Issue 8, 2013

Two-dimensional colloidal networks induced by a uni-axial external field

Abstract

Based on Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics computer simulations we investigate the aggregation patterns and dynamics of model colloidal mixtures consisting of particles with either one or two, oppositely oriented, induced dipole moments. The mixtures are confined to two spatial dimensions. Our model is inspired by recent optical-microscopy experiments involving polystyrene particles with (and without) gold patches. For a broad range of parameters, we find the model systems to self-assemble via a two-step scenario involving first percolation along the field, followed by a percolation transition in the transverse direction. The resulting two-dimensional networks are characterized by strongly hindered translational dynamics.

Graphical abstract: Two-dimensional colloidal networks induced by a uni-axial external field

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Sep 2012
Accepted
21 Dec 2012
First published
17 Jan 2013

Soft Matter, 2013,9, 2518-2524

Two-dimensional colloidal networks induced by a uni-axial external field

H. Schmidle, S. Jäger, C. K. Hall, O. D. Velev and S. H. L. Klapp, Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 2518 DOI: 10.1039/C2SM27210E

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