Effect of particle geometry on phase transitions in two-dimensional liquid crystals

Using a version of density-functional theory which combines Onsager approximation and fundamental-measure theory for spatially nonuniform phases, we have studied the phase diagram of freely rotating hard rectangles and hard discorectangles. We find profound differences in the phase behavior of these models, which can be attributed to their different packing properties. Interestingly, bimodal orientational distribution functions are found in the nematic phase of hard rectangles, which cause a certain degree of biaxial order, albeit metastable with respect to spatially ordered phases. This feature is absent in discorectangles, which always show unimodal behavior. This result may be relevant in the light of recent experimental results which have confirmed the existence of biaxial phases. We expect that some perturbation of the particle shapes (either a certain degree of polydispersity or even bimodal dispersity in the aspect ratios) may actually destabilize spatially ordered phases thereby stabilizing the biaxial phase.     

Chronocoulometry of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt(II) and related transition metal complexes

Integrated pulse polarography and similar techniques have been used for study of reduction of bipyridine complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and partially also Fe(II) in aqueous solutions. By proper choice of pulse and detection intervals, it is possible to confirm or separate the contribution of reactant adsorption. The pulse polarography of the product reoxidation shows a finite charge transfer rate in the case of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt complex.