Assembling ellipsoidal particles at fluid interfaces using switchable dipolar capillary interactions.

Davies, Gary B; Krüger, Timm; Coveney, Peter V; Harting, Jens; Bresme, Fernando · Adv Mater · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

How to dynamically tune an assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles adsorbed at fluid-fluid interfaces using dipolar capillary interactions is demonstrated. A previously discovered first-order phase transition is exploited and it is shown how to spontaneously turn off these dipolar capillary interactions by exceeding a critical field strength, providing unprecedented control of the bottom-up fabrication of soft materials.

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