Abstract

Particle interaction is a critical parameter for growth kinetics of colloidal crystals. The equilibrium concentration and step free energy are strongly dependent on the particle interaction. The growth mechanism of the attractive system of colloidal crystals is similar to that of vapor or solution growth, where crystals grow by incorporating diffusing ad-particles on the terrace into kinks of steps (Terrace-Step-Kink model). Here, we have applied the theory of crystal growth to experimentally determine the binding energy that originates from the particle interaction. We focus on the relationship between kink distance and bond energy, which is described by BCF (Burton-Cabrera-Frank) theory. The value of the step free energy determined by the kink distance measurement agrees well with the values obtained from other measurements, including nucleation rate and critical radius. The obtained value also accounts well for the change in step velocity of two-dimensional islands, which is due to the Gibbs–Thomson ef...

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.