Crystallization of Nanoscaled Colloids

By Philip G. Born

Subjects: Nanostructured materials, Phase Transitions and Multiphase Systems, Nanochemistry, Polymers, Nanoscale Science and Technology, Polymer Sciences, Thin Films Surfaces and Interfaces, Colloids, Ceramics, Glass, Composites, Natural Methods, Surfaces (Physics), Chemistry

Description: This thesis deals with the processes that create ordered assemblies from disordered nanoparticles. Ordered packings of nanoscale particles can exhibit unusual properties. This work investigates the self-assembly of such particles, a process widely employed for the generation of ordered structures, but not yet well understood. In situ methods are used to observe the assembly of sub-micron polymer lattices and sub-10 nm gold particles into crystalline monolayers and aggregates.On the basis of these results, the book develops new models that describe the competition between different influences, such as thermal agitation and directional forces. It suggests necessary criteria that lead to the emergence of order.