Surface anisotropic (patchy) particles play an important role in the directional assembly of the particles into desired target structures by specific interactions between patches. Not only just relying on the physical forces between patchy particles, these particles can also be directed into a desired assembly through linker molecules which covalently bind with the patches.¹ We employ the “Glancing Angle Vapor Deposition” technique to produce patchy particles, which are further chemically modified by attaching organic linker molecules to the patches.

Tilting and rotation of the colloidal monolayer allow the angled vapor deposition of metal patches onto the particles. The angle of deposition and orientation of the particle monolayer with respect to the source decide the patch size and geometry. Experimental results are compared with the results obtained by mathematical modeling used to predict the patch geometry.

Towards application of these patchy particles for self-assembly using linker molecules, we present preliminary results on attaching organic linker molecules to the patches on the particles. The patch size and the geometry will decide the area accessible for binding of linker molecules to the particles.

1) A. B. Pawar, I. Kretzschmar, G. Aranovich, M. D. Donohue, J. Phys. Chem. B, 2007,111(8), 2081 – 2089.