Surface segregation of binary particles in photonic colloidal assemblies

ORAL

Abstract

A simple one-pot emulsion-based process offers unique advantages in controlling assembly of particles with applications in producing structural colors, self-stratifying coatings, and capsules for drug delivery. Here, we combine experiments and molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate the importance of chemistry, density, and size of particles in controlling the surface segregation in photonic colloidal assemblies from a binary mixture of melanin and silica particles. Surface segregation also influences the structural colors of these supraballs. In addition, melanin is a multifunctional biological pigment and the control of its segregation at supraball surface leads to novel ways to modulate unique surface properties of colloidal assemblies.

*Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-13-1-0222) and National Science Foundation (EAR-1251895, DMR-1105370, DMR-1609543)

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Presenters

  • Ali N Dhinojwala

    • Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron
    • The University of Akron

Authors

  • Ming Xiao

    • Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron

  • Ziying Hu

    • Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University

  • Thomas Gartner

    • Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware
    • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware

  • Xiaozhou Yang

    • Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron

  • Weiyao Li

    • Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron

  • Arthi Jayaraman

    • University of Delaware
    • Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware
    • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware

  • Nathan C. Gianneschi

    • Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University
    • Chemistry, Northwestern University

  • Matthew D. Shawkey

    • Department of Biology, University of Ghent

  • Ali N Dhinojwala

    • Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron
    • The University of Akron