1
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Li S, Wang J, Tian M, Meng X, Wang J, Guo J. A Halogen-Bonded Fluorescent Molecular Photoswitch: Transition from 3D Cubic Lattice to 1D Helical Superstructure for Polarization Inversion of Circularly Polarized Luminescence. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405615. [PMID: 38856204 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The fabrication of materials that can switch between circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals is both essential and challenging. Here, two new halogen-bonded fluorescent molecular photoswitches, namely, HB-switch 1 and HB-switch 2, containing α-cyano-substituted diarylethene compounds with different end groups were developed. Upon exposure to specific UV or visible light wavelengths, they exhibited controllable and reversible Z/E photoisomerization. When these switches were integrated into blue-phase liquid crystals (BPLCs), the temperature range of BP significantly expanded. Notably, the BP system incorporating HB-switch 1 exclusively achieved reversible polarization inversion of CPL signals under irradiation with specific UV/Visible light and during cooling/heating. The photo/thermal dual-response behavior of the CPL signals can be attributed to the phase transition from a high-symmetry 3D BP Icubic lattice to a low-symmetry 1D helical superstructure induced by the Z/E photoisomerization of HB-switch 1 and temperature changes. This study underscores the significance of employing halogen-bond assembly strategies to design materials with switchable CPL signals, opening new possibilities for CPL-active systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Meng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xianyu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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2
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Xu X, Gao H, Ren S, Zheng C, Du K, Zhou X, Ye Z, Zhu J, Wang J, Jiang L. Michael Addition Inducing Self-Assembly to Construct Mechanochromic BP Film. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310048. [PMID: 38279632 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline blue phase (BP) with 3D cubic nanostructure has attracted much interest in the fields of photonic crystals due to their unique optical properties and the ability to control the flow of light. However, there remains a challenge for simultaneously achieving self-assembly and mechanochromic response of soft 3D cubic nanostructures. Herein, a scalable strategy for the preparation of soft 3D cubic nanostructured films using oligomerization of the Michael addition reaction, which can induce the assembly of double-twisted cylinders for collective replication, remodeling, recombination, and growth, with a phase transition from BPII to BPI, and to chiral nematic phase, is presented. The prepared BP patterns can be obtained by Michael addition oligomerization reaction and composite mask photopolymerization, which present distinct mechanochromic sensitive due to patterns derived from different BP state, and the pattern can be reversibly erased and recurred by mechanical force and temperature. The average domain size of BPII prepared using this strategy can achieve 96 µm, which is 2.5 times larger than that obtained using the conventional cooling approach. This work provides new insights into the self-assembly and selective chemochromism of functional materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Xu
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Shuqi Ren
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Chenglin Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Kaiyang Du
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Zhicheng Ye
- Fujian Science and Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jiliang Zhu
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
- Fujian Science and Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jingxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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3
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Oton E, Cigl M, Morawiak P, Mironov S, Bubnov A, Piecek W. All-optical 3D blue phase photonic crystal switch with photosensitive dopants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9910. [PMID: 38689032 PMCID: PMC11061285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60667-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Blue phase (BP) liquid crystals (LC) have lately become the focus of extensive research due to their peculiar properties and structure. BPs exhibit a highly organized 3D structure with a lattice period in the hundreds of nm. Owing to such structure, BPs are regarded as 3D photonic crystals. The unique properties of this complex LC phase are achieved by the self-assembly of the LC molecules into periodic cubic structures, producing bright selective Bragg reflections. Novel applications involving 3D photonic crystals would certainly benefit from enhanced ground-breaking functionalities. However, the use of BPs as 3D has been traditionally curtailed by the BP crystals trend to grow as random polycrystals, making it difficult to develop practical BP-based photonic devices. The possibility of generating mm-sized BP monocrystals was recently demonstrated. However, besides increasing the scarce number of 3D photonic structural materials, their applications as 3D photonic crystals do not show apparent advantages over other solid materials or metamaterials. Having a tunable BP monocrystal, where crystals could be switched, modulating simultaneously some of their properties as 3D photonic crystals, they would constitute a new family of materials with superior performance to other existing materials, opening up a plethora of new applications. In this work, an all-optical switchable 3D photonic crystal based on BPs doped with tailored photoactive molecules is demonstrated. Two switching modes have been achieved, one where the BP reversibly transitions between two BP phases, BPI and BPII, (two different cubic crystal systems) while maintaining the monocrystallinity of the whole system. The second mode, again reversible, switches between BPI and isotropic state. None of these modes are related to the regular thermal transitions between LC phases; switching is triggered by light pulses of different wavelengths. This all-optical approach allows for a seamless fast remotely controlled optical switch between two 3D photonic crystals in different cubic crystal systems and between a photonic crystal and an isotropic matrix. Applications of switchable BPs for adaptive optics systems or photonic integrated circuits would make great advances using 3D photonic crystal switches. All-optical photonic systems such as these hold great promise for the development of tunable and efficient photonic devices such as dynamic optical filters and sensors, as they enable light-driven modulation and sensing applications with unprecedented versatility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Oton
- Faculty of New Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Martin Cigl
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Przemysław Morawiak
- Faculty of New Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sergei Mironov
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexej Bubnov
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Wiktor Piecek
- Faculty of New Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
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4
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Money J, Munguia-Fernández JG, Norouzi S, Esmaeili M, Martínez-González JA, Sadati M. Photonic features of blue phase liquid crystals under curved confinement. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12231-12247. [PMID: 37750291 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03284a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Blue phase (BP) liquid crystals represent a fascinating state of soft matter that showcases unique optical and electro-optical properties. Existing between chiral nematic and isotropic phases, BPs are characterized by a three-dimensional cubic lattice structure resulting in selective Bragg reflections of light and consequent vivid structural colors. However, the practical realization of these material systems is hampered by their narrow thermal stability and multi-domain crystalline nature. This feature article provides an overview of the efforts devoted to stabilizing these phases and creating monodomain structures. In particular, it delves into the complex relationship between geometrical confinement, induced curvature, and the structural stability and photonic features of BPs. Understanding the interaction of curved confinement and structural stability of BPs proves crucially important for the integration of these materials into flexible and miniaturized devices. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this feature review aims to highlight the significance of understanding the coupling effects of physical and mechanical forces on the structural stability of these systems, which can pave the way for the development of efficient and practical devices based on BP liquid crystals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Money
