Directed self-assembly of complex colloidal particles

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Directed self-assembly of complex colloidal particles

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 23rd November 2015
  • Speaker: Daniela Kraft (Leiden University)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Self-assembly of colloidal particles has emerged as the most promising route to create complex structures on the nano- and micron-scale. Despite their tremendous potential for bottom-up assembly of functional materials, experimental examples of self-assembling colloidal systems are still scarce due to the restricted availability of synthetic methods and kinetic trapping in undesirable states.

In this talk, I will present a novel strategy for obtaining complex colloidal particles by recycling random aggregates of spheres. I will demonstrate that we can achieve a wide variety of complex colloids by tuning the synthesis parameters. I will subsequently show how we can employ these colloids for self-assembly by creating site-specific interactions through surface roughness. Finally, I will discuss how mobile DNA linkers can provide a route to create reconfigurable assemblies.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.