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Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles
Published on: February 4, 2013
Synthesis and directed self-assembly of patterned anisometric polymeric particles
Zhenkun Zhang1, Patrick Pfleiderer, Andrew B Schofield
1Department of Chemical Engineering, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|December 3, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method to create chemically patterned anisotropic colloidal particles. This technique allows for tunable fluorescent patterns and sticky interactions, aiding in directed self-assembly applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Colloid Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Colloidal particles are fundamental building blocks in materials science.
- Creating anisotropic and chemically patterned particles is challenging but crucial for advanced applications.
- Existing methods often lack versatility or simplicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a simple and versatile method for fabricating chemically patterned anisotropic colloidal particles.
- To showcase two distinct types of patterning achievable with this technique.
- To illustrate the potential of these model particles in directed self-assembly.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a combination of thermo/mechanical stretching.
- Applying a subsequent wet chemical treatment.
- Working with sterically stabilized latex as the base material.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced patchy ellipsoidal particles with localized sticky interactions.
- Achieved particles with tunable fluorescent patterns.
- Demonstrated the ease and versatility of the proposed method.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a straightforward route to chemically patterned anisotropic colloidal particles.
- These particles serve as valuable model systems for studying phenomena like directed self-assembly.
- The technique holds promise for creating functional materials with tailored properties.
