Nanoparticle-induced self-assembly of functionalized tetrapods

Recent advances in synthesis have made it possible to create monodisperse particles with well-defined shapes. In particular, tetrapods have been fabricated in a wide range of well-controlled dimensions and have been functionalized in several different ways. We present Monte Carlo simulations of the self-assembly of functionalized tetrapods. We consider how the addition of charged spherical nanoparticles provides another means to control the self-assembled structure. In addition, we report the results of simulations of planar tripods confined to two dimensions and demonstrate that highly regular structures can be achieved without functionalization, through nanoparticle-mediated depletion interactions.