Curvature dependent self-assembly of anisotropic particles

Surface curvature plays a crucial role in shaping the self-assembly of particles on membranes, interfaces and substrates in various synthetic and biological systems. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the effect of prescribed curvatures on a quasi-2D assembly of anisotropic patchy particles. By varying curvature and surface density, we uncover a rich geometric phase diagram, including solid-fluid and solid-solid coexistence regions, as well as glassy states. Notably, we observe a curvature-dependent re-entrant phase loop surrounding the solid-fluid coexistence region. At high densities, solid-fluid coexistence gives way to a pure solid phase, followed by solid-solid coexistence at even higher densities. Homogenous phases display a slowdown in dynamics with increasing curvature, finally resulting in an arrested glass with characteristic dynamical heterogeneities and non-gaussian displacement distributions. Our findings highlight the significance of curvature effects on the self-assembly of quasi-2D materials and pave the way for the design and fabrication of curvature-responsive colloidal systems.