Shape-anisotropic colloids: Building blocks for complex assemblies

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Recent breakthroughs in colloidal synthesis allow the control of particle shapes and properties with high precision. This provides us with a constantly expanding library of new anisotropic building blocks, thus opening new avenues to explore colloidal self-assembly at a higher level of complexity. This article reviews the most recent advances in the preparation and self-assembly of colloids with well-defined anisotropic shapes. A particular emphasis is given to solution-based syntheses that provide micron-sized colloids in high yields, and to assembly schemes that exploit the shape anisotropy of the building blocks involved.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)96-105
Number of pages10
JournalCurrent Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

Keywords

  • Colloids
  • Self-assembly
  • Shape anisotropy
  • Strategy
  • Synthesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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