Self-assembly of active amphiphilic Janus particles

TL;DR

This paper investigates how active amphiphilic Janus particles self-assemble in two dimensions, focusing on how active forces and particle geometry influence aggregate morphology and physical properties.

Contribution

It systematically explores the effects of active force strength, direction, and particle coverage on self-assembly, offering strategies to control aggregate properties using self-propulsion.

Findings

Morphology depends on active force strength and direction.

Geometry and interaction directionality influence aggregate properties.

Self-propulsion can be used as a tunable self-assembly driving force.

Abstract

In this article, we study the phenomenology of a two dimensional dilute suspension of active amphiphilic Janus particles. We analyze how the morphology of the aggregates emerging from their self-assembly depends on the strength and the direction of the active forces. We systematically explore and contrast the phenomenologies resulting from particles with a range of attractive patch coverages. Finally, we illustrate how the geometry of the colloids and the directionality of their interactions can be used to control the physical properties of the assembled active aggregates and suggest possible strategies to exploit self-propulsion as a tunable driving force for self-assembly.