Self‐Assembling Colloidal‐Scale Devices: Selecting and Using Short‐Range Surface Forces Between Conductive Solids

Abstract

A new general approach to the direct formation of bipolar devices from heterogeneous colloids is suggested. By using surface‐force theory and direct measurements, combinations of conductive device materials between which short‐range repulsive forces exist in the presence of an intervening liquid, and use these interactions to self‐form electrochemical junctions are identified. The inclusion of Lifshitz–van der Waals (LW) and acid–base (AB) interactions appears to be generally sufficient for the prediction of short‐range interactions. Device concepts using repulsive and attractive short‐range interactions to produce self‐organizing colloidal‐scale devices are proposed and demonstrated. A prototype self‐organizing lithium rechargeable battery is demonstrated using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) and graphite as the active electrode materials.