Self-assembly of two-patch particles in solution: a Brownian dynamics simulation study

Abstract

We study the self-assembly behaviour of two-patch particles with D_∞h symmetry by using Brownian dynamics simulations. The self-assembly process of two-patch particles with diverse patch coverage in two selective solvent conditions is investigated. The patchy particles in a solvent that is bad for patches but good for matrix form linear thread-like structures with low patch coverage, whereas they form 3D network structures with relatively high patch coverage on surface. For patchy particles in a solvent which is good for patches but bad for body, monolayer structures are obtained at high patch coverage, and some cluster structures emerge when surface patch coverage is low.

Keywords::

• two-patch particles
• self-assembly
• Brownian dynamics simulation

Acknowledgement

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation of China (21204029).