Colloidal beading: sonication-induced stringing of selenium particles.

We report the preparation of monodispersed Se colloidal aggregates (dimers and trimers) via sonication-induced aggregation of spherical monomers. Control over the size and morphology of the products was achieved by changing the aging and sonication times, respectively. The possible mechanisms for the formation of colloidal aggregates were discussed. This method can provide a simple and versatile approach to the production of colloidal molecules of particles composed of different materials, which will be useful for fundamental studies related to colloidal systems.