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Published on: May 20, 2014
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Equilibrium phases of one-patch colloids with short-range attractions
Zdeněk Preisler1, Teun Vissers, Gianmarco Munaò
1Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584CC, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Z.Preisler@uu.nl.
Soft Matter
|June 10, 2014
Summary
Computer simulations reveal novel crystal structures in one-patch colloids. At 60% patch coverage, lamellar crystals form, suggesting experimental feasibility for these self-assembling structures.
Area of Science:
- Colloid science
- Materials science
- Computational physics
Background:
- Experimental studies highlight attractive patchy particles.
- Understanding colloid phase behavior is crucial for materials design.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate phase behavior and crystalline structures of one-patch colloids.
- Analyze the impact of patch surface coverage fraction on structure formation.
- Explore the feasibility of experimental realization for predicted structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized computer simulations for phase behavior analysis.
- Employed free-energy calculations and thermodynamic integration.
- Conducted NVT simulations to observe structure formation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Identified stable lamellar crystals at 60% patch coverage, coexisting with a low-density fluid.
- Observed spontaneous formation of lamellar structures in simulations, indicating low formation barriers.
- Found Janus (50%) colloids form crystals similar to longer-range interactions.
- Discovered novel 'open' crystal structures with large unit cells at 30% coverage.
Conclusions:
- Lamellar crystals are feasible for experimental realization in one-patch colloids.
- Patch coverage fraction significantly influences the resulting crystalline structures.
- Novel open crystal structures emerge at lower patch coverage fractions under strong interactions.
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