title: Generalized inverse patchy colloid model.
abstract: We generalize the inverse patchy colloid model that was originally developed for heterogeneously charged particles with two identical polar patches and an oppositely charged equator to a model that can have a considerably richer surface pattern. Based on a Debye-Hückel framework, we propose a coarse-grained description of the effective pair interactions that is applicable to particles with an arbitrary patch decoration. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach by applying it to models with (i) two differently charged and/or sized patches, and (ii) three, possibly different patches.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, A-1040 Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stipsitz
authors.affiliation: Institute for Theoretical Physics and Center for Computational Materials Science (CMS), Technische Universität Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, A-1040 Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kahl
authors.affiliation: Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, A-1040 Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bianchi