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Juan G Munguia-Fernández
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1570, San Luis Potosí 78210, SLP, México
| | - Sepideh Norouzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Mohsen Esmaeili
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - José A Martínez-González
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1570, San Luis Potosí 78210, SLP, México
| | - Monirosadat Sadati
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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5
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Tohgha UN, Crenshaw EP, McConney ME, Lee KM, Godman NP. Tuning of optical properties and phase behavior of Nanomaterial-stabilized blue phase liquid crystals. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 639:401-407. [PMID: 36812855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes can affect the optical properties and blue phase (BP) stabilization of BP liquid crystals (BPLCs). This is because nanoparticles, which are more compatible with the LC host, can be dispersed in both the double twist cylinder (DTC) and disclination defects in BPLCs. EXPERIMENTS This study presents the first systematic study of the use of CdSe nanoparticles having various sizes and shapes (spheres, tetrapods and nanoplatelets) to stabilize BPLCs. Unlike previous studies using commercial nanoparticles (NPs), we custom-synthesized NPs with the same core and nearly identical long chain hydrocarbon ligand materials. Two LC hosts were used to investigate the NP effect on BPLCs. FINDINGS The size and shape of nanomaterials greatly influence the interaction with LCs, and the dispersion of NPs in the LC medium affects the position of the BP reflection band and the stabilization of BPs. Spherical NPs were found to be more compatible with the LC medium than tetrapod shape and platelet shape NPs, resulting in a wider temperature range of BP and a redshift of the reflection band of BP. In addition, the inclusion of spherical NPs tuned the optical properties of BPLCs to a significant extent, whereas BPLCs with nanoplatelets displayed a limited influence on the optical properties and temperature window of BPs due to poor compatibility with LC hosts. The tunable optical behavior of BPLC as a function of the type and concentration of NPs has not been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urice N Tohgha
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States; Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH 45324, United States
| | - Ecklin P Crenshaw
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States; Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH 45324, United States
| | - Michael E McConney
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States
| | - Kyung Min Lee
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States; Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH 45324, United States.
| | - Nicholas P Godman
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States.
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6
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Sun C, Lu J. Optical Filters Based on Cholesteric, Blue and Sphere Mesophases. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4898. [PMID: 36433026 PMCID: PMC9694172 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An optical filter is one of the indispensable devices in massive and high-speed communication, optical signal processing, and display. Twist-structure liquid crystals, cholesteric liquid crystals, blue-phase liquid crystals, and sphere-phase liquid crystals show potential application in optical filters originating from the periodic nanostructures. Wavelength and bandwidth tuning can be controlled via temperature, electric fields, light, angle, spatial control, and templating technology. In this review, we discuss the recent developments of twist-structure liquid crystal filters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiangang Lu
- National Engineering Lab for TFT-LCD Materials and Technologies, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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7
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Norouzi S, Tavera-Vazquez A, Ramirez-de Arellano J, Kim DS, Lopez-Leon T, de Pablo JJ, Martinez-Gonzalez JA, Sadati M. Elastic Instability of Cubic Blue Phase Nano Crystals in Curved Shells. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15894-15906. [PMID: 36166665 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many crystallization processes, including biomineralization and ice-freezing, occur in small and curved volumes, where surface curvature can strain the crystal, leading to unusual configurations and defect formation. The role of curvature on crystallization, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we study the crystallization of blue phase (BP) liquid crystals under curved confinement, which provides insights into the mechanism by which BPs reconfigure their three-dimensional lattice structure to adapt to curvature. BPs are a three-dimensional assembly of high-chirality liquid crystal molecules arranged into body-centered (BPI) or simple cubic (BPII) symmetries. BPs with submicrometer cubic-crystalline lattices exhibit tunable Bragg reflection and submillisecond response time to external stimuli such as an electric field, making them attractive for advanced photonic materials. In this work, we have systematically studied BPs confined in spherical shells with well-defined curvature and boundary conditions. The optical behavior of shells has also been examined at room temperature, where the cholesteric structure forms. In the cholesteric phase, perpendicular anchoring generates focal conic domains on the shell's surface, which transition into stripe patterns as the degree of curvature increases. Our results demonstrate that both higher degrees of curvature and strong spatial confinement destabilize BPI and reconfigure that phase to adopt the structure and optical features of BPII. We also show that the coupling of curvature and confinement nucleates skyrmions at greater thicknesses than those observed for a flat geometry. These findings are particularly important for integrating BPs into miniaturized and curved/flexible devices, including flexible displays, wearable sensors, and smart fabrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Norouzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Antonio Tavera-Vazquez
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Johanan Ramirez-de Arellano
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Parque Chapultepec 1570, San Luis Potosí 78210, San Luis Potosi México
| | - Dae Seok Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, South Korea
| | - Teresa Lopez-Leon
- Laboratoire Gulliver, UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Jose A Martinez-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Parque Chapultepec 1570, San Luis Potosí 78210, San Luis Potosi México
| | - Monirosadat Sadati
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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8
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Zhang X, Yang Y, Xue P, Valenzuela C, Chen Y, Yang X, Wang L, Feng W. Three‐Dimensional Electrochromic Soft Photonic Crystals Based on MXene‐Integrated Blue Phase Liquid Crystals for Bioinspired Visible and Infrared Camouflage. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211030. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Pan Xue
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yuanhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
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9
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Zhang X, Yang Y, Xue P, Valenzuela C, Chen Y, Yang X, Wang L, Feng W. Three‐Dimensional Electrochromic Soft Photonic Crystals Based on MXene‐Integrated Blue Phase Liquid Crystals for Bioinspired Visible and Infrared Camouflage. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Pan Xue
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | | | - Yuanhao Chen
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Xiao Yang
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Ling Wang
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University 300072 Tianjin CHINA
| | - Wei Feng
- Tianjin University Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
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10
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Chen C, Poppe M, Poppe S, Wagner M, Tschierske C, Liu F. Tetrahedral Liquid-Crystalline Networks: An A15-Like Frank-Kasper Phase Based on Rod-Packing. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203447. [PMID: 35470526 PMCID: PMC9321821 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Pm 3 ‾ n cubic and other low-symmetry Frank-Kasper phases are known to be formed by soft spheres, ranging from metals to block copolymer micelles and colloidal nanoparticles. Here, we report a series of X-shaped polyphiles composed of sticky rods and two non-symmetric branched side-chains, which self-assemble into the first example of a cubic liquid-crystalline phase representing a tetrahedral network of rods with a Pm 3 ‾ n lattice. It is the topological dual to the Weaire-Phelan foam, being the Voronoi tessellation of the A15 sphere packing, from which this network is obtained by Delaunay triangulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlong Chen
