Metallization of Colloids

Dr. Monica Olvera de la Cruz, Northwestern University

Host: Dr. Pratyush Tiwary

Abstract: Numerous colloidal crystals have been designed and devised following design rules akin to atomic crystals. I will review techniques using functionalization and/or electrostatic interactions in mediating interactions among nanoparticles. I will discuss the resulting properties of the crystals including transport mediated by a localization to delocalization transition (LDT) in mixtures of asymmetric in size nanoparticles where the small nanoparticles roam the crystal holding the large nanoparticles in specific lattices sites, akin to electron clouds in atomic metals. The LDT, when discontinuous, is driven by lattice vibrations. It is observed in many systems, including atomic system, such as superionics, where it is known as sublattice melting. 

Statistical Physics Seminar