Size-dependent studies in ferromagnetic nanoparticles dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures

In the present study, ferromagnetic nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) of size (~20 nm, 40 nm) into ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) mixture has been dispersed and investigated. Effect of size of NiNPs on the electro-optic, dielectric and optical properties of FLC mixture have been studied and discussed. A minor improvement in spontaneous polarisation, rotational viscosity and faster response time in NiNPs-FLC samples than pure FLC is noticed. Goldstone mode of relaxation frequency ~100 Hz is detected in all samples and follow a Debye type relaxation behaviour. In addition, it is observed that size of NiNPs does not have any remarkable effect on relaxation frequency and dielectric strength. A single absorption peak at 363, 362 Hz is also noticed in pure FLC and NiNPs-FLC samples.     

Impact of silica nanoparticles dispersion on the dielectric and electro-optical properties and absorption spectra of host ferroelectric liquid crystal

The present work concerns with the investigation of the effect of dispersion of Silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) in host ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) KCFLC10S on the dielectric and electro-optical properties and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) absorption spectra of the pristine and dispersed systems. We have found that the dispersion of SiO₂ NPs in the host FLC strongly influences the various properties of dispersed systems. No evidence of aggregates and clumps in the dispersed system has been observed. Due to SiO₂ NPs dispersion, a rapid decrease in dielectric permittivity ε’, increase in conductivity σ with frequency, increase in spontaneous polarisation P_s and decrease in switching time with bias voltage have been observed. Based on the absorption spectra, we have also made an attempt to link the electro-optical and dielectric response with the mechanism of FLC–NPs interactions.     

Analysis of electro-optical and dielectric parameters of TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed nematic liquid crystal

The present investigation is focused on to find out the role of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on altering the dielectric and electro-optical parameters of nematic liquid crystal (NLC). In addition to this, we also optimized the concentration of dopant (0.25 wt%) for a saturation value of permittivity and dielectric anisotropy in the doped system. Dielectric spectroscopy has been performed with the variation of frequency and temperature to investigate the various dielectric parameters, which demonstrate that the investigated NLC is of positive dielectric anisotropy; the observed result shows a decrement in the value of relative permittivity and dielectric anisotropy; however, the permittivity value increases for higher concentration of dopant but remains less than that of pure NLC. Electro-optical measurements have also been performed to compute the optical response of pure and dispersed NLC. It is found that optical response decreases for the NP-doped systems. This optimized concentration of NPs in NLC matrix can have various credential applications in the field of active matrix display and holography.     

Investigation of dielectric and electro-optical properties of nematic liquid crystal with the suspension of biowaste-based porous carbon nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

The effect of biowaste porous carbon nanoparticles (PCNPs) on the dielectric and electro-optical properties of nematic liquid crystal (LC) mixture (1823A) of 4-(4-alkyl-cyclohexyl) benzene isothiocyanates and 4-(4-alkyl-cyclohexyl) biphenyl isothiocyanates has been studied. The dielectric permittivity of nematic LC has been increased with the dispersion of carbon NPs. The dielectric anisotropy has been calculated and found to be decreased with the dispersion of PCNPs into the pure nematic LC. The response time and birefringence have been also observed with the variation of temperature, frequency as well as the concentrations of carbon NPs. After the dispersion of PCNPs achieved better birefringence and faster response in the dispersed system, which is the significant application in display devices. Threshold voltage splay elastic coefficient and rotational viscosity have been calculated for both pure and NPs dispersed nematic system. Its value is increased with the dispersion of NPs. Additionally, photoluminescence and figure of merit have investigated as a comparative study of nematic matrix as well the dispersed system. The experimental results have been found to have good agreement with the theoretical data of nematic LC. An effort has been made to explain these experimental results on the basis of interaction between nematic molecules and carbon NPs.     

Preparation of Magnetic Photocatalyst TiO2 Supported on NiFe2O4 and Effect of Magnetic Carrier on Photocatalytic Activity

A magnetic photocatalyst TiO₂/NiFe₂O₄ (TN) with typical ferromagnetic hysteresis was prepared by a sol‐gel method, which is easy to be separated from a slurry‐type photoreactor under the application of an external magnetic field, being one of promising photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. The analysis of XRD indicated that the highly dispersed NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles prevented the formation of rutile phase to some extent. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to characterize the structure of the photocatalyst, indicating that the NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles highly dispersed among TiO₂ nanoparticles. The prepared photocatalyst showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange in water. The degradation results revealed that the NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles played the role of recombination centre of photogenerated electrons and holes for the TN photocatalyst, which gave rise to the decrease in photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the experiment on recycled use of TN demonstrated a good repeatability of the photocatalytic activity.     

