Patterns without patches: Hierarchical assembly of complex structures from simple building blocks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that complex hierarchical structures can be assembled from simple isotropic spheres with controlled sizes and binding affinities, bypassing the need for patchy particles.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to self-assembly using simple spheres, showing they can form complex structures typically associated with patchy particles.

Findings

Finite clusters with specific structures form with high yield.

Clusters can assemble into diverse superstructures like networks and porous crystals.

Complex structures are achievable without patchy particles, using only size and affinity control.

Abstract

Nanoparticles with "sticky patches" have long been proposed as building blocks for the self-assembly of complex structures. The synthetic realizability of such patchy particles, however, greatly lags behind predictions of patterns they could form. Using computer simulations, we show that structures of the same genre can be obtained from a solution of simple isotropic spheres, provided control only over their sizes and a small number of binding affinities. In a first step, finite clusters of well-defined structure and composition emerge from natural dynamics with high yield. In effect a kind of patchy particle, these clusters can further assemble into a variety of complex superstructures, including filamentous networks, ordered sheets, and highly porous crystals.