Activity-assisted self-assembly of colloidal particles

TL;DR

This paper proposes a strategy to enhance colloidal self-assembly by utilizing self-propulsion, enabling higher yields and broader parameter ranges through careful design and dynamic control of particle activity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of activity-assisted self-assembly, demonstrating how self-propulsion can be optimized to improve assembly efficiency and control.

Findings

Self-propulsion increases self-assembly rate.

Tuning on/off times modulates colloid speed.

Expanded parameter space for successful assembly.

Abstract

We outline a basic strategy of how self-propulsion can be used to improve the yield of a typical colloidal self-assembly process. The success of this approach is predicated on the thoughtful design of the colloidal building block as well as how self-propulsion is endowed to the particle. As long as a set of criteria are satisfied, it is possible to significantly increase the rate of self-assembly, and greatly expand the window in parameter space where self-assembly can occur. In addition, we show that by tuning the relative on/off time of the self-propelling force it is possible to modulate the effective speed of the colloids allowing for further optimization of the self-assembly process.