Shaping nanoparticle fingerprints at the interface of cholesteric emulsions

In this work, we balance the interfacial energy of nanoparticles against the elastic energy of cholesteric liquid crystals to dynamically shape nanoparticle assemblies at a fluid interface. By adjusting the concentration of surfactant that plays the dual role of tuning the nanoparticle hydrophobicity and altering the anchoring of liquid crystals, we pattern nanoparticles at the interface of cholesteric liquid crystal emulsions. Interfacial assembly is tempered by elastic patterns that arise from the geometric frustration of confined cholesterics. Patterns are tunable by varying both surfactant and chiral dopant concentrations. Adjusting the particle hydrophobicity more finely by regulating the surfactant concentration and solution pH further modifies the rigidity of assemblies, giving rise to surprising assembly dynamics dictated by the underlying elasticity of the cholesteric. Because assembly occurs at the interface with the desired structures exposed to the surrounding water solution, particles can be readily cross-linked and manipulated. This study serves as a foundation for better understanding inter-nanoparticle interactions at interfaces by tempering their assembly with elasticity.