Design and self-assembly of open, regular, 3D mesostructures

Authors

Tricia L. Breen, Harvard University
Joe Tien, Harvard University
Scott R.J. Oliver, Harvard University
Tanja Hadzic, Harvard University
George M. Whitesides, Harvard University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-7-1999

Publication Title

Science

Volume

284

Issue

5416

First Page

948

Last Page

951

Abstract

Self-assembly provides the basis for a procedure used to organize millimeterscale objects into regular, three-dimensional arrays ('crystals') with open structures. The individual components are designed and fabricated of polyurethane by molding; selected faces are coated with a thin film of liquid, metallic alloy. Under mild agitation in warm, aqueous potassium bromide solution, capillary forces between the films of alloy cause self- assembly. The structures of the resulting, self-assembled arrays are determined by structural features of the component parts: the three- dimensional shape of the components, the pattern of alloy on their surfaces, and the shape of the alloy-coated surfaces. Self-assembly of appropriately designed chiral pieces generates helices.

DOI

10.1126/science.284.5416.948

ISSN

00368075

Recommended Citation

Breen, Tricia L.; Tien, Joe; Oliver, Scott R.J.; Hadzic, Tanja; and Whitesides, George M.. (1999). Design and self-assembly of open, regular, 3D mesostructures. Science, 284 (5416), 948-951.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/chemistrybiochemistrypub/266