title: Cooperative polymerization of one-patch colloids.
abstract: We numerically investigate cooperative polymerization in an off-lattice model based on a pairwise additive potential using particles with a single attractive patch that covers 30% of the colloid surface. Upon cooling, these particles self-assemble into small clusters which, below a density-dependent temperature, spontaneously reorganize into long straight tubes. We evaluate the partition functions of clusters of all sizes to provide an accurate description of the chemical reaction constants governing this process. Our calculations show that, for intermediate sizes, the partition functions retain contributions from two different structures, differing in both energy and entropy. We illustrate the microscopic mechanism behind the complex polymerization process in this system and provide a detailed evaluation of its thermodynamics.
authors.affiliation: Sapienza, Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Teun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vissers
authors.affiliation: Sapienza, Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Smallenburg
authors.affiliation: Sapienza, Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianmarco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Munaò
authors.affiliation: Sapienza, Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Zdeněk
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Preisler
authors.affiliation: Sapienza, Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sciortino