Self-assembly of amphiphilic patchy particles with different cross-linking densities

Abstract

The influence of deformability of two-patch particles on their self-assembly behavior is studied via computer simulations. The softness and the deformability of the patchy particles can be controlled by varying the cross-linking densities in different parts of the particles. The patchy particles in a solvent that is bad for patches but good for the matrix form linear thread-like structures when cross-linking densities are low, whereas they form three-dimensional network structures at relatively high cross-linking densities. For patchy particles in a solvent that is good for patches but bad for the matrix, inter-connected membrane structures are obtained at relatively low cross-linking densities, and some cluster structures emerge when cross-linking densities are high. Bicontinuous membranes with better morphologies can be observed by tuning the cross-linking densities of different parts of the patchy particles.