(109h) Effects of Enthalpic and Entropic Patchiness on the Self-Assembly of Smooth, Hard, Prolate Ellipsoid-Like Shapes

Anisotropic, Brownian colloidal particles self-assemble into a myriad of phases through directional local forces arising from the interplay between entropic and enthalpic patchiness. In honor of Juan de Pablo’s 60th birthday, we investigate the complexity of phases self-assembled from smooth, hard prolate ellipsoids described by different radii at the polar ends. Using the framework of entropic bonding theory, we evaluate the stability of competing phases and show agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. We investigate how the addition of ligand “hairs” that act as attractive patches on the top, bottom, or sides of the ellipsoids can promote additional structural arrangements. We show that as these patches diminish in strength and extent, the system suffers an identity crisis that leads to sluggish and, eventually, arrested behavior.