Mixed Colloids Research Articles

Edible squid ink proteoglycans as a multifunctional sustainable additive for silk coatings: Fire protection, UV shielding and as a colorant

Today, marine biomolecules have attracted great interest in the field of flame-retardant (FR) science due to their sustainability and charring properties. Squid ink is mixed bio-colloid rich in proteoglycans, melanin, and metal ions. Here, squid ink was applied to endow silk with outstanding FR performance and ultraviolet protection through surface coating. After coating with 40 g/L squid ink, silk displayed excellent ultraviolet shielding performance with a high UV protection factor (UPF) of 71.5, attributing to powerful ultraviolet absorption ability of melanin. Besides, the coated silk also exhibited outstanding FR performance, characterized by a shorter char length (7.1 cm) and a higher FR-Index (2.5). The heat release performance of the treated silk dramatically decreased, and the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and heat release capability (HRC) both decreased by 49.1 %. Moreover, a significant reduction in total smoke production (TSP ∼ 60 %) was also observed in cone calorimetry test. A reduction in these fire parameters indicated a great improvement in the fire safety of silk. Interestingly, due to the natural adhesiveness of the proteoglycan mixed colloid, the coated silk could withstand 10 washing cycles while maintaining FR properties. Subsequently, further analyses of the cone residues confirmed the formation of a compact and stable char layer. The squid ink coating exerted an intumescent FR action on silk.

Research on printing performance of full potato powder: The relationship between rheological properties, microstructure, and printing performance

AbstractThis work evaluated the printing performance of mashed potatoes (MP), principally utilizing full potato powder as a raw material, with the aim of improving the printing quality and efficiency of MP. It investigated how different formulations affected the rheological traits, microstructure, and printing effectiveness of MP. Using a single‐factor controlled variable approach, the molding properties of MP were investigated in terms of the concentrations of full potato powder and the concentrations and ratio of the mixed colloid of carrageenan (CG) and xanthan gum (XG), respectively. Through the experiment, the relationship between the rheological properties, microstructure, and printing performance of MP was established, and its printing characteristics were evaluated in terms of the rheological parameters, microstructural characteristics, and extrusion molding effect of MP. The results showed that: the concentration of full powder significantly influences the printability of MP, and a specific concentration of full powder can make MP have better flow properties; CG–XG could enhance the viscoelasticity and surface quality of MP so that MP had good shear thinning characteristics and thixotropic properties, ensuring that the MP could immediately restore the viscoelasticity to maintain the stability of the structure of the parts after extruding; and the MP can be used to create composite materials. The 3D printing of potatoes was examined in this article based on the material's molding properties, offering a theoretical and technical foundation for the execution of MP high‐efficiency and high‐precision printing and is of significance in advancing the field of food 3D printing technology.Practical applicationsIn this study, the relationship between rheological properties, microstructure, and printing performance was established for the first time, and the structural characteristics of molding equipment were correlated with the properties of printable raw materials. This study also introduces a novel molding process. By incorporating the appropriate hydrophilic gel and potato starch and using full potato flour as the research object, the printable performance of mashed potatoes was enhanced. The molded food preserved the original nutrients and potato flavor to a large extent, which promoted the development of potato staple foods and was of significant importance for the study of the 3D printing capabilities of the paste food.

Evaluation of FNAC Thyroid Smears Using Bethesda System For Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology Nomenclature With Clinicopathological Correlation

Background: The study aimed to interpret thyroid cytology by the Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytology (TBSRTC) and to analyze the distribution of lesions under various diagnostic categories and subcategories.
 Methodology: This study was conducted as an observational study at tertiary care centre on patients with thyroid lesions. After history taking and detailed local, general and systemic examination, thyroid function tests were conducted. Apart from this, ultrasonography of lesion was done. Patients were subjected to FNAC and after fixation smears were stained with Papanicolaou stain.
 Results: About 53% thyroid lesions were hemorrhagic, followed by 17% blood mixed colloid and 4% colorless serous fluid. Sample adequacy was noted in 93.5% cases in our study. According to Bethesda system of classification, majority of lesions were benign (81.5%) whereas 6.5% lesions were unsatisfactory. Only 6% lesions were categorsied as malignant.
 Conclusion: FNAC is widely accepted as the most accurate, sensitive, specific, and cost- effective diagnostic procedure in the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules. It is the first line of investigation and can differentiate benign nodules from malignant nodules of the thyroid in 95% cases. Applying a standard reporting system for thyroid cytology may enhance the communication between pathologists and clinicians, assists them to find out the rate of malignancy in each cytological group, and facilitating a more reliable approach for patient management.