Structural,thermal, dielectric and optical behaviour investigations of water-free ZnO/lyotropic liquid crystal nanocolloids

ABSTRACT

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles of spherical symmetry (average size of ≈ 20 nm) have been synthesised via a non-aqueous lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) templating process. Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanocolloids are prepared via dispersing 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles in non-aqueous lyotropic phase. No structural phase change has been seen with the doping of nanoparticles as stable lamellar phases are observed in all the cases. Stability of the lamellar structure and orientation of the ZnO nanoparticles in the liquid crystalline matrix may be attributed to the interfacial surface charge interactions. A significant increase and pronounced dispersion in dielectric permittivity of the ZnO/LLC nanocolloids could be the result of parallel coupling among guest/host, higher dipole- moment of the ZnO nanoparticles and Maxwell-Wagner polarisation. The variation of relaxation parameters has also been discussed and correlated with the dielectric and structural parameters. ZnO/lyotropic nanocolloids devices exhibit dc conductivity of the order of 10^?5S/m owing to the increase in the number of ions (of the order of 10¹⁹m^?3) in the doped systems. Nanocolloids exhibits, the refractive index of range 1.40 to 1.45 and the wide bandgap of the range 4.1–4.5 eV.     

The optimal cell gap determination of a liquid crystal wavefront corrector from a single photoelectric measurement

It has been a crucial technique to improve the dynamic response characteristics of a liquid crystal wavefront corrector (LCWFC) with optimal cell gap since the LCWFC needs at least 2π (or π) phase modulation in adaptive optics systems (AOSs). We have given a complete process for obtaining the optimal cell gap accurately from a single photoelectric measurement, which can be conducted with a liquid crystal (LC) cell of any known thickness. This method has been analysed theoretically and confirmed experimentally by using a wedge-shaped cell; the experimental results match very well with the theoretical analysis. The response time of an optimal gap cell can be a novel evaluation method of response performance of LC materials.     

Dielectric and switching properties of a highly tilted AFLC material (S)-(+)-4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)-2,3-difluorophenyl 4′-[3-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy)prop-1-oxy]biphenyl-4-carboxylate

Thermodynamic, dielectric, optical and switching parameters of a single-phase antiferroelectric (AF) liquid crystalline material (S)-(+)-4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)-2,3-difluorophenyl 4′-[3-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy)prop-1-oxy]biphenyl-4-carboxylate have been studied. These studies show wide temperature range (~97.8°C–25.3°C) of AF SmC^*_A phase in the material. The dielectric studies have been carried out in the frequency range of 1 Hz–35 MHz under planar anchoring conditions of the molecules. The dielectric spectrum of the SmC^*_A phase exhibits three relaxation modes due to the collective as well as individual molecular processes. Relaxation frequencies of these modes lie in the range of kHz–MHz regions. Relative permittivity of the material (at 10 kHz) varies from ~8.8 at 98.8°C to 9.9 at 41.0°C. Maximum tilt of the molecule in the SmC^*_A phase is ~43°C. Spontaneous polarisation, switching time and rotational viscosity have also been determined. The maximum value of P_S is ~439 nC/cm² and switching time is the order of 1–5 millisecond, whereas viscosity is moderate.     

Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and electro-optical studies of a new,partially fluorinated orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystal material exhibiting V-shaped switching

In this paper we report the results from detailed electro-optical and dielectric studies in various antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases of an orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystal (OAFLC) material . The material possesses high tilt and high spontaneous polarisation. Such an OAFLC, because of its high tilt, provides an excellent dark state. The material exhibits V-shaped switching in the SmC* phase. Dielectric studies reveal the existence of another phase during heating in the range between 78.6 and 92°C which did not appear in the DSC curve and in polarising microscopy. This phase has been identified as the SmC_γ* phase and is extremely sensitive with respect to the cell conditions, aligning material, purity, etc. Three dielectric modes have been assigned in the above-mentioned temperature range and their origins are discussed.     

Tuning of Photonic band gap via combined effect of electric and optical fields in a blue phase liquid crystal composite

ABSTRACT

Blue phase liquid crystals are soft 3D photonic crystals in which the liquid crystal molecules self-assemble to form a cubic structure with lattice spacing of a few hundred nanometers resulting in selective reflection of colours in the visible spectrum. The corresponding wavelength or the ‘photonic band gap’ can be tuned using various external stimuli such as thermal, electric, magnetic and optical fields. Here, we report efficient tuning of photonic band gap by utilising the combination of electric and optical fields in a blue phase liquid crystalline system. The studies indicate that the chirality of the medium has a direct bearing on the direction of the wavelength shift and the extent of the photonic band gap tunability. More importantly, the synergistic effect of the two fields helps in reversible tuning of the band gap.     

