Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Designing van der Waals Forces between Nanocolloids
Silvina M Gatica1, Milton W Cole, Darrell Velegol
1Department of Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16803, USA.
Abstract:
van der Waals (VDW) dispersion forces are often calculated between colloidal particles by combining the Dzyaloshinskii-Lifshitz-Pitaevskii (DLP) theory with the Derjaguin approximation; however, several limitations prevent using this method for nanocolloids. Here we use the Axilrod-Teller-Muto 3-body formulation to predict VDW forces between spherical, cubic, and core-shell nanoparticles in a vacuum. Results suggest heuristics for "designing" nanocolloids to have improved stability.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Van der Waals Interactions
Colloids
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties

