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Lenticular Hexagon-to-Hexagram Shape Transformation: Nano-Origami in Liquid Droplets
Catherine Quilliet1, Alexander V Butenko2,3, Eli Sloutskin2,3
1Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS/, LIPhy UMR 5588, Grenoble F-38401, France.
Physical Review Letters
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered novel interfacially frozen droplets forming unique hexagram shapes with concave edges, challenging previous models. This finding introduces mobile-fold nano-origami, enabling new self-assembly methods for complex nanostructures.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Temperature-controlled droplet shape transformations are well-studied.
- Existing models explain convex liquid polyhedra but not concave edges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate droplet shape transformations beyond convex polyhedra.
- To reveal the mechanism behind concave edge formation in droplets.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic experiments
- Numerical simulations
- Analytical geometric modeling
Main Results:
- Discovery of interfacially frozen metastable droplets with hexagram projections.
- Identification of previously unreported mobile-fold nano-origami.
- Elucidation of the mechanism driving these complex droplet shapes.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a new class of droplet behavior with concave edges.
- Mobile-fold nano-origami offers novel pathways for self-assembly.
- Findings advance nanotechnology applications in complex nanostructure fabrication.
