Controlling the shape of evaporating droplets by ionic strength: formation of highly anisometric silica supraparticles

Abstract

Anisometric silica supraparticles are produced by a simple process of evaporation of sessile droplets containing fumed silica deposited on a superhydrophobic substrate. The shape of the supraparticles is directly controlled by the salt (NaCl) concentration, becoming anisometric beyond a threshold concentration, as quantified by light microscopy. This process is easily extended to supraparticles containing further functional colloidal components.