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Magnetic manipulation of self-assembled colloidal asters.

Journal Article · · Nat. Mater.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat3083· OSTI ID:1025111
Self-assembled materials must actively consume energy and remain out of equilibrium to support structural complexity and functional diversity. Here we show that a magnetic colloidal suspension confined at the interface between two immiscible liquids and energized by an alternating magnetic field dynamically self-assembles into localized asters and arrays of asters, which exhibit locomotion and shape change. By controlling a small external magnetic field applied parallel to the interface, we show that asters can capture, transport, and position target microparticles. The ability to manipulate colloidal structures is crucial for the further development of self-assembled microrobots
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
SC
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1025111
Report Number(s):
ANL/MSD/JA-70398
Journal Information:
Nat. Mater., Journal Name: Nat. Mater. Journal Issue: 9 ; Sep. 2011 Vol. 10; ISSN 1476-1122
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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