Self-assembly of nanoparticles in the microvolume of colloidal solution: Physics, modeling, and experiment

Abstract

The development of methods for controlling the architecture of ensembles of micro- and nano-particles via affecting the processes of their self-assembly in a drying drop of solution is an urgent problem in modern fundamental (theory of ordering in a dissipative system) and applied (design of microstructures and materials with new properties) science. The elucidation of the role of various factors in the processes of self-assembly allows for an elaboration of the foundations of a predictable impact on the system in order to achieve the desired result, which is characterized by a particular morphology (the distribution of particles in a substrate and structure) of the particle ensembles. The physical models of self-assembly are considered, and the results of modeling and experimental investigations of ordered ensembles of micro- and nanoparticles are reviewed. Particular attention is drawn to the method of dissipative particle dynamics.