Shape-Dependent Oriented Trapping and Scaffolding of Plasmonic Nanoparticles by Topological Defects for Self-Assembly of Colloidal Dimers in Liquid Crystals
We demonstrate scaffolding of plasmonic nanoparticles by topological defects induced by colloidal microspheres to match their surface boundary conditions with a uniform far-field alignment in a liquid crystal host. Displacing energetically costly liquid crystal regions of reduced order, anisotropic nanoparticles with concave or convex shapes not only stably localize in defects but also self-orient with respect to the microsphere surface. Using laser tweezers, we manipulate the ensuing nanoparticle-microsphere colloidal dimers, probing the strength of elastic binding and demonstrating self-assembly of hierarchical colloidal superstructures such as chains and arrays.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1039092
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/JA-5900-53888
- Journal Information:
- Nano Letters, Journal Name: Nano Letters Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 12
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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