Statistical Mechanics of Colloidal Networks and Limited-Size Clusters

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

William Gelbart of UCLA is supported by the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to investigate theoretically the statistical mechanics of colloidal networks and limited-size clusters. The focus of the research is on unusual bulk condensation behavior, and how it is related to structural and phase evolution observed in micellized surfactant solutions and colloidal suspensions. Phenomenological theories and Monte Carlo simulations will be used to demonstrate the self-assembly of micro-phase-separated domains and linear-chain networks. Connections to model systems will be made in an effort to clarify the competition between bulk condensation and other novel condensation behaviors. Apart from the basic statistical mechanics questions involved, the control of spatial patterns of particles over nanometer-to-micron scales is important for a wide variety of electronic and optical applications. In particular, this research will model experimental phenonema involving recently developed metallic nanospheres, which are of potential interest in nanoscale technologies.