Finite-Size Effects of Casimir–van der Waals Forces in the Self-Assembly of Nanoparticles

Abstract

Casimir–van der Waals forces are important in the self-assembly processes of nanoparticles. In this paper, using a hybrid approach based on Lifshitz theory of Casimir–van der Waals interactions and corrections due to the shape of the nanoparticles, it is shown that for non-spherical nanoparticles, the usual Hamaker approach overestimates the magnitude of the interaction. In particular, the study considers nanoplates of different thicknesses, nanocubes assembled with their faces parallel to each other, and tilted nanocubes, where the main interaction is between edges.

Keywords

• self-assembly
• Casimir force
• van der Waals force
• Hamaker constant
• nanoparticles