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft MatterState Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of MaterialsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Marco Poppe
- Department of ChemistryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes Str. 206120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Silvio Poppe
- Department of ChemistryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes Str. 206120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Matthias Wagner
- Department of ChemistryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes Str. 206120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Carsten Tschierske
- Department of ChemistryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes Str. 206120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Feng Liu
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft MatterState Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of MaterialsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
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11
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Gao Y, Ding W, Lu J. Templated Twist Structure Liquid Crystals and Photonic Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:2455. [PMID: 35746029 PMCID: PMC9227419 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Twist structure liquid crystals (TSLCs) have attracted increasing attention in photonic applications due to their distinct properties: Bragg reflection, scattering, and optical rotation. However, there exist some issues due to the defects of TSLCs: weak thermal stability, narrow bandwidth, and complicated fabrication. In this review, we introduce the templating technique which includes device structure, templating process, and photonic properties of templated TSLCs to improve the issues. Furthermore, a variety of photonic applications including lasing, optical filters and gratings based on TSLCs with polymer templates are presented. Additionally, other applications of TSLCs are briefly introduced. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives of templated TSLCs are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiangang Lu
- National Engineering Lab for TFT-LCD Materials and Technologies, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Y.G.); (W.D.)
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12
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Matsui T, Matsumori T, Ito Y, Hase Y, Yoshida H. Visualizing Invisible Phase Transitions in Blue Phase Liquid Crystals Using Early Warning Indicators. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200113. [PMID: 35589386 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the statistical properties of data as a system approaches a critical transition is studied intensively as early warning signals, but their application to materials science, where phase transitions-a type of critical transition-are of fundamental importance, are limited. Here, a critical transition analysis is applied to time-series data from a microscopic 3D ordered soft material-blue phase liquid crystals (BPLC)-and demonstrates that phase transitions that are invisible under ambient conditions can be visualized through the choice of appropriate early warning indicators. After discussing how a phase transition affects the statistical properties in a system with a Landau-de Gennes type free energy potential, the predicted changes are experimentally observed at the two types of phase transitions that occur in a BPLC: the isotropic to simple cubic, and simple cubic to body-centered cubic transitions. In particular, it is shown that the skewness of the intensity distribution inverts its sign at the phase transition, enabling temporally and spatially resolved mapping of phase transitions. This approach can be easily adapted to a wide variety of material systems and microscopy techniques, providing a powerful tool for studying complex critical transition phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Matsui
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc, 41-1 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1192, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Matsumori
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc, 41-1 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1192, Japan
| | - Yuji Ito
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc, 41-1 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1192, Japan
| | - Yoko Hase
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc, 41-1 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1192, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshida
- Division of Electrical, Electronic and Infocommunications Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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13
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Chen C, Poppe M, Poppe S, Wagner M, Tschierske C, Liu F. Tetrahedral Liquid‐Crystalline Networks: An A15‐Like Frank–Kasper Phase Based on Rod‐Packing. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202203447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Changlong Chen
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Marco Poppe
- Department of Chemistry Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Kurt-Mothes Str. 2 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Silvio Poppe
- Department of Chemistry Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Kurt-Mothes Str. 2 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Matthias Wagner
- Department of Chemistry Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Kurt-Mothes Str. 2 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Carsten Tschierske
- Department of Chemistry Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Kurt-Mothes Str. 2 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Feng Liu
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
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14
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Liao J, Feng Y, Zhang J, Li H, Zhou G. Asymmetric chiral disazo dopants with high anisotropy for versatile modulation of liquid crystal optics. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Cho S, Yoshida H, Ozaki M. Tunable polarization volume gratings based on blue phase liquid crystals. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:1607-1614. [PMID: 35209317 DOI: 10.1364/oe.448301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A large-angle polarization volume grating (PVG) with circular-polarization selectivity is demonstrated using a three-dimensional chiral liquid crystal with simple cubic symmetry - the blue phase (BP) II. We confirm defect-free alignment of the BP crystal on a periodically patterned substrate down to a period of 700 nm, with Kossel diagrams and far-field diffraction patterns suggesting that the lattice becomes slanted within the cell to accommodate to the imprinted pattern. We further demonstrate a tunable PVG by exploiting the external field-responsivity of BPs, making this PVG attractive for a wide range of applications from tunable photonics to augmented reality.
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16
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Lee KM, Tohgha U, Bunning TJ, McConney ME, Godman NP. Effect of Amorphous Crosslinker on Phase Behavior and Electro-Optic Response of Polymer-Stabilized Blue Phase Liquid Crystals. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:48. [PMID: 35009998 PMCID: PMC8746832 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) composed of double-twisted cholesteric helices are promising materials for use in next-generation displays, optical components, and photonics applications. However, BPLCs are only observed in a narrow temperature range of 0.5-3 °C and must be stabilized with a polymer network. Here, we report on controlling the phase behavior of BPLCs by varying the concentration of an amorphous crosslinker (pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA)). LC mixtures without amorphous crosslinker display narrow phase transition temperatures from isotropic to the blue phase-II (BP-II), blue phase-I (BP-I), and cholesteric phases, but the addition of PETA stabilizes the BP-I phase. A PETA content above 3 wt% prevents the formation of the simple cubic BP-II phase and induces a direct transition from the isotropic to the BP-I phase. PETA widens the temperature window of BP-I from ~6.8 °C for BPLC without PETA to ~15 °C for BPLC with 4 wt% PETA. The BPLCs with 3 and 4 wt% PETA are stabilized using polymer networks via in situ photopolymerization. Polymer-stabilized BPLC with 3 wt% PETA showed switching between reflective to transparent states with response times of 400-500 μs when an AC field was applied, whereas the application of a DC field induced a large color change from green to red.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Lee
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA; (U.T.); (T.J.B.); (M.E.M.)
- Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH 45431, USA
| | - Urice Tohgha
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA; (U.T.); (T.J.B.); (M.E.M.)
- Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH 45431, USA
| | - Timothy J. Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA; (U.T.); (T.J.B.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Michael E. McConney
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA; (U.T.); (T.J.B.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Nicholas P. Godman
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA; (U.T.); (T.J.B.); (M.E.M.)
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17
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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18
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Clairvoyant Melon Maturity Detection Enabled by Doctor-Blade-Coated Photonic Crystals. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217046. [PMID: 34770353 PMCID: PMC8586947 DOI: 10.3390/s21217046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Climacteric fruits are harvested before they are ripened to avoid adverse damages during transport. The unripe fruits can undergo ripening processes associated with rind color changes on exposure to ethanol vapors. Although rind coloration is a common indicator showing fruit maturity, the attribute does not provide reliable assessment of maturity especially for melons. Herein, we report the achievement of sensitive and reversible melon maturity detection using macroporous hydrogel photonic crystals self-assembled by a roll-to-roll compatible doctor-blade-coating technology. The consumption of applied ethanol vapor during melon ripening results in less condensation of ethanol vapor in the pores (250 nm in diameter), leading to a distinct blue-shift of the optical stop band from 572 to 501 nm and an obvious visual colorimetric readout from yellow green to blue. Moreover, the dependence of the color change on Brix value within the melon has also been evaluated in the study.
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19
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Yang Y, Zhang X, Chen Y, Yang X, Ma J, Wang J, Wang L, Feng W. Bioinspired Color-Changing Photonic Polymer Coatings Based on Three-Dimensional Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:41102-41111. [PMID: 34387073 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Photonic polymer coatings that can adaptively respond to the constant changes of surrounding environments are of profound significance for diverse applications such as optical sensors, information encryption, and adaptive camouflage. Here, we report the fabrication of humidity-driven color-changing photonic polymer coatings on the basis of judiciously designed hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional (3D) blue phase liquid crystal networks. Thanks to the inherent self-assembled 3D photonic nanostructures and tough covalent bonding between the polymers and substrate surfaces, the resulting polymer coatings are found to exhibit vivid structural colors, and humidity-driven reversible color changes across the visible spectrum of light can be achieved upon breaking the hydrogen bonds and subsequent conversion into a hygroscopic polymer coating. As the proof-of-concept applications, we demonstrate the information encryption, inkjet-printable photonic patterns, bioinspired adaptive camouflage, and colorimetric humidity sensor with such promising humidity-driven color-changing photonic polymer coatings. The results disclosed herein are expected to provide new insights into the development of stimuli-responsive advanced functional materials with tailorable 3D photonic nanostructures toward technological applications ranging from sensing, display, anticounterfeiting, and biomimetic camouflage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuanhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiazhe Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jingxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350 China
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20
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Blue Phase Liquid Crystals with Tailored Crystal Orientation for Photonic Applications. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blue phase (BP) liquid crystals, which self-assemble into soft three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals, have attracted enormous research interest due to their ability to control light and potential photonic applications. BPs have long been known as optically isotropic materials, but recent works have revealed that achieving on-demand 3D orientation of BP crystals is necessary to obtain improved electro-optical performance and tailored optical characteristics. Various approaches have been proposed to precisely manipulate the crystal orientation of BPs on a substrate, through the assistance of external stimuli and directing self-assembly processes. Here, we discuss the various orientation-controlling technologies of BP crystals, with their mechanisms, advantages, drawbacks, and promising applications. This review first focuses on technologies to achieve the uniform crystal plane orientation of BPs on a substrate. Further, we review a strategy to control the azimuthal orientation of BPs along predesigned directions with a uniform crystal plane, allowing the 3D orientation to be uniquely defined on a substrate. The potential applications such as volume holograms are also discussed with their operation principle. This review provides significant advances in 3D photonic crystals and gives a huge potential for intelligent photonic devices with tailored optical characteristics.
