Langmuir-Blodgett technique for anisotropic colloids: Young investigator perspective

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, which involves the formation of interfacial layers and the subsequent transfer onto a solid substrate, provides one of the most versatile means to characterize the adsorption, self-assembly, and rheological properties of interfacial colloids. In this review, we summarized the relevant studies on anisotropic colloids, which exhibit a richer self-assembly potential than their spherical counterparts. Hard particles with different shape and aspect ratio induce interfacial distortions when trapped at a liquid interface; the ensuing capillary interactions can drive the formation of complex two-dimensional (2D) structures with interesting properties. Soft colloids such as proteins, on the other hand, possess intrinsic anisotropy in both their shape and interactions. Exploring the shape/orientation dependent interactions and the created structures are important for diverse applications. Here, we present the comprehensive state of anisotropic colloids at liquid interfaces, and try to develop a deeper understanding of their self-assembly dynamics.