(55e) Self-Assembly Models to Simulate Phase Transformations

Self-assembly provides a path to create new materials, and it can lead us toward a better understanding of the fundamental building principles of matter—both hard and soft. With minimalistic models, we simulate the processes of crystal growth and solid–solid phase transformations to gain insight into mechanisms whose observation in experiments is particularly challenging. In this manner, we study complex crystal structures, the competition of ordering and disordering phenomena, and magic-size assemblies, with the ultimate goal to identify design targets and create new functional materials in the future.