by Keyword: Colloids
Palacios, LS, Scagliarini, A, Pagonabarraga, I, (2022). A lattice Boltzmann model for self-diffusiophoretic particles near and at liquid-liquid interfaces Journal Of Chemical Physics 156, 224105 
We introduce a novel mesoscopic computational model based on a multiphase-multicomponent lattice Boltzmann method for the simulation of self-phoretic particles in the presence of liquid-liquid interfaces. Our model features fully resolved solvent hydrodynamics, and, thanks to its versatility, it can handle important aspects of the multiphysics of the problem, including particle wettability and differential solubility of the product in the two liquid phases. The method is extensively validated in simple numerical experiments, whose outcome is theoretically predictable, and then applied to the study of the behavior of active particles next to and trapped at interfaces. We show that their motion can be variously steered by tuning relevant control parameters, such as the phoretic mobilities, the contact angle, and the product solubility. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.
JTD Keywords: Colloids, Equation, Gas, Numerical simulations, Particulate suspensions
Katuri, Jaideep, Caballero, David, Voituriez, R., Samitier, Josep, Sanchez, Samuel, (2018). Directed flow of micromotors through alignment interactions with micropatterned ratchets ACS Nano 12, (7), 7282-7291
To achieve control over naturally diffusive, out-of-equilibrium systems composed of self-propelled particles, such as cells or self-phoretic colloids, is a long-standing challenge in active matter physics. The inherently random motion of these active particles can be rectified in the presence of local and periodic asymmetric cues given that a non-trivial interaction exists between the self-propelled particle and the cues. Here, we exploit the phoretic and hydrodynamic interactions of synthetic micromotors with local topographical features to break the time-reversal symmetry of particle trajectories and to direct a macroscopic flow of micromotors. We show that the orientational alignment induced on the micromotors by the topographical features, together with their geometrical asymmetry, are crucial in generating directional particle flow. We also show that our system can be used to concentrate micromotors in confined spaces and identify the interactions responsible for this effect. Finally, we develop a minimal model which identifies the main parameters of the system responsible for the observed rectification. Overall, our system allows for robust control over both temporal and spatial distribution of synthetic micromotors.
JTD Keywords: Active colloids, Directional control, Janus particles, Micromotors, Self-propulsion
Simmchen, Juliane, Baeza, Alejandro, Miguel-Lopez, Albert, Stanton, Morgan M., Vallet-Regi, Maria, Ruiz-Molina, Daniel, Sánchez, Samuel, (2017). Dynamics of novel photoactive AgCl microstars and their environmental applications ChemNanoMat 3, (1), 65-71
In the field of micromotors many efforts are taken to find a substitute for peroxide as fuel. While most approaches turn towards other toxic high energy chemicals such as hydrazine, we introduce an energy source that is widely used in nature: light. Light is an ideal source of energy and some materials, such as AgCl, have the inherent property to transform light energy for chemical processes, which can be used to achieve propulsion. In the case of silver chloride, one observed process after light exposure is surface modification which leads to the release of ions generating chemo-osmotic gradients. Here we present endeavours to use those processes to propel uniquely shaped micro objects of micro star morphology with a high surface to volume ratio, study their dynamics and present approaches to go towards real environmental applications.
JTD Keywords: Self-propellers, Silver chloride, Environmental applications, Photoactive colloids, Anti bacterial