Fertilizer-Holding Performance of Graphene on Soil Colloids Based on Double Electric Layer Theory

Soil nutrient loss, which leads to low plant utilization, has become an urgent issue. Graphene can improve soil fertilizer-holding properties given its small size effect, strong adsorption properties, and large specific surface area. Herein, different amounts of graphene were added to soil samples to study its effect on soil nutrient retention and growth of pepper seedlings. The colloidal double electric layer theory forms the basis for an analysis of variations in soil nutrient concentration through measurements of the zeta potential, which is affected by variations in ion concentrations in soil colloids. We measured the zeta potential of graphene and soil mixed colloids and found that graphene could increase the concentration of nutrient ions in soil colloids. In addition, graphene reduced the loss of nutrients; increased the contents of ammonium nitrogen, effective phosphorus, and fast-acting potassium in the soil after leaching; and enhanced the stability of soil aggregates after leaching. In addition, pepper seedlings grown under graphene treatment for 60 days outperformed seedlings grown without graphene treatment, in terms of plant height and nutrient content. This study demonstrates that the addition of graphene to soil can reduce nutrient loss and promote fertility and plant growth.

Simple Route to Increase Electrical Conductivity and Optical Transmittance in Graphene/Silver Nanoparticles Hybrid Suspensions

Electrical and optical properties of graphene/silver nanoparticles hybrid suspensions intended for use in inkjet printing technologies were studied. Few-layered graphene particles were manufactured via a direct ultrasonic-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation route in water/surfactant system, whereas silver nanoparticles were synthetized using a polyol process. Hybrid suspensions for graphene/silver nanoparticles mixtures showed significant reduction in mean particle size while electrical conductivity remained almost intact even after thorough centrifugation. Structuring effects in mixed colloids were very pronounced as both electrical conductivity and optical transmission showed maxima at 65 wt.% graphene. Suspensions with conductivities above 300 μSm/cm, much higher than previously reported, were obtained, and resulted in the manufacturing of films with less than 10% optical absorption throughout the visible region. These samples did not demonstrate absorption peaks attributed to silver nanoparticles’ surface plasmon resonance, which is suitable for transparent electrode applications. Suspension properties at optimal composition (65 wt.% graphene) are very promising for printed electronics as well as transparent conductive coating applications. In the paper, we establish that the optimal suspension composition matches that of the film; therefore, more attention should be paid to carefully studying electrically conductive suspensions.

Study on new process of electroless copper plating pretreatment on carbon fiber surface

In general, conventional carbon fiber surface pretreatment, with palladium, silver, and other precious metals as activators, increases its surface activity by initiating redox reactions for metallization, whereas it exhibits a high cost and poor economy. In this study, copper-nickel mixed colloids with low cost served as the activators, and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were employed as sensitizing reducing agents to successfully plate copper on the surface of carbon fibers. Subsequently, the morphology of the treated samples was characterized through SEM and XPS to explore the pretreatment process of the carbon fiber surface. The results indicated that the carbon fiber exhibited the optimal debinding effect at 55°C and the heating time was longer than 120 min. The result indicated that coarsening effect of 65% concentrated nitric acid was the optimal. The activation effect of copper-nickel mixed colloid was the optimal, and the surface quality of the coating was the optimal.

Revealing the interaction between peptide drugs and permeation enhancers in the presence of intestinal bile salts.

