Exploiting shape sensitive interactions in colloidal suspensions - from directed self-assembly to the structural glass transition

Abstract

Colloids?dispersion of solid particles in a fluid?have played a key role in the survival of human civilization. Quite interestingly, the diverse material applications of colloids like in the making of Lycurgus cups (4th century) or as a diagnostic therapy in the cure of dysentery, epilepsy and tumours (17th century) [1] precede the coining of the word "colloid" in mid 19th century. The word colloid originates from the Greek word "kolla" (glue) and "eiods" (appearance) and was coined by Thomas Graham, a Scottish chemist in 1861. Later, a comprehensive understanding of diverse and exotic properties of colloids led to their numerous applications in industries and day-to-day life. Examples include thickening agents, food products such as mayonnaise and ice creaM.S., in the purification of water, paints, inks, electrical gadgets, photonic band gap materials etc. More recently, colloidal crystals as structural color filters are playing crucial roles in the development of next generation electronic gadgets [212]. Apart from their versatile material applications, colloids mimic the phase behavior of atomic systeM.S. and thus provide microscopic insights into complex, diverse and intensely debated phenomena in condensed matter physics [1323]. The typical number density of colloidal particles in a suspension is of the order 1013cm?3 and hence, the structure and dynamics of systeM.S. comprising of colloidal particles, like atomic systeM.S., are governed by laws of classical statistical mechanics.