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21
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Liu J, Liu W, Guan B, Wang B, Shi L, Jin F, Zheng Z, Wang J, Ikeda T, Jiang L. Diffusionless transformation of soft cubic superstructure from amorphous to simple cubic and body-centered cubic phases. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3477. [PMID: 34108449 PMCID: PMC8190294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In a narrow temperature window in going from the isotropic to highly chiral orders, cholesteric liquid crystals exhibit so-called blue phases, consisting of different morphologies of long, space-filling double twisted cylinders. Those of cubic spatial symmetry have attracted considerable attention in recent years as templates for soft photonic materials. The latter often requires the creation of monodomains of predefined orientation and size, but their engineering is complicated by a lack of comprehensive understanding of how blue phases nucleate and transform into each other at a submicrometer length scale. In this work, we accomplish this by intercepting nucleation processes at intermediate stages with fast cross-linking of a stabilizing polymer matrix. We reveal using transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction, and angle-resolved microspectroscopy that the grid of double-twisted cylinders undergoes highly coordinated, diffusionless transformations. In light of our findings, the implementation of several applications is discussed, such as temperature-switchable QR codes, micro-area lasing, and fabrication of blue phase liquid crystals with large domain sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center of Material Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhe Liu
- Department of Physics, Key Laboratory of Micro-and Nano-Photonic Structures, and State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Guan
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Physics, Key Laboratory of Micro-and Nano-Photonic Structures, and State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Physics, Key Laboratory of Micro-and Nano-Photonic Structures, and State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Zheng
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Center of Material Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Tomiki Ikeda
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center of Material Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Yang Y, Wang L, Yang H, Li Q. 3D Chiral Photonic Nanostructures Based on Blue‐Phase Liquid Crystals. SMALL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 China
| | - Huai Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering College of Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
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23
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Yang J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang L, Feng W, Li Q. Beyond the Visible: Bioinspired Infrared Adaptive Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2004754. [PMID: 33624900 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Infrared (IR) adaptation phenomena are ubiquitous in nature and biological systems. Taking inspiration from natural creatures, researchers have devoted extensive efforts for developing advanced IR adaptive materials and exploring their applications in areas of smart camouflage, thermal energy management, biomedical science, and many other IR-related technological fields. Herein, an up-to-date review is provided on the recent advancements of bioinspired IR adaptive materials and their promising applications. First an overview of IR adaptation in nature and advanced artificial IR technologies is presented. Recent endeavors are then introduced toward developing bioinspired adaptive materials for IR camouflage and IR radiative cooling. According to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, IR camouflage can be realized by either emissivity engineering or thermal cloaks. IR radiative cooling can maximize the thermal radiation of an object through an IR atmospheric transparency window, and thus holds great potential for use in energy-efficient green buildings and smart personal thermal management systems. Recent advances in bioinspired adaptive materials for emerging near-IR (NIR) applications are also discussed, including NIR-triggered biological technologies, NIR light-fueled soft robotics, and NIR light-driven supramolecular nanosystems. This review concludes with a perspective on the challenges and opportunities for the future development of bioinspired IR adaptive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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24
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Surdo S, Duocastella M, Diaspro A. Nanopatterning with Photonic Nanojets: Review and Perspectives in Biomedical Research. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:256. [PMID: 33802351 PMCID: PMC8000863 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanostructured surfaces and devices offer astounding possibilities for biomedical research, including cellular and molecular biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. However, the wide implementation of these systems is currently limited by the lack of cost-effective and easy-to-use nanopatterning tools. A promising solution is to use optical methods based on photonic nanojets, namely, needle-like beams featuring a nanometric width. In this review, we survey the physics, engineering strategies, and recent implementations of photonic nanojets for high-throughput generation of arbitrary nanopatterns, along with applications in optics, electronics, mechanics, and biosensing. An outlook of the potential impact of nanopatterning technologies based on photonic nanojets in several relevant biomedical areas is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Surdo
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 16152 Genoa, Italy
| | - Martí Duocastella
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 16152 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Barcelona, C/Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 16152 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
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25
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Huang HM, Chuang EY, Chen FL, Lin JD, Hsiao YC. Color-Indicating, Label-Free, Dye-Doped Liquid Crystal Organic-Polymer-Based-Bioinspired Sensor for Biomolecule Immunodetection. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12102294. [PMID: 33036425 PMCID: PMC7601757 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly sensitive interfacial effects between liquid crystal (LC) and alignment layers make LC-bioinspired sensors an important technology. However, LC-bioinspired sensors are limited by quantification requiring a polarized microscope and expensive equipment, which makes it difficult to commercialize LC-bioinspired sensors. In this report, we first demonstrate that dye-doped LC (DDLC) chips coated with vertically aligned layers can be employed as a new LC-bioinspired sensing technology. The DDLC-bioinspired sensor was tested by detecting bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunocomplexes of BSA pairs. The intensities of the dye color of the DDLC-bioinspired sensor can be changed with the concentrations of biomolecules and immunocomplexes. A detection limit of 0.5 µg/mL was shown for the color-indicating DDLC-bioinspired sensors. We also designed a new method to use the quantitative DDLC-bioinspired sensor with a smart-phone for potential of home test. The novel DDLC-bioinspired sensor is cheap, label-free, and easy to use, furthering the technology for home and field-based disease-related detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haw-Ming Huang
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Optomechatronics, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Er-Yuan Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, and International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Fu-Lun Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Jia-De Lin
- Institute of Opto-Electronic Engineering, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Cheng Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Optomechatronics, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Institute of Opto-Electronic Engineering, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan;
- International PhD Program for Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +88-6-291-937-9783
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26