Permeability enhancer-based formulations offer a promising approach to enhance the oral bioavailability of peptides. We used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction between two permeability enhancers (sodium caprate, and SNAC), and four different peptides (octreotide, hexarelin, degarelix, and insulin), in the presence of taurocholate, an intestinal bile salt. The permeability enhancers exhibited distinct effects on peptide release based on their properties, promoting hydrophobic peptide release while inhibiting water-soluble peptide release. Lowering peptide concentrations in the simulations reduced peptide-peptide interactions but increased their interactions with the enhancers and taurocholates. Introducing peptides randomly with enhancer and taurocholate molecules yielded dynamic molecular aggregation, and reduced peptide-peptide interactions and hydrogen bond formation compared to peptide-only systems. The simulations provided insights into molecular-level interactions, highlighting the specific contacts between peptide residues responsible for aggregation, and the interactions between peptide residues and permeability enhancers/taurocholates that are crucial within the mixed colloids. Therefore, our results can provide insights into how modifications of these critical contacts can be made to alter drug release profiles from peptide-only or mixed peptide-PE-taurocholate aggregates. To further probe the molecular nature of permeability enhancers and peptide interactions, we also analyzed insulin secondary structures using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The presence of SNAC led to an increase in β-sheet formation in insulin. In contrast, both in the absence and presence of caprate, α-helices, and random structures dominated. These molecular-level insights can guide the design of improved permeability enhancer-based dosage forms, allowing for precise control of peptide release profiles near the intended absorption site.

Phase and Structural Thermal Evolution of Bi-Si-O Catalysts Obtained via Laser Ablation.

Laser methods are successfully used to prepare complex functional nanomaterials, especially for biomedicine, optoelectronics, and heterogeneous catalysis. In this paper, we present complex oxide and composite nanomaterials based on Bi and Si produced using laser ablation in liquid followed by subsequent powder annealing. Two synthesis approaches were used, with and without laser post-treatment of mixed (in an atomic ratio of 2:1) laser-generated Bi and Si colloids. A range of methods were used to characterize the samples: UV-Vis diffusion reflection, IR and Raman spectroscopy, synchronous thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, as well as specific surface-area evaluation. We also followed the dynamics of phase transformations, as well as composition, structure and morphology of annealed powders up to 800 °C. When heated, the non-irradiated series of samples proceeded from metallic bismuth, through β-Bi2O3, and resulted in bismuth silicates of various stoichiometries. At the same time, in their laser-irradiated counterparts, the formation of silicates proceeded immediately from the amorphous Bi2SiO5 phase formed after laser treatment of mixed Bi and Si colloids. Finally, we show their ability to decompose persistent organic molecules of Rhodamine B and phenol under irradiation with a soft UV (375 nm) source.

Lipomics: A Potential Carrier for the Intravenous Delivery of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Drugs

In the present work, we propose the development of a novel carrier that does not need organic solvents for its preparation and with the potential for the intravenous delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Named lipomics, this is a mixed colloid of micelles incorporated within a liposome. This system was designed through ternary diagrams and characterized by physicochemical techniques to determine the particle size, zeta potential, shape, morphology, and stability properties. The lipomics were subjected to electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, and STEM) to evaluate their physical size and morphology. Finally, pharmacokinetic studies were performed by radiolabeling the lipomics with Technetium-99m chelated with BMEDA to evaluate the in vivo biodistribution through techniques of molecular imaging (microSPECT/CT) in rats. Radiolabeling efficiency was used to compare the encapsulation efficiency of the hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules in lipomics and liposomes. According to the results, lipomics are potentially carriers of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs.

Синтез нанокомпозита графен-СеО2 с использованием додециламина

A method is proposed for the synthesis of nanostructured composites based on graphene and CeO2, which combines sol-gel and sonochemical methods. A feature of the method is that when the graphene content is not more than 2 wt. %, its uniform distribution in the volume of the material is achieved without the formation of an impurity phase. In addition, oxygen-free graphene with a sheet thickness of 3 – 5 nm was used in the synthesis as a suspension obtained by ultrasonic exfoliation in an alkalized by KOH aqua-alcohol solution of dodecylamine. The formation of a composite in a mixed colloid occurs in such a way that the sol-gel transition and subsequent crystallization of nano-CeO2 occur on the graphene sheets. However, the chemical interaction of the latter and CeO2 in the composite is not observed, which contributes to the preservation of the sp2-electrons system of graphene and, as a result, the preservation of its unique electronic properties. The graphene sheets form a layered structure of composite agglomerates, and isolated CeO2 nanocrystals are incorporated into these differently oriented layers. It has been determine that CeO2 dispersion in the composite is higher than in pure CeO2 nanopowder. Estimating the phase and chemical purity of the synthesized composite, it can be argued that the developed method for obtaining nanostructured powders based on graphene and CeO2 is promising as the basis for an economical and environmentally friendly technology for the production of initial substances for fine-grained electrical ceramics.

