Ordering Control of Self-Assembled Colloidal Crystals

Abstract

Colloidal crystals are 3D nanostructures formed by self assembly of nanoparticles in suspension. The interaction forces between the colloid particles are expected to affect the ordering and the defect density in the resultant crystal. Based on this insight, the effect of ionic strength on the quality of the colloidal crystal is examined. It is found that at intermediate ionic strength, it is possible to get the best ordering of the colloidal crystal. The reason for this is explained based on previous work on the structural changes in an assembling colloidal crystal. A method for reducing the defect density in colloidal crystal will also be proposed.