Complete phase diagram of a charged colloidal system: A synchro- tron x-ray scattering study

Abstract

High-resolution, small-angle, synchrotron x-ray-scattering techniques were used to determine the phase diagram, structure factor, and pair distribution function for a charged colloidal suspension from 6% to 30% volume fraction. The expected correlated liquid and fcc and bcc solid phases were observed along with a glass phase at high concentration with structure similar to metallic glasses. At high volume fractions the finite core size leads to substantial deviation from predictions resulting from a screened Coulomb interaction.