Supracolloidal structures

Keywords CoUoids Heterocoagulation Nanocomposites Pickering stabilization - Polymer latex Self-assembly Supracolloidal structures... 

Recently, Miller and Cacciuto explored the self-assembly of spherical amphiphilic particles using molecular dynamics simulations [46]. They found that, as well as spherical micellar-type structures and wormlike strings, also bilayers and faceted polyhedra were possible as supracolloidal structures. Whitelam and Bon [47] used computer simulations to investigate the self-assembly of Janus-like peanut-shaped nanoparticles and found phases of clusters, bilayers, and non-spherical and spherical micelles, in accordance with a packing parameter that is used conventionally and in analogy to predict the assembled structures for molecular surfactants. They also found faceted polyhedra, a structure not predicted by the packing parameter (see Fig. 8). In both studies, faceted polyhedra and bilayers coexist, a phenomenon that is still unexplained. 

We have seen in this review that there are a vast array of physical methods that we can make use of in the design of nanocomposite polymer colloids. The classical approach of heterocoagulation can undergo a renaissance by exploring driving forces such as the hydrophobic effect and secondary molecular interactions. Self-assembly of complex anisotropic colloidal particles is already creating a whole new direction in the fabrication of supracolloidal structures. 

Creative methods of templating, whether in droplets or on hard patterned surfaces, together with advances in lithography and colloid visualization methods, will also contribute greatly to a wealth of innovative supracolloidal structures. 

Gao, Q., Wang, C., Liu, H., Wang, C., Liu, X. and Tong, Z. (2009). Suspension polymerization based on inverse Pickering emulsion droplets for thermo-sensitive hybrid microcapsules with tunable supracolloidal structures. Polymer, 50, 2587-2594. 

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