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Surface patterning droplets: A new route to hierarchical self-assembly

POSTER

Abstract

In this study, we present a strategy for controlling the spatial distribution of binary nanoparticle mixtures on a liquid droplet interface. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that mixtures of dipolar and non-dipolar particles assemble into dynamically frustrated amorphous structures at the interface. A time-dependent magnetic field is used to overcome kinetic barriers, forming configurations resembling the thermodynamic ground state. These features are encapsulated in a dynamic phase diagram with field strength (relative to dipole strength) and frequency (relative to nanoparticle relaxation time) acting as state-controlling variables. The orienting field biases dipolar particles near the equator while non-dipolar particles are localized at the poles which are along the axis of the field. This patterning is reversible, as changing field direction will redirect the poles on the droplet to align with the field. Finally, we discuss droplet ferromagnetic properties determined by micro-magnetic simulations.

Presenters

  • Gautam Bordia

    Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

Authors

  • Gautam Bordia

    Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

  • Jaffar Hasnain

    Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley

  • Robert Streubel

    Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Condensed Matter & Materials Physics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

  • Ahmad Omar

    University of California, Berkeley, Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

  • Thomas Russell

    University of Massachusetts Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst