Apparatuses and methods for the control and self-assembly of particles into adaptable monolayers and changing the relative position of a plurality of particles at an interface between two fluids, including applying an electric field perpendicular to the interface; moving the particles vertically in the interface in response to applying the electric field; moving the particles laterally within the interface in response to the electric field and capillary forces; maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles vertically; and maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles laterally.