Laser-assisted synthesis of Ag–Cu alloy nanoparticles with tunable surface plasmon resonance frequency in presence of external electric field

The present study aimed to synthesize the colloidal Ag–Cu alloy nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of an external electric field. Synthesis of Ag–Cu alloy NPs is important because of their unique properties for antibacterial and antimicrobial activities. Colloidal Ag and Cu NPs were produced individually with nanosecond pulsed laser ablation in distilled water and were mixed in equal volume. The mixed colloid was postirradiated in the presence of an external DC electric field. The obtained colloidal NPs were characterized using various diagnostic methods. The results of this study demonstrated the long-term stability and oxidation resistance of colloidal Ag–Cu alloy NPs compared to the Ag and Cu NPs. Also, the results of this study showed that the external electric field reduces the average size of alloy NPs, and tune the surface plasmon resonance frequency.

Effect of spectral overlap and mixing ratio on metal-semiconductor mixed colloid

Metal-semiconductor hybrid colloid is an emerging paradigm for the construction of advanced materials having multiple functionalities. In such colloids, the ratio between the number of metal nanoparticles (NP) to the number of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) plays an important role in controlling the properties of the final hybrid colloid. We study the effect of the mixing ratio of Ag NPs to the CdTe QDs on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of the final mixed hybrid colloid. Using steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence, it has been shown that when exciton and plasmon spectrally overlap in a hybrid, the amplitude of the decay component of PL depends on the excitation energy. Such dependence is not observed in the case of hybrid where exciton and plasmon are spectrally separated. This study contributes to the appropriate selection of the shape of metal NPs in designing a hybrid material that is well suited for optoelectronic device applications.

Laser-assisted preparation of highly-efficient photocatalytic nanomaterial based on bismuth silicate

Having a wide range of applications, bismuth silicate-based materials (BSO) attract attention of numerous researchers. Typically, they are synthesized either from active chemicals or through high-energy impact on their precursors. The present work is the first report on BSO-based nanomaterials prepared via laser processing in liquid phase in which the following two-step scheme was realized: (1) Individual colloids of Bi- and Si-based nanoparticles were obtained via ablating their metallic targets in distilled water and then mixed; (2) Post-treatment of the mixed colloid was performed with the same laser beam as in stage (1). The products obtained after drying of non-treated and post-treated mixed colloids (denoted as samples BSO and BSO_hν, respectively) were carefully characterized using a set of microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses, after which their photocatalytic performance in presence of model organic dye (rhodamine B) and phenol was tested. The additional laser treatment was found to lead to active interaction between Bi- and Si-containing species and stimulated formation of phases with Bi-O-Si bonds. The post-irradiated sample BSO_hν showed improved stability and catalytic performance, thus opening avenues for wider use of laser processing in liquids as a method allowing for preparation of nanostructures with complex chemical composition.

Virtual Stencil for Patterning and Modeling in a Quantitative Volume Using EWOD and DEP Devices for Microfluidics.

Applying microfluidic patterning, droplets were precisely generated on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) chip considering these parameters: number of generating electrodes, number of cutting electrodes, voltage, frequency and gap between upper and lower plates of the electrode array on the EWOD chip. In a subsequent patterning experiment, an environment with three generating electrodes, one cutting electrode and a gap height 10 μm, we obtained a quantitative volume for patterning. Propylene carbonate liquid and a mixed colloid of polyphthalate carbonate (PPC) and photosensitive polymer material were manipulated into varied patterns. With support from a Z-axis lifting platform and a UV lamp, a cured 3D structure was stacked. Using an EWOD system, a multi-layer three-dimensional structure was produced for the patterning. A two-plate EWOD system patterned propylene carbonate in a quantitative volume at 140 Vpp/20 kHz with automatic patterning.

Phase behavior and percolation in mixed patchy colloids.

