Steady-state unidirectional convective assembling of fine particles into two-dimensional arrays

We formed millimeter-sized two-dimensional particle arrays on inclined microslides using water suspensions of the particles. We found that the array porosity depended on the particle diameter, the particle volume fraction, and the rate of array growth. Deriving an equation for the steady-state array growth process, we found that these parameters, together with the rate of water evaporation, govern the overall array growth process. Our results illustrate a promising technology for producing fine particle coatings on solid surfaces.