Thermodynamics of nano-cluster phases: a unifying theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive analytical theory that predicts the self-organization and size distribution of nano- and micro-clusters in colloidal systems, aligning with experimental observations and aiding various scientific fields.

Contribution

It provides a unifying theoretical framework for colloidal self-assembly, linking interaction parameters and concentration to cluster size distribution.

Findings

Mean cluster size scales proportionally with concentration.

The theory accurately predicts cluster size distributions.

Applicable to soft matter, nanotech, and biophysics.

Abstract

We propose a unifying, analytical theory accounting for the self-organization of colloidal systems in nano- or micro-cluster phases. We predict the distribution of cluter sizes with respect to interaction parameters and colloid concentration. In particular, we anticipate a proportionality regime where the mean cluster size grows proportionally to the concentration, as observed in several experiments. We emphasize the interest of a predictive theory in soft matter, nano-technologies and biophysics.