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Wang L, Urbas AM, Li Q. Nature-Inspired Emerging Chiral Liquid Crystal Nanostructures: From Molecular Self-Assembly to DNA Mesophase and Nanocolloids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1801335. [PMID: 30160812 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201801335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) are omnipresent in living matter, whose chirality is an elegant and distinct feature in certain plant tissues, the cuticles of crabs, beetles, arthropods, and beyond. Taking inspiration from nature, researchers have recently devoted extensive efforts toward developing chiral liquid crystalline materials with self-organized nanostructures and exploring their potential applications in diverse fields ranging from dynamic photonics to energy and safety issues. In this review, an account on the state of the art of emerging chiral liquid crystalline nanostructured materials and their technological applications is provided. First, an overview on the significance of chiral liquid crystalline architectures in various living systems is given. Then, the recent significant progress in different chiral liquid crystalline systems including thermotropic LCs (cholesteric LCs, cubic blue phases, achiral bent-core LCs, etc.) and lyotropic LCs (DNA LCs, nanocellulose LCs, and graphene oxide LCs) is showcased. The review concludes with a perspective on the future scope, opportunities, and challenges in these truly advanced functional soft materials and their promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Augustine M Urbas
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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27
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Zheng ZG, Lu YQ, Li Q. Photoprogrammable Mesogenic Soft Helical Architectures: A Promising Avenue toward Future Chiro-Optics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1905318. [PMID: 32483915 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201905318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mesogenic soft materials, having single or multiple mesogen moieties per molecule, commonly exhibit typical self-organization characteristics, which promotes the formation of elegant helical superstructures or supramolecular assemblies in chiral environments. Such helical superstructures play key roles in the propagation of circularly polarized light and display optical properties with prominent handedness, that is, chiro-optical properties. The leveraging of light to program the chiro-optical properties of such mesogenic helical soft materials by homogeneously dispersing photosensitive chiral material into an achiral soft system or covalently connecting photochromic moieties to the molecules has attracted considerable attention in terms of materials, properties, and potential applications and has been a thriving topic in both fundamental science and application engineering. State-of-the-art technologies are described in terms of the material design, synthesis, properties, and modulation of photoprogrammable chiro-optical mesogenic soft helical architectures. Additionally, the scientific issues and technical problems that hinder further development of these materials for use in various fields are outlined and discussed. Such photoprogrammable mesogenic soft helical materials are competitive candidates for use in stimulus-controllable chiro-optical devices with high optical efficiency, stable optical properties, and easy miniaturization, facilitating the future integration and systemization of chiro-optical chips in photonics, photochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Zheng
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yan-Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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28
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Chen D, Wang Y, Fu Y, Zhou H. Birefringence- and Optical Distortion-Free Isotropic Polymer Lens Assisted by Photonic Microspheres. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:44172-44179. [PMID: 32853521 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of low-cost and light polymer optical devices to substitute for inorganic materials is a major trend. Traditional molten processing methods are direct and have been extensively applied in optical product manufacturing. However, the inevitable intrinsic birefringence and optical distortion due to polymer molecular chain anisotropy limit their application in high-end optical devices. Here, we report a novel thermocompression strategy for isotropic polymer lens fabrication, in which a cross-linked photonic crystal (PC) consisting of closely stacked polymer microspheres is used as a precursor and then heated and pressed under the rubbery state. A polymethyl methacrylate microsphere-based PC is used as a demonstration, and the obtained isotropic lenses exhibit superior performance compared to the traditional counterpart, which are birefringence-free (Δn < 1 × 10-5) and optical distortion-free and have excellent mechanical properties (hardness reaches 0.28 GPa), and the hidden mechanism is carefully studied. These properties enable the isotropic lens to be applied in precision optical components such as the lens of spectacles, microscope, telescope and endoscope, industrial camera, and astronaut helmet, and the proposed general method can extend to various polymers and provide new opportunities for the development of three-dimensional PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yue Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Huamin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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29
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Chen P, Wei BY, Hu W, Lu YQ. Liquid-Crystal-Mediated Geometric Phase: From Transmissive to Broadband Reflective Planar Optics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1903665. [PMID: 31566267 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201903665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Planar optical elements that can manipulate the multidimensional physical parameters of light efficiently and compactly are highly sought after in modern optics and nanophotonics. In recent years, the geometric phase, induced by the photonic spin-orbit interaction, has attracted extensive attention for planar optics due to its powerful beam shaping capability. The geometric phase can usually be generated via inhomogeneous anisotropic materials, among which liquid crystals (LCs) have been a focus. Their pronounced optical properties and controllable and stimuli-responsive self-assembly behavior introduce new possibilities for LCs beyond traditional panel displays. Recent advances in LC-mediated geometric phase planar optics are briefly reviewed. First, several recently developed photopatterning techniques are presented, enabling the accurate fabrication of complicated LC microstructures. Subsequently, nematic LC-based transmissive planar optical elements and chiral LC-based broadband reflective elements are reviewed systematically. Versatile functionalities are revealed, from conventional beam steering and focusing, to advanced structuring. Combining the geometric phase with structured LC materials offers a satisfactory platform for planar optics with desired functionalities and drastically extends exceptional applications of ordered soft matter. Some prospects on this rapidly advancing field are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Bing-Yan Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry under Extraordinary Conditions, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Optical Information Technology, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Institute for Smart Liquid Crystals, JITRI, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Yan-Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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30
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Palacio-Betancur V, Armas-Pérez JC, Villada-Gil S, Abbott NL, Hernández-Ortiz JP, de Pablo JJ. Cuboidal liquid crystal phases under multiaxial geometrical frustration. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:870-880. [PMID: 31938794 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02021g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cuboidal liquid crystal phases - the so-called blue phases - consist of a network of topological defects arranged into a cubic symmetry. They exhibit striking optical properties, including Bragg reflection in the visible range and fast response times. Confining surfaces can interfere with the packing of such a network, leading to structures that have not been explored before. In this work, a Landau-de Gennes free energy formalism for the tensor alignment field Q is used to investigate the behavior of chiral liquid crystals under non-isotropic confinement. The underlying free energy functional is solved by relying on a Monte Carlo method that facilitates efficient exploration of configuration space. The results of simulations are expressed in terms of phase diagrams as a function of chirality and temperature for three families of spheroids: oblate, spherical, and prolate. Upon deformation, blue phases adapt and transform to accommodate the geometrical constraints, thereby resulting in a wider range of thermal stability. For oblate spheroids, confinement interferes with the development of a full blue phase structure, resulting on a combination of half skyrmions. For prolate spheroids, the blue phases are hybridized and exhibit features of blue phases I and II. More generally, it is shown that mechanical deformation provides an effective means to control, manipulate and stabilize blue phases and cholesterics confined in tactoids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julio C Armas-Pérez
