Inducing the precise assembly of colloidal building blocks is crucial for developing advanced materials with specific mechanical, optical and magnetic properties. This, however, requires exceptional understanding of interactions between the building blocks and strategic selection of assembly processes. While shape is a potent tool for inducing colloidal particle assembly into various structures, engineering materials with enhanced structural complexity, such as low-coordination architectures and metamaterials, demands the induction of oriented attachment among building blocks. In this talk, I will illustrate how the combination of shape and directional magnetic dipoles can be employed to methodically (self-)assemble colloids, resulting in structures that are both precise and adaptable. Additionally, I will showcase our recent endeavors in the assembly of large, application-relevant structures by assembling colloids within evaporating droplets. This research underscores the potential for shaping the next generation of materials with tailored properties through the synergistic interplay of colloidal design and assembly techniques.

Laura Rossi earned her PhD in Physical and Colloid Chemistry from Utrecht University in 2012. Following postdoctoral positions at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Amsterdam, she assumed the role of Assistant Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at TU Delft. Leading the Colloidal Engineering and Materials Design group, her interdisciplinary research spans the realms of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Driven by a passion for innovation, her current focus is on designing magnetic colloidal particles to facilitate the self-assembly of novel materials and contribute to cutting-edge aerospace applications. Beyond her academic pursuits, she actively engages in outreach activities with local schools, dedicating her efforts to promoting STEM subjects among students.