Self-assembly and vortices formed by microparticles in weak electrolytes

Self-assembly of metallic micron-size particles was investigated in poorly conducting liquid subjected to a constant electric field. The particles were found to self-assemble into long chains directed along the electric field lines and form vortices and other structures. It was found that the vortices perform Brownian-type random motion due to self-induced chaotic hydrodynamic flows. The diffusivity constant of the vortices and the conductivity and mechanical stiffness of the chains were also measured.