- División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Campus León, Universidad de Guanajuato, Loma del Bosque 103, León (Gto.) 37150, Mexico
| | - Stiven Villada-Gil
- Departamento de Materiales y Minerales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia and Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Sociales y Humanas, Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Juan P Hernández-Ortiz
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and Departamento de Materiales y Minerales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia and Colombia/Wisconsin One-Health Consortium, Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
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31
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Guo DY, Chen CW, Li CC, Jau HC, Lin KH, Feng TM, Wang CT, Bunning TJ, Khoo IC, Lin TH. Reconfiguration of three-dimensional liquid-crystalline photonic crystals by electrostriction. NATURE MATERIALS 2020; 19:94-101. [PMID: 31659291 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0512-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural self-assembled three-dimensional photonic crystals such as blue-phase liquid crystals typically assume cubic lattice structures. Nonetheless, blue-phase liquid crystals with distinct crystal symmetries and thus band structures will be advantageous for optical applications. Here we use repetitive electrical pulses to reconfigure blue-phase liquid crystals into stable orthorhombic and tetragonal lattices. This approach, termed repetitively applied field, allows the system to relax between each pulse, gradually transforming the initial cubic lattice into various intermediate metastable states until a stable non-cubic crystal is achieved. We show that this technique is suitable for engineering non-cubic lattices with tailored photonic bandgaps, associated dispersion and band structure across the entire visible spectrum in blue-phase liquid crystals with distinct composition and initial crystal orientation. These field-free blue-phase liquid crystals exhibit large electro-optic responses and can be polymer-stabilized to have a wide operating temperature range and submillisecond response speed, which are promising properties for information display, electro-optics, nonlinear optics, microlasers and biosensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan-Yi Guo
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Cheng-Chang Li
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chang Jau
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Mao Feng
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ta Wang
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Timothy J Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - Iam Choon Khoo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lin
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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32
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Yang J, Zhao W, Yang Z, He W, Wang J, Ikeda T, Jiang L. Photonic Shape Memory Polymer Based on Liquid Crystalline Blue Phase Films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:46124-46131. [PMID: 31714736 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Photonic shape memory (SM) polymers based on liquid crystalline blue phase (BP) films have been fabricated by self-assembly and subsequent photopolymerization of liquid-crystal mixtures. These freestanding BP films exhibit narrow photonic band gaps and high reflectivity in the visible wavelength range. Multiple blue-shift colors are achieved by SM programming process at different mechanical pressures. The blue-shift colors can be attributed to a decrease of effective BP pitch along the viewing direction caused by the compressed deformation of the BP films, which are confirmed by a three-dimensional interometric profile. The deformed BP films can recover to their original shapes and reflecting colors by heating the polymer films to temperatures above the glass-transition temperature. Quantitative relationships between the shape change and optical response are established for understanding this SM effect. What is more, the temporary photonic patterns can be reversibly written and erased for dozens of cycles without apparent degradation, making these freestanding BP films appealing as rewritable photonic papers and optical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Yang
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Weidong Zhao
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Wanli He
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083 , China
| | - Jingxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Tomiki Ikeda
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing 100191 , P. R. China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
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33
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Perspectives in Liquid-Crystal-Aided Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9122512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The research field of liquid crystals and their applications is recently changing from being largely focused on display applications and optical shutter elements in various fields, to quite novel and diverse applications in the area of nanotechnology and nanoscience. Functional nanoparticles have recently been used to a significant extent to modify the physical properties of liquid crystals by the addition of ferroelectric and magnetic particles of different shapes, such as arbitrary and spherical, rods, wires and discs. Also, particles influencing optical properties are increasingly popular, such as quantum dots, plasmonic, semiconductors and metamaterials. The self-organization of liquid crystals is exploited to order templates and orient nanoparticles. Similarly, nanoparticles such as rods, nanotubes and graphene oxide are shown to form lyotropic liquid crystal phases in the presence of isotropic host solvents. These effects lead to a wealth of novel applications, many of which will be reviewed in this publication.
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34
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Du XW, Hou DS, Li X, Sun DP, Lan JF, Zhu JL, Ye WJ. Symmetric Continuously Tunable Photonic Band Gaps in Blue-Phase Liquid Crystals Switched by an Alternating Current Field. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:22015-22020. [PMID: 31132240 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b04577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Symmetric continuously tunable three-dimensional (3D) liquid photonic crystals have been investigated using self-organized blue-phase liquid crystal films. The photonic band gap in the overall visible spectrum can be tuned continuously, reversibly, and rapidly as the applied electric field changes. After driven by the applied field, four-time enhancement of the reflectivity results in more vivid reflection colors. A lasing emission of tuning working wavelength has been demonstrated by using the dye-doped blue-phase liquid crystal film. With the advantages of fast response speed, no alignment layer, large-scale electrically shift of the photonic band gap, and macro optical isotropy, this self-assembled soft material has many potential applications in high-performance reflective full-color display, 3D tunable lasers, and nonlinear optics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Du
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - De-Shan Hou
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - Dong-Peng Sun
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - Jiong-Fang Lan
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - Ji-Liang Zhu
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
| | - Wen-Jiang Ye
- Department of Applied Physics , Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin 300401 , China
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35
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Jau HC, Lin YT, Li CC, Chen CW, Lin TH. Optically rewritable dynamic phase grating based on blue-phase-templated azobenzene liquid crystal. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:10580-10585. [PMID: 31052914 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.010580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We propose an optically rewritable dynamic phase grating based on polymer-templated azo liquid crystal in a blue-phase structure. The grating consists of alternating blue-phase and light-induced isotropic-phase regions, patterned by ultraviolet illumination. In the field-off state, the grating is hidden (showing no diffraction), due to index matching between the two phases. An index change is induced in the blue-phase regions when an external voltage is applied, while the refractive index of the isotropic-phase regions remains the same. The resulting periodic index modulation causes the grating to diffract light. The diffraction efficiency is independent of incident polarization, and the electro-optic response is in the sub-millisecond scale. Enabled by the reversible photoisomerism of the azobenzene, we demonstrate optical-patterning, -erasure, and re-patterning of a single liquid-crystal cell into different grating geometries.
