Thermodynamics of nano-cluster phases: a unifying theory

Abstract

We propose a unifying, analytical theory accounting for the self-organization of colloidal systems in nano- or micro-cluster phases. We predict the distribution of cluter sizes with respect to interaction parameters and colloid concentration. In particular, we anticipate a proportionality regime where the mean cluster size grows proportionally to the concentration, as observed in several experiments. We emphasize the interest of a predictive theory in soft matter, nano-technologies and biophysics.

4 pages, 1 figure

References in corpus (4)

• Equilibrium cluster phases and low-density arrested disordered states: The role of short-range attraction and long-range repulsion
• On the formation of caveolae and similar membrane invaginations
• Pattern formation and glassy phase in the ${\varphi }^4$ theory with screened electrostatic repulsion
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Cited by in corpus (6)

• Clusters of proteins in bio-membranes: insights into the roles of interaction potential shapes and of protein diversity
• Attractive asymmetric inclusions in elastic membranes under tension: cluster phases and membrane invaginations
• A rationale for mesoscopic domain formation in biomembranes
• An alternative scenario for the formation of specialized protein nano-domains (cluster phases) in biomembranes
• Domain formation in bicomponent vesicles induced by composition-curvature coupling
• Clustering in quasi-two-dimensional dispersions of Brownian particles with competitive interactions: Phase diagram and structural properties