Fast Formation of Opal-like Columnar Colloidal Crystals

D. van der Beek, P.B. Radstake, A.V. Petukhov, H.N.W. Lekkerkerker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We demonstrate that highly polydisperse colloidal gibbsite platelets easily form an opal-like columnar crystal with striking iridescent Bragg reflections. The formation process can be accelerated by orders of magnitude under a centrifugation force of 900g without arresting the system in a disordered glassy phase. Using transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques, we find that the forced sedimentation is accompanied by particle size fractionation, leading to inversion of the iridescent colors. The relatively easy self-organization of the polydisperse colloidal particles into opal-like crystals may be explained on the basis of the observed particle fractionation and possibly also on hexatic-like ordering.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11343-11346
Number of pages4
JournalLangmuir
Volume99
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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