Peter Schurtenberger: "Responsive colloids - from model atoms to novel materials"

Peter Schurtenberger
Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Sweden

Responsive colloids - from model atoms to novel materials

Responsive colloids such a thermo- or pH-sensitive microgels or magnetic hybrid particles are increasingly used as tunable model systems in modern condensed matter science. Their use as model atoms has been motivated primarily by the fact that they allow for a variation of the form, strength and range of the interaction potential almost at will. However, these particles are not only attractive models in basic research, but also of considerable technological importance in materials science and nanotechnology.
In my presentation I will describe the use of an active control of the volume fraction and the interaction potential between particles in order to reversibly cycle through different phase transitions and explore the rich variety of structures that exist in dense suspensions. I will also give selected examples on the use of responsive particles in designing hybrid nanomaterials.