Phase diagram of binary colloidal rod-sphere mixtures from a 3D real-space analysis of sedimentation–diffusion equilibria

Bakker, Henriëtte E.; Dussi, Simone; Droste, B.L.; Besseling, Thijs H.; Kennedy, Chris L.; Wiegant, E.I.; Liu, Bing; Imhof, Arnout; Dijkstra, Marjolein; Blaaderen, Alfons van

doi:10.1039/c6sm02162j

Cited by 30 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…A large library of differently shaped particles is nowadays available for self-assembly experiments, and in many cases the role of entropy is predominant. For example, silica rods can be considered as a (nearly) perfect experimental realisation of hard spherocylinders, since at sufficiently high salt concentrations the phase behaviour can be mapped onto that of a corresponding hard-particle system, both for a singlecomponent and a binary system [11,12,31]. Suspensions of fd-viruses are another fascinating and widely studied example of colloidal systems composed of rod-like particles [3][4][5][32][33][34].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the stability and finite-size effects of a columnar phase in single-component systems of hard-rod-like particles

2018

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Colloidal rod-like particles self-assemble into a variety of liquid crystal phases. In contrast to the formation of the nematic and smectic phases for which it is well understood that it can be driven by entropy, the stabilisation mechanism of a prolate columnar phase (Col + ), observed for example in fd-virus suspensions, is still unclear. Here, we investigate whether or not a Col + phase can exist in a purely entropy-driven single-component system. We perform computer simulations of hard particles with different shapes: spherocylinders, top-shaped rods, cuboidal particles, and crooked rods. We show that the Col + phases observed in previous simulation studies are mere artefacts due to either finite-size effects or simulation boxes that are incommensurate with the stable thermodynamic phase. In particular, we observe that the characteristic layering of the stable smectic or crystal phase disappears when the dimension of the simulation box along the direction of the layers is too small. Such a system-size effect depends both on particle shape and the competing phases, and appears to be more pronounced for less anisotropic particles. ARTICLE HISTORY

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the stability and finite-size effects of a columnar phase in single-component systems of hard-rod-like particles

2018

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“…Framed in this nonexhaustive review, it is worth noting that supracolloidal assemblies can as well be triggered by application of external force fields, which in combination with the shape of the particles can result in spectacular assemblies . Complex colloidal organizations have been reported through the multicomponent association of isotropic and anisotropic building blocks . One of the rationales behind this multicomponent approach is the design of units with tunable valence that could further flexibly build well‐defined hierarchical assemblies .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sphere–Tubule Superstructures through Supramolecular and Supracolloidal Assembly Pathways

Cautela

Lattanzi

Månsson

et al. 2018

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While colloids have been widely employed as models for atoms and molecules, the current study proposes to extend their use as building blocks for supracolloidal frameworks. Hereby, the self‐assembly between highly anisotropic supramolecular microtubules and soft spherical fluorescent microgels is explored using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The influence of the particle size and charge with respect to the catanionic tubule composition, which consists of two oppositely charged bile salt derivatives, is investigated. Under certain conditions, microgel particles are found to specifically interact with the extremities of the tubular aggregates and hierarchically self‐assemble into various superstructures varying from virus‐like assemblies to supracolloidal networks. The reported approach is envisioned to open new self‐assembly routes toward ordered hybrid superstructures where the spherical colloids act as responsive linkers of tubular structures.

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“…Two-dimensional mesogens are referred to as sheets, plates, and platelets; for this review, the term nanoplatelet will primarily be used. Since zero-dimensional (0D) spherical nanoparticles often result from anisotropic nanomaterial syntheses and are sometimes intentionally added to some dispersions, they are also discussed in this review [9][10][11][12].…”

Section: Examples Of Nanomesogensmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Size and Shape Dispersity on the Phase Behavior of Nanomesogen Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

et al. 2020

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Self-assembly of anisotropic nanomaterials into fluids is a key step in producing bulk, solid materials with controlled architecture and properties. In particular, the ordering of anisotropic nanomaterials in lyotropic liquid crystalline phases facilitates the production of films, fibers, and devices with anisotropic mechanical, thermal, electrical, and photonic properties. While often considered a new area of research, experimental and theoretical studies of nanoscale mesogens date back to the 1920s. Through modern computational, synthesis, and characterization tools, there are new opportunities to design liquid crystalline phases to achieve complex architectures and enable new applications in opto-electronics, multifunctional textiles, and conductive films. This review article provides a brief review of the liquid crystal phase behavior of one dimensional nanocylinders and two dimensional nanoplatelets, a discussion of investigations on the effects of size and shape dispersity on phase behavior, and outlook for exploiting size and shape dispersity in designing materials with controlled architectures.

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Phase diagram of binary colloidal rod-sphere mixtures from a 3D real-space analysis of sedimentation–diffusion equilibria

Cited by 30 publications

References 36 publications

On the stability and finite-size effects of a columnar phase in single-component systems of hard-rod-like particles

On the stability and finite-size effects of a columnar phase in single-component systems of hard-rod-like particles

Sphere–Tubule Superstructures through Supramolecular and Supracolloidal Assembly Pathways

The Effects of Size and Shape Dispersity on the Phase Behavior of Nanomesogen Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

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