NANODIRECT · Toolbox for Directed and Controlled Self-Assembly of nano-Colloids

The proposed research aims at developing a toolbox for direct self-assembly of nano-colloids. Different methods to drive and modulate self-assembly in nano-colloids will be developed, compared and evaluated. The toolbox will consist of the following elements : (i) Building blocks: model particles with varying shape, functionality and directional interactions will be synthesized (ii) Directing Tools : Electric and Flow fields, surfaces and interfaces (iii) Test and development methods : Experimental platforms adapted at nano-particle research and simulations methods, capable of dealing with a range of length scales. The proposal specifically aims to study these methods which are prone to scale-up The research consortium consists of leading groups in the filed of colloid science and engineering and soft matter research. The seeds of this toolbox are clearly present in the consortium including methods for production of model (field responsive) nanoparticles, unique experimental tools, theoretical skills and mesoscale simulation methods. The key idea is to gradually evolve in the research to be able to deal with smaller length scales and a wider range of directing fields .