Patchy colloids can be modeled as hard spheres with directional conical association sites. A variety of physical phenomena have been discovered in the patchy colloid system due to its short range and directional interactions. In this work, we combined a cluster distribution theory with generalized Flory and Stockmayer percolation theory to investigate the interplay between phase behavior and percolation for a binary patchy colloid system. The binary patchy colloid system consists of solute molecules with spherically symmetric bonding sites and solvents with two singly bondable sites. Wertheim's first order thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT1) has been widely applied to the patchy colloids system and it has been combined with percolation theory to study the percolation threshold. However, due to assumptions behind TPT1, it will lose accuracy for a system in which particles have multiple association sites or multiply bondable sites. A recently proposed cluster distribution theory accurately models association at sites that can form multiple bonds. In this work, we investigate the comparison among cluster distribution theory, TPT1, and Monte Carlo simulation for the bonding states of this binary system in which cluster distribution theory shows excellent agreement with Monte Carlo simulation, while TPT1 has a large deviation with the simulation. Cluster distribution theory was further combined with the Flory and Stockmayer percolation theory to investigate the interplay between phase behavior and percolation threshold. We found that the reduced density and the relative bonding strength of solvent-solvent association and solute-solvent association are key factors for the phase behavior and percolation. Percolation can form at low density and low temperature in the vapor phase of this binary system, where the star-like molecules with 12 long branches formed.

Co-transport of U(VI) and bentonite colloids: Influence of colloidal gibbsite

Although various colloids co-exist in the environment, studies on the interaction between different kinds of inorganic colloids and their combined effects on radionuclide transport have scarcely been reported. In the present paper, the influence of colloidal gibbsite, a representative metal hydroxide in groundwater, on the transport of Na-bentonite colloids and their combined effects on U(VI) transport in saturated particulate granite columns were investigated. It was found that in the presence of the colloids, whether single Na-bentonite or the mixture of Na-bentonite and gibbsite, fewer pore volumes were needed for U(VI) breakthrough, indicating a colloid-facilitated U(VI) transport due to high binding affinity of uranyl for the colloids compared to granite. Meanwhile, the breakthrough curves of U(VI) were gradually flattened and the plateau of the curve for Na-bentonite was decreased as the concentration ratio of gibbsite to Na-bentonite increased from 1:10 to 1:6. Consequently, total recoveries of U(VI) and Na-bentonite decreased with more gibbsite in the mixed colloids. The inhibition effect of gibbsite colloids was ascribed to electrostatic interactions between positively charged surfaces of gibbsite colloids and negatively charged surfaces of bentonite colloids and granite granules. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged colloids led to an increase of mean size in the mixed suspension which declined colloid transport and the transport of colloid associated U(VI) as well. When the gibbsite-to-bentonite ratio was increased up to 1:5, the recoveries were obviously lower than those of single U(VI) and Na-bentonite transport. The results imply that positively charged materials may be further investigated as additives to decrease the loss of buffer material by groundwater erosion and the migration of radionuclide associated on bentonite colloids.

Soil colloids affect the aggregation and stability of biochar colloids

The stability of biochar colloids plays an important role in the transport and fate of contaminants and nutrients in soil. This study aimed to investigate the effects of main soil components, kaolin (Kao), goethite (Goe), and humic acid (HA) colloids on the aggregation kinetics of biochar colloids derived from dairy manure (DM), sewage sludge (SS), and wheat straw (WS). The WS biochar colloid had the highest critical coagulation concentration (CCC) (624 mM) than that of SS (200 mM) and DM (75 mM) due to its richest hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, showing the highest stability. Kao markedly improved the stability of DM and SS biochar colloids with 171% and 52.5% increase of CCC, respectively, by increasing the electrostatic repulsion of the system. However, the WS biochar colloid became more aggregated in the presence of Kao since the hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups in WS biochar colloid could complex with Kao, generating electrostatic shielding. Goe could rapidly combine with biochar colloids via electrostatic attraction, resulting in the aggregation of SS and WS, while the aggregation rate of DM/Goe mixed colloids was inhibited. The HA increased the electrostatic repulsion of all biochar colloids through adsorbed on the surface of biochar colloids, resulting in the increased steric hindrance and stability of biochar colloids, with the CCC increased from 75 to 624 mM to 827–1012 mM. Our findings reveal that soil kaolin, goethite, and humic acid colloids have remarkable effects on the stability and aggregation of biochar colloid, which will advance understanding of the potential environmental fate and behaviors of biochar colloids.

