Molecular mimetic self-assembly of anisotropic particles

The role of self-assembly in materials design will continue to grow as new syntheses emerge for colloidal building blocks that can form directional and reversible bonds with one another in a fashion similar to atomic systems. Molecular concepts, such as valence, shape recognition, reconfiguration, and chirality, are increasingly present in the modern colloidal chemists’ lexicon. Gaining control over particle shape and surface chemistry is paramount to engineering colloidal interactions, whose capabilities and limitations start with the choice of material. Here, we examine many of the colloidal mediums utilized in modern research labs, paying particular attention to 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, whose dual liquid/solid nature presents unique routes to control particle shape and surface chemistry.