Fabrication of liquid crystal Fe3O4 composites and their magnetorheological properties

Some supramolecular polyacrylate-based liquid crystal polymers (PLCPs) were prepared by polyacrylic acid, a liquid crystal monomer and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid. Series of magnetic liquid crystal particles (Fe₃O₄@PLCPs) with core-shell structure were prepared by modifying surface of magnetic nanoparticles Fe₃O₄ by the PLCPs. The Fe₃O₄@PLCPs showed a saturation magnetization strength above 51.17 emu/g, which is similar to pure magnetic Fe₃O₄, indicating good magnetism and magnetic field dependence. Series of magnetorheological fluids were fabricated by Fe₃O₄@PLCPs (using as dispersed phase) and silicone oil (using as carrier liquid). The effects of mesogen, magnetic particle, and the polymer matrix on magnetorheological performance and settling stability were investigated. The magnetorheological fluid based on 10% Fe₃O₄@PLCP-1 showed the best performance at an applied magnetic field of 100 mT in this study. Furthermore, the magnetorheological fluids showed excellent settling stability because the density of Fe₃O₄@PLCPs was lower than that of Fe₃O₄. The Fe₃O₄@PLCPs-based fluids presented certain application potential in the field of magnetic fluid due to the excellent magnetorheological effect and settling stability.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and optical properties of two one‐dimensional germanophosphates: HRb3Ge2(HPO4)6 and CsGe(HPO4)2(OH)

Germanophosphates, as a young class of metal phosphates, have been less reported but might possess more diverse structural types and potential applications. Here, two one‐dimensional (1D) alkali‐metal germanophosphates (GePOs), namely, hydrogen hexakis(μ‐hydrogen phosphato)digermaniumtrirubidium, HRb₃Ge₂(HPO₄)₆ ( 1 ), and caesium bis(μ‐hydrogen phosphato)(μ‐hydroxido)germanium, CsGe(HPO₄)₂(OH) ( 2 ), have been prepared by the solvothermal method. Compound 1 shows 1D [Ge(HPO₄)₆]_∞ chains along the c axis formed by GeO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra, with Rb⁺ cations dissociated between the chains. Compound 2 also exhibits 1D [Ge(HPO₄)₄(OH)₂]_∞ chains constructed from adjacent Ge(HPO₄)₄(OH)₂ octahedra, with Cs⁺ cations dissociated between the chains. XRD, TGA, IR and UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectra are presented and discussed for both compounds.     

Fluoro-substitution in hydrogen bonding liquid crystal benzoic acid: dielectric,electro-optic and optical proprieties and inducing polar nematic phase

ABSTRACT

Dielectric and electro-optic properties have been studied in order to understand the effect of the fluoro-substitution on hydrogen bonded liquid crystal proprieties. The fluoro-substitution alters the characteristics of pure LC structure and changes its physical parameters. In the present paper, variation in physical parameters like dielectric permittivity, response time, elastic constant, rotational viscosity etc. has been explained based on many factors. In addition, the fluorine substitution has lead to the appearance of the polar nematic phase.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Properties of a Novel Nickel Citrate Ni（H_2cit）（phen）（H_2O）·3H_2O（H_4cit = Citrate Acid,phen=1,10-Phenanthroline）

A new nickel citrate compound Ni(H2cit)(phen)(H2O).3H2O(H4cit = citrate acid,phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.It crystallizes in the trigonal system,space group P31 with a = 13.8319(13),c = 10.425(2),V = 1727.3(4)3,Dc = 1.445 g/cm3,Mr = 501.09,F(000) = 780,μ = 0.901 mm-1,Z = 3,R = 0.0760 and wR = 0.1730 for 3859 observed reflections(I > 2σ(I)).In this compound,Ni2+ cation is chelated by a phen molecule,one H2cit2-anion and one H2O molecule.The citric acid coordinates to the Ni2+ center through three functional groups:α-hydroxyl,α-carboxylate and β-carboxylate while another α-carboxylate forms hydrogen bond with surrounding H2O molecule.And the citric acid is doubly protonated.The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data revealed that the compound is a paramagnetic material.     

