Interactions and phase transitions of colloidal dispersions in bulk and at interfaces

Recent progress in the theory and computer simulation of effective interactions and phase transitions of colloidal dispersions is reviewed. Particular emphasis is put on the role of the discrete solvent in determining the effective interaction between charged colloids, bulk fluid–fluid phase separation of star–polymer–colloid mixtures, and on interfacial freezing transitions of sterically stabilized colloids on patterned substrates.