Phase diagrams of simple models of colloidal nanocrystals in two dimensions

Abstract

The self-assembly of colloidal nanocrystals at interfaces provides a bottom-up approach to create functional materials for developing next-generation flexible optoelectronic devices and sensors. In this work, we report phase diagrams of simple models of colloidal nanocrystals confined at a flat interface. By performing extensive computer simulations we elucidate the mesoscale organization that takes place as different parameters are varied. Our simulation results uncover rich phase diagrams where hexagonal, rhomboid, honeycomb and stripe phases as well as hierarchical self-assembly are found. Our results could serve as a guideline for experimentalists to design colloidal nanocrystal arrangements to target specific applications.