Laser ablation of silicon monoxide and titanium monoxide in liquid: formation of mixed colloidal dispersion with photocatalytic activity

Silica–titania mixed oxides and composites have been extensively studied, whereas to the titanium monoxide (TiO) –silicon monoxide (SiO) counterparts has been devoted very little attention. Laser ablation of SiO and TiO in liquids is in according with literature completely unexplored. Here we report on Nd:YAG pulse laser ablation of SiO and TiO in ethanol which allows generation of SiO- and TiO-based nanoparticles and their agglomerates.Mixed SiO-TiO colloid has been prepared by simple mixing of ablatively prepared individual colloids in 1:1 volume ratio. Measurement of size distribution by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) determines sizes of 24.85 nm and 262.3 nm for SiO colloid, 494.8 nm for TiO colloid and 35.2 nm and 397.5 nm for mixed colloid. Zeta potential values suggest incipient instability for all measured systems. Morphology of the particles captured on Ta substrate by evaporation of ethanol was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Round-shaped, oval, and sheet-like particles and their agglomerates have been observed. Raman spectroscopy of the mixed SiO-TiO colloid revealed multiphase structure consisting of anatase and/or rutile, crystalline and amorphous silicon and silica and crystalline and amorphous titanium silicide TiSi2. Formation of TiSi2 demonstrates unexpected low temperature disproportionation of SiO and TiO-based species and mutual reducing interactions. Catalytic activity of individual SiO and TiO colloids and of their mixture has been tested in terms of methylene blue (MB) degradation under the daylight. TiO-SiO mixture exhibits higher solar-light catalytic activity compared to individual colloids which could by explain by the presence of highly photocatalytic TiSi2. These results represent potential of SiO and TiO reducing interactions which are favorable for generation of photocatalytic materials for water remediation.

Self-assembly and phase behavior of mixed patchy colloids with any bonding site geometry: theory and simulation.

Patchy colloids and associating fluids have attracted continued interest due to the interesting phase behavior and self-assembly in solution. The ability to fabricate patchy colloids with multiple attractive surface patches of different number, size, shape, and relative location makes patchy colloids a good candidate as building blocks to form complex advanced materials. However, a theory that clearly relates the self-assembled structures that form based on the anisotropic interactions has been missing. Although Wertheim's theory in the form of the SAFT model is widely used to predict self-assembly and phase behavior in solution, SAFT does not include multibody correlations necessary to model any shape of association site or sites that can form multiple bonds. We have recently developed a new theory for associating colloids that naturally incorporates multibody correlations based on a cluster distribution approach due to Bansal, Asthagiri, Marshall, and Chapman (BAMC). In this paper, we extended the cluster distribution theory to predict the thermodynamic properties and phase behavior of binary systems consisting of anisotropic particles with any geometry of bonding site. In particular, we consider self-assembly of Janus particles, Saturn particles, and ternary particles mixed with solvent colloids that have two directional patchy sites. Good agreement between theoretical predictions and molecular simulation is shown for self-assembly, thermodynamic properties in this system. Re-entrant phase behavior has been investigated and low density gels is predicted.

Role of trapped water on electroresponsive characteristic of silica-graphene oxide composite microspheres

Electroresponsive microspheres containing nanosilica and graphene oxide (GO) sheets have been achieved by the one-step evaporation induced assembly of mixed colloids using spray drying. The interlocking of the nanostructured constituents by the attractive capillary force during drying of dispersion droplets results in the formation of powder grains with correlated nanoparticles and nanosheets. The presence of GO sheets arrests the buckling of the drying droplets during evaporative assembly and results in well-defined spherical shaped grains. Interestingly, this approach of random jamming in colloidal droplets is capable of preventing the spontaneous stacking of the GO sheets and, therefore, facilitates a way to confine the atomic-thick GO sheet in the solid matrix. A plausible mechanism for the formation of silica-GO binary composite microspheres is elucidated. Microspheres dispersed in insulating oil show interesting electroresponsive characteristics where the microspheres form a chainlike percolation path under the applied electric field. It has been established that the adsorbed water in the microspheres plays a profound role as far its electroresponsive behavior is concerned. GO sheets in the microspheres allow for tuning of electroresponse strength owing to the increased interaction of water molecules to the oxygen-containing functional groups anchored on the GO sheets.