle ordering (experimental cell, type and concentration of surfactants, etc.) are reported. Large and well ordered structures from µm-sized latex particles are obtained. Ordered clusters of globular protein (ferritin) macromolecules are also observed. The structures formed are directly transferred (after the F-oil evaporation) onto a solid substrate for subsequent study by means of optical and electron microscopy. The mechanism of the ordering process is studied and the advantages and disadvantages of the liquid substrates (in comparison with the solid ones) are discussed. Some possible ways for control of the ordering process and for improvement of the quality of the arrays are pointed out.