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Direct observation of phase transitions in truncated tetrahedral microparticles under quasi-2D confinement

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  • David Doan

    (Stanford University)

  • John Kulikowski

    (Stanford University)

  • X. Wendy Gu

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

Colloidal crystals are used to understand fundamentals of atomic rearrangements in condensed matter and build complex metamaterials with unique functionalities. Simulations predict a multitude of self-assembled crystal structures from anisotropic colloids, but these shapes have been challenging to fabricate. Here, we use two-photon lithography to fabricate Archimedean truncated tetrahedrons and self-assemble them under quasi-2D confinement. These particles self-assemble into a hexagonal phase under an in-plane gravitational potential. Under additional gravitational potential, the hexagonal phase transitions into a quasi-diamond two-unit basis. In-situ imaging reveal this phase transition is initiated by an out-of-plane rotation of a particle at a crystalline defect and causes a chain reaction of neighboring particle rotations. Our results provide a framework of studying different structures from hard-particle self-assembly and demonstrates the ability to use confinement to induce unusual phases.

Suggested Citation

  • David Doan & John Kulikowski & X. Wendy Gu, 2024. "Direct observation of phase transitions in truncated tetrahedral microparticles under quasi-2D confinement," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46230-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46230-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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