Formation and internal ordering of periodic microphases in colloidal models with competing interactions

Theory and simulations predict that colloidal particles with short-range attractive and long-range repulsive interactions form periodic microphases if there is a proper balance between the attractive and repulsive contributions. However, the experimental identification of such structures has remained elusive to date. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the phase behaviour of a model system that stabilizes a cluster-crystal, a cylindrical and a lamellar phase at low temperatures. Besides the transition from the fluid to the periodic microphases, we also observe the internal freezing of the clusters at a lower temperature. Finally, our study indicates that, for the chosen model parameters, the three periodic microphases are kinetically accessible from the fluid phase.

Automated summary

The study suggests that colloidal particles with short-range attractive and long-range repulsive interactions can form periodic microphases with a proper balance between these forces. Molecular dynamics simulations show that a model system can stabilize cluster-crystal, cylindrical, and lamellar phases at low temperatures, with the internal freezing of clusters observed at even lower temperatures. Furthermore, the research indicates that the three periodic microphases are kinetically accessible from the fluid phase under specific model parameters.