Novel Routes to Model Colloids: ellipsoids, latices and stable meso-emulsions

Abstract

The research described in this thesis focuses on novel synthetic strategies for the preparation of well-defined model colloids. The preparation routes, involving self-assembly, emulsions and colloidal templating, are meant to facilitate design and fabrication of complex multi-shell composite colloids with tunable optical, magnetic and morphological properties. The resulting colloidal model systems and their physical properties are extensively characterized and some of their potential applications in fields such as colloidal crystallization, particle diffusion and colloidal non-sphere glasses and random packings are investigated.