Effect of two different size chiral ligand-capped gold nanoparticle dopants on the electro-optic and dielectric dynamics of a ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture

Nanocolloids consisting of a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) doped with different concentrations (0.10 and 0.50 wt.%) of surface treated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) differing in size (1.77, 5.5 nm) are prepared and characterised. The effects of doping on the clearing temperatures as well as electro-optic and dielectric parameters of a FLC mixture are presented. The clearing temperatures remain invariant with doping. A remarkable increase in the spontaneous polarisation is noticed due to the addition of the GNPs with chiral monolayer capping. Tilt angle and switching time, at least in their tendency, become slightly reduced and increased, respectively. Depending on the size of the nanoparticles, surface plasmon resonance is observed to be slightly increased by increasing the surface. In addition, a small change in localised electric field is found upon doping. The increase in the dielectric permittivity and the dielectric strength is observed and attributed to the parallel coupling between the dipoles of functionalised GNPs, induced by external electric field, and the vector of the spontaneous polarisation of the FLC matrix. A decrease in relaxation frequency is observed. A substantial increment of one order in the dc conductivity is also observed for the nanocolloids.     

Enhanced dielectric and electro-optical properties of a newly synthesised ferroelectric liquid crystal material by doping gold nanoparticle-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In this article, a newly synthesised ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) material, namely LAHS 22, has been characterised. The characterisation of the FLC material has been performed using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and polarisation optical microscopy. We observed an enhancement in the dielectric and electro-optical properties of the FLC material by incorporating gold nanoparticles (GNPs)-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The GNPs-decorated MWCNTs cause an increment in dielectric dispersion (up to kHz), absorption, spontaneous polarisation and rotational viscosity of the FLC material. The pure and GNPs-decorated MWCNTs doped FLC cells were analysed by means of various dielectric spectroscopic and optical measurements. The observed enhancement in the dielectric and electro-optical properties of the FLC material has also been studied with concentration of GNPs-decorated MWCNTs in FLC material. The GNPs-decorated MWCNTs/FLC composites are not only of fundamental importance, but also useful materials for device applications such as liquid crystal displays and memory devices.     

X-ray diffraction and dielectric spectroscopy studies on a partially fluorinated ferroelectric liquid crystal from the family of terphenyl esters

The fluorinated compound, (S)-4′′-(6-perfluoropentanoyoxyhexyl-1-oxy)-2′,3′-difluoro-4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)-[1,1′:4′,1′′]-terphenyl, which exhibits antiferroelectric SmC_A*, ferroelectric SmC* and paraelectric SmA* phases, has been investigated by polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and frequency-dependent dielectric spectroscopy methods. X-ray studies have revealed that the layer thickness remains almost constant in the SmA* phase but within the SmC* and SmC_A* phases it decreases with decreasing temperature, a step jump being observed only at the SmA*–SmC* transition. The tilt angle in the SmC_A* phase decreases from 22.2° to 19.5°, and in the SmC* phase it decreases from 18.8° to 5.5°. Spontaneous polarisation is found to be quite high and varies between 74.1 and 118.7 nC cm^?2. The variation in ε′ and ε′′ with temperature shows a discontinuous change at the transition temperatures. Goldstone mode relaxation is only observed in the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases and is found to be of the Cole–Cole type. The soft mode is observed on application of a bias field near the SmC*–SmA* transition. Neither the soft mode nor the anti-phase azimuthal angle fluctuation mode is observed in SmC_A*. Rotational viscosity decreases quite rapidly with temperature but in a different manner in the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases. Activation energy for this process is found to be 48.14 kJ mol^?1 in the SmC* phase.     

新型氰基桥联配位聚合物[Ni(en)2]2[Ni(CN)4]2·5H2O的合成、晶体结构和磁性质

分子组装在材料科学、催化和生物化学中具有潜在的应用前景,所以分子组装引起了化学、固体物理学和生物学等领域科学家们的普遍关注犤1犦。分子组装常用的方法是使用具有配位能力的金属配合物作为建筑块与过渡金属阳离子反应。氰基桥联多核配合物由于其结构的多样性和具有特别优异的磁性质,近10年来在配位化学领域倍受关注犤2～8犦。在系列配合物犤M(en)2犦犤Ni(CN)4犦(M=Ni,Cu,Zn,Cd等)中,犤Cu(en)2犦犤Ni(CN)4犦和犤Cd(en)2犦犤Ni(CN)4犦的晶体结构已经通过单晶衍射的方法测得犤9,10犦。在犤Cu(en)2犦犤Ni(CN)4犦中,Cu原子为六配…