title: Layer-by-layer growth of attractive binary colloidal particles.
abstract: We investigate the two-dimensional (2D) colloidal structures formed by oppositely charged polystyrene monolayers grown layer-by-layer, where the electrostatic forces are recruited to assist in the packing of the layers. Our results show a transition through several 2D-superlattices to more close-packed structures with increasing ionic strength. The observed geometrical packing constraints of the 2D-superlattice structures agree well with the estimated Debye screening length of the electric double layer. By tuning interaction forces between charged colloids, electrostatic interactions could enhance the template-directed self-assembly process to achieve more complex and diverse structures.
authors.affiliation: Singapore-MIT Alliance, N3.2-01-36, 65 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637460.
authors.forename: Kwan Wee
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Guang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yaw Koon
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.forename: Qingfeng
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wong