Download Statistics
Download StatisticsMorphew, Daniel (2018). Programming hierarchical self-assembly of anisotropic colloids. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.
|
Morphew18PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version Download (12MB) |
Abstract
Colloidal self-assembly promises to be an elegant and efficient route to the bottom-up fabrication of 3-dimensional structures. Programming hierarchical schemes for colloid self-assembly has the potential to widen structural diversity and mimic biological complexity. However, it remains a grand challenge to bridge hierarchies of multiple length- and time-scales associated with the structure and dynamics along complex self-assembly pathways.
This thesis employs a variety of computational techniques to address this challenge in silico, programming colloidal self-assembly for structural hierarchy in close connection with contemporary experimental research. In a series of studies, the self-assembly of designer charge-stabilised colloidal magnetic particles into a number of supracolloidal polyhedra for size-selected clusters is demonstrated. The design space supports self-assembled polyhedra of very different morphologies, namely tubular and hollow spheroidal structures, for which the dominant pathways for self-assembly are elucidated, revealing two distinct mechanisms. Here, it is found that for a staged assembly pathway the structure, which derives the strongest energetic stability from the first stage and the weakest from the second stage, is most kinetically accessible.
Stemming from these findings, a generic design principle exploiting a hierarchy of interaction strengths is introduced. This design principle is subsequently employed to demonstrate the hierarchical self-assembly of triblock patchy colloidal particles into a variety of colloidal crystals. Furthermore, this design framework exhibits a novel bottom-up route to the fabrication of cubic diamond colloidal crystals, which until recently, have remained elusive.
| Type of Work: | Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award Type: | Doctorates > Ph.D. | |||||||||
| Supervisor(s): |
|
|||||||||
| Licence: | ||||||||||
| College/Faculty: | Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences | |||||||||
| School or Department: | School of Chemistry | |||||||||
| Funders: | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Other | |||||||||
| Other Funders: | The University of Birmingham | |||||||||
| Subjects: | Q Science > QD Chemistry | |||||||||
| URI: | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/8242 |
Actions
 |
Request a Correction |
 |
View Item |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year