Hierarchical self-assembly of 3D lattices from polydisperse anisometric colloids.

ABSTRACT: Colloids are mainly divided into two types defined by size. Micron-scale colloids are widely used as model systems to study phase transitions, while nanoparticles have physicochemical properties unique to their size. Here we study a promising yet underexplored third type: anisometric colloids, which integrate micrometer and nanometer dimensions into the same particle. We show that our prototypical system of anisometric silver plates with a high polydispersity assemble, unexpectedly, into an ordered, three-dimensional lattice. Real-time imaging and interaction modeling elucidate the crucial role of anisometry, which directs hierarchical assembly into secondary building blocks-columns-which are sufficiently monodisperse for further ordering. Ionic strength and plate tip morphology control th

SUBMITTER: Luo B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6472373 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature