Vacancies in Self‐Assembled Crystals: An Archetype for Clusters Statistics at the Nanoscale. Issue 42 (24th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pariente, Jose Angel; Caselli, Niccolò; Pecharromán, Carlos; Blanco, Alvaro; López, Cefe
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 16:Issue 42(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-09-24
• Subjects: cluster statistics -- defects in solids -- percolation -- self‐assembly; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Complex systems involving networks have attracted strong multidisciplinary attention since they are predicted to sustain fascinating phase transitions in the proximity of the percolation threshold. Developing stable and compact archetypes that allow one to experimentally study physical properties around the percolation threshold remains a major challenge. In nanoscale systems, this achievement is rare since it is tied to the ability to control the intentional disorder and perform a vast statistical analysis of cluster configurations. Here, a self‐assembly method to fabricate perfectly ordered structures where random defects can be introduced is presented. Building binary crystals from two types of dielectric nanospheres and selectively removing one of them creates vacancies at random lattice positions that form a complex network of clusters. Vacancy content can be easily controlled and raised even beyond the percolation threshold. In these structures, the distribution of cluster sizes as a function of vacancy density is analyzed. For moderate concentrations, it is found to be homogeneous throughout the structure and in good agreement with the assumption of a random vacancy distribution. Abstract : Self‐assembly from a binary colloid and selective etching of one species creates vacancy‐doped crystals that serve as model systems for the study of vacancy cluster statistics. Hard sphere interaction precludes inter‐ or intra‐species affinities and secures random vacancy distribution. A cluster size tally from SEM in agreement with an analytical model of the crystal surface supports the hard sphere assumption.