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Thermofluidic Nonequilibrium Assembly of Reconfigurable Functional Structures
Desmond Joseph Quinn1, Diptabrata Paul1, Frank Cichos1
1Molecular Nanophotonics Group, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
ACS Nano
|June 3, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel nonequilibrium assembly method using temperature gradients to rapidly create ordered colloidal crystals. This approach enables dynamic reconfiguration of functional materials with tunable photonic properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Controlled assembly of functional materials is a key challenge.
- Existing equilibrium methods are often slow and limited.
- Dynamic reconfiguration of structures is highly desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a nonequilibrium assembly approach for colloidal particles.
- To create dynamically reconfigurable functional structures.
- To develop a predictive model for assembly dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing laser-induced temperature gradients.
- Exploiting thermophoresis, thermoosmosis, and depletion forces.
- Employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) for depletion forces.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid (minutes) assembly of highly ordered 3D colloidal crystals.
- Demonstrated tunable photonic stopbands and structural transitions (crystalline to toroidal) via laser power modulation.
- Developed and validated a predictive model for particle fluxes and assembly rates.
Conclusions:
- Thermofluidic assembly offers a fast, versatile route to reconfigurable functional materials.
- This nonequilibrium approach overcomes limitations of traditional equilibrium methods.
- The tunable properties of assembled structures have potential applications in advanced materials.
