Kinetics of intermediate-mediated self-assembly in nano-sized materials: a generic model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generic model for the self-assembly of nano-sized materials that involves intermediate particles, explaining a long induction period and guiding future experimental investigations.

Contribution

It presents a novel, generic kinetic model for intermediate-mediated self-assembly, capturing polydispersity and induction periods in nano-material formation.

Findings

Model explains long induction periods in self-assembly.

Provides a framework for understanding intermediate roles.

Guides future experimental studies on self-organization.

Abstract

We propose in this paper a generic model of a non-standard aggregation mechanism for self-assembly processes of a class of materials involving the mediation of intermediates consisting of a polydisperse population of nano-sized particles. The model accounts for a long induction period in the process. The proposed mechanism also gives insight on future experiments aiming at a more comprehensive picture of the role of self-organization in self-assembly processes.