Field-driven cluster formation in two-dimensional colloidal binary mixtures.

Qian, Dingwen; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica · Phys Rev E · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We study size- and charge-asymmetric oppositely charged colloids driven by an external electric field. The large particles are connected by harmonic springs, forming a hexagonal-lattice network, while the small particles are free of bonds and exhibit fluidlike motion. We show that this model exhibits a cluster formation pattern when the external driving force exceeds a critical value. The clustering is accompanied with stable wave packets in vibrational motions of the large particles.