Cluster Distribution in Silica Nanoparticle Thin Films Deposited via Ionic Self-Assembly

We investigate the concentration dependence of surface coverage and cluster distribution in thin films composed of silica nanoparticles, deposited via the ionically self-assembled multilayers technique. Our analysis extends previous work by examining the spatial organization of clusters for different nanoparticle concentrations. We use scanning electron microscopy imaging to identify clusters and measure their sizes, which provides critical experimental data for the analysis. Analytically, we employ a cooperative sequential adsorption and evaporation model mapped onto an Ising model framework. The results reveal a non-linear relationship between nanoparticle concentration and cluster size distribution, with higher concentrations leading to increased clustering and more heterogeneous cluster sizes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how nanoparticle concentration influences the structural organization within thin films. Furthermore, the project helps establish a connection between the theoretical model parameters and the experimental conditions, refining the model to better match empirical data.