Flexible colloidal molecules with site-specific interaction offer many possibilities for designing flexible colloidal structures. In this project, we have analyzed how differently shaped colloidal...Show moreFlexible colloidal molecules with site-specific interaction offer many possibilities for designing flexible colloidal structures. In this project, we have analyzed how differently shaped colloidal building blocks, so called colloidal ”atoms”, can influence the flexibility and formation of colloidal molecules, which is a finite sized cluster of colloidal atoms. We investigated how particle shape and size and linker DNA control or affect the flexibility of colloidal molecules and the translational and angular displacement of the colloidal ”atom”. We also have shown preferred angles between atoms, by analyzing the location of the bonded particles on the face of the cube.Show less
This thesis describes how 3D-printing at micrometer scale can be used to differentiate propulsion methods for active colloidal particles. Two sizes of colloidal particles with a shape resembling...Show moreThis thesis describes how 3D-printing at micrometer scale can be used to differentiate propulsion methods for active colloidal particles. Two sizes of colloidal particles with a shape resembling Star Trek voyagers are printed and as they are activated, by a platinum coating and putting them into a hydrogen peroxide solution, multiple experiments with varying circumstances are performed. In these experiments different behavior such as a unexpected direction reversal is observed and literature is reviewed to interpret the observed behavior. The role of the substrate is concluded to be very significant as the voyagers seem to be trapped when moving backwards and the role of the coating seems to be able to reverse the direction of the colloids as the gradient of platinum thickness could effect the proton current. In the end, four different follow-up experiments are proposed, to further examine the active motion of platinum coated swimmers.Show less