Large-scale synthesis of colloidal bowl-shaped particles

Kazem V. Edmond, Tess W.P. Jacobson, Joon Suk Oh, Gi Ra Yi, Andrew D. Hollingsworth, Stefano Sacanna, David J. Pine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We describe a general procedure for the large-scale fabrication of bowl-shaped colloidal particles using an emulsion templating technique. Following this method, single polymeric seed particles become located on individual oil droplet surfaces. The polymer phase is subsequently plasticized using an appropriate solvent. In this critical step, the compliant seed is deformed by surface tension, with the droplet serving as a templating surface. Solvent evaporation freezes the desired particle shape and the oil is subsequently removed by alcohol dissolution. The resulting uniformly-shaped colloidal particles were studied using scanning electron and optical microscopy. By adjusting the droplet size and the seed particle diameter, we demonstrate that the final particle shape can be controlled precisely, from shallow lenses to deep bowls. We also show that the colloid's uniformity and abundant quantity allowed the depletion-mediated assembly of flexible colloidal chains and clusters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6176-6181
Number of pages6
JournalSoft Matter
Volume17
Issue number25
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 30 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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