Abstract
We present a simple model of triblock Janus particles based on discoidal building blocks, which can form energetically stabilized Kagome structures. We find 'magic number' global minima in small clusters whenever particle numbers are compatible with a perfect Kagome structure, without constraining the accessible three-dimensional configuration space. The preference for planar structures with two bonds per patch among all other possible minima on the landscape is enhanced when sedimentation forces are included. For the building blocks in question, structures containing three bonds per patch become progressively higher in energy compared to Kagome structures as sedimentation forces increase. Rearrangements between competing structures, as well as ring formation mechanisms are characterised and found to be highly cooperative.
Highlights
Designing nanoscale building blocks that self-assemble into complex structures is an active area of contemporary research.[1,2,3,4] In particular, a promising approach for fabricating novel materials is to design colloidal building blocks of various shapes, sizes and anisotropy,[5,6] which can assemble into the desired structure under certain experimental conditions
Inspired by experimental results from the Granick group[9] for triblock Janus particles that assemble into an open Kagome structure during sedimentation, we present a design for particles interacting via a soft anisotropic potential, which exhibit Kagome structures as the energetic ground state for small clusters
We have presented what we believe to be the first unrestricted computational model that supports Kagome structures, using soft anisotropic triblock Janus particles
Summary
Designing nanoscale building blocks that self-assemble into complex structures is an active area of contemporary research.[1,2,3,4] In particular, a promising approach for fabricating novel materials is to design colloidal building blocks of various shapes, sizes and anisotropy,[5,6] which can assemble into the desired structure under certain experimental conditions. The shape and interaction anisotropy of the particles is a key property defining the shape of the overall assembly.[7] New experimental techniques allow for the realisation of building blocks with exotic shapes.[8] Using computational techniques has a high predictive value, allowing for rational design of novel building blocks, and for studying their parameter space and self-assembly propensity
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