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36
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Li X, Martínez-González JA, Park K, Yu C, Zhou Y, de Pablo JJ, Nealey PF. Perfection in Nucleation and Growth of Blue-Phase Single Crystals: Small Free-Energy Required to Self-Assemble at Specific Lattice Orientation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:9487-9495. [PMID: 30763069 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemically patterned surfaces can be used to selectively stabilize blue phases as macroscopic single crystals with a prescribed lattice orientation. By tailoring the interfacial free energy through the pattern characteristics, it is possible to set, with nanoscale precision, the optimal conditions to induce spontaneously blue-phase crystal nucleation on the patterned substrate where a uniform, defect-free, blue-phase single crystal is finally formed in a matter of seconds. The chemical patterns taken into consideration in this work are made up of alternated stripelike regions of homeotropic and planar anchoring. By varying the stripe pattern dimension, including the period and ratio of the planar/homeotropic anchoring width, it is possible to generate blue-phase I single crystals with (110) lattice orientation and blue-phase II single crystals with either the (100), (110), or (111) lattice orientation. Continuum mean-field calculations of the studied systems serve to explain, in terms of the free energy of the systems, how the pattern dimensions favor certain crystallographic orientations while penalizing the others. We found that a small free-energy difference is sufficient to drive the nucleation and growth of blue phases into a certain lattice orientation. Therefore, a processing window for obtaining arbitrary large blue-phase single crystals with predesigned lattice orientation, highly aligned reflective peaks, and significantly short forming time is provided here, which is essential for manufacturing and modulating optical devices and photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Material Science Division , Argonne National Laboratory , Lemont , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Jose A Martínez-González
- Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí , Av. Parque Chapultepec 1570 s/n , San Luis Potosí 78295 , Mexico
| | - Kangho Park
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) , Daejeon 34141 , South Korea
| | - Cecilia Yu
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Ye Zhou
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Material Science Division , Argonne National Laboratory , Lemont , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Paul F Nealey
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Material Science Division , Argonne National Laboratory , Lemont , Illinois 60439 , United States
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37
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Zola RS, Bisoyi HK, Wang H, Urbas AM, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Dynamic Control of Light Direction Enabled by Stimuli-Responsive Liquid Crystal Gratings. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1806172. [PMID: 30570775 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability to control light direction with tailored precision via facile means is long-desired in science and industry. With the advances in optics, a periodic structure called diffraction grating gains prominence and renders a more flexible control over light propagation when compared to prisms. Today, diffraction gratings are common components in wavelength division multiplexing devices, monochromators, lasers, spectrometers, media storage, beam steering, and many other applications. Next-generation optical devices, however, demand nonmechanical, full and remote control, besides generating higher than 1D diffraction patterns with as few optical elements as possible. Liquid crystals (LCs) are great candidates for light control since they can form various patterns under different stimuli, including periodic structures capable of behaving as diffraction gratings. The characteristics of such gratings depend on several physical properties of the LCs such as film thickness, periodicity, and molecular orientation, all resulting from the internal constraints of the sample, and all of these are easily controllable. In this review, the authors summarize the research and development on stimuli-controllable diffraction gratings and beam steering using LCs as the active optical materials. Dynamic gratings fabricated by applying external field forces or surface treatments and made of chiral and nonchiral LCs with and without polymer networks are described. LC gratings capable of switching under external stimuli such as light, electric and magnetic fields, heat, and chemical composition are discussed. The focus is on the materials, designs, applications, and future prospects of diffraction gratings using LC materials as active layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael S Zola
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Parana, Rua Marcílio Dias, 635, 86812-460, Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Augustine M Urbas
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Timothy J Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
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38
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Impact of Cubic Symmetry on Optical Activity of Dielectric 8-srs Networks. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8112104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Photonic crystals are engineered structures able to control the propagation and properties of light. Due to this ability, they can be fashioned into optical components for advanced light manipulation and sensing. For these applications, a particularly interesting case study is the gyroid srs-network, a three-dimensional periodic network with both cubic symmetry and chirality. In this work we present the fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional cubically symmetric 8-srs photonic crystals derived from combination of eight individual gyroid srs-networks. We numerically and experimentally investigate optical properties of these photonic crystals and study in particular, the impact of cubic symmetry on transmission and optical activity (OA). Gyroid photonic crystals fabricated in this work can lead to the development of smaller, cheaper, and more efficient optical components with functionalities that go beyond the concept of lenses.
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39
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Wu PC, Chen HL, Rudakova NV, Timofeev IV, Zyryanov VY, Lee W. Electro-optical and dielectric properties of polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal impregnated with a fluorine-containing compound. J Mol Liq 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2017.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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40
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Giant enhancement of photoluminescence and tertiary emission in a chiral nematic by matching photonic band gap and excitation wavelength. J Mol Liq 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2018.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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41
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Bisoyi HK, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Stimuli-Driven Control of the Helical Axis of Self-Organized Soft Helical Superstructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1706512. [PMID: 29603448 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201706512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular and macromolecular functional helical superstructures are ubiquitous in nature and display an impressive catalog of intriguing and elegant properties and performances. In materials science, self-organized soft helical superstructures, i.e., cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs), serve as model systems toward the understanding of morphology- and orientation-dependent properties of supramolecular dynamic helical architectures and their potential for technological applications. Moreover, most of the fascinating device applications of CLCs are primarily determined by different orientations of the helical axis. Here, the control of the helical axis orientation of CLCs and its dynamic switching in two and three dimensions using different external stimuli are summarized. Electric-field-, magnetic-field-, and light-irradiation-driven orientation control and reorientation of the helical axis of CLCs are described and highlighted. Different techniques and strategies developed to achieve a uniform lying helix structure are explored. Helical axis control in recently developed heliconical cholesteric systems is examined. The control of the helical axis orientation in spherical geometries such as microdroplets and microshells fabricated from these enticing photonic fluids is also explored. Future challenges and opportunities in this exciting area involving anisotropic chiral liquids are then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Timothy J Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, OH, 44242, USA
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42
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Zhou K, Bisoyi HK, Jin JQ, Yuan CL, Liu Z, Shen D, Lu YQ, Zheng ZG, Zhang W, Li Q. Light-Driven Reversible Transformation between Self-Organized Simple Cubic Lattice and Helical Superstructure Enabled by a Molecular Switch Functionalized Nanocage. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1800237. [PMID: 29682817 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201800237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Self-organized stimuli-responsive smart materials with adjustable attributes are highly desirable for a plethora of device applications. Simple cubic lattice is quite uncommon in soft condensed matter due to its lower packing factor. Achieving a stable simple cubic soft lattice and endowing such a lattice with dynamic reconstruction capability solely by a facile light irradiation are of paramount significance for both fundamental studies and engineering explorations. Herein, an elegant stable self-organized simple cubic soft lattice, i.e., blue phase II, in a chiral liquid crystal (LC) system is disclosed, which is stable down to room temperature and exhibits both reversible lattice deformation and transformation to a helical superstructure, i.e., cholesteric LC, by light stimulation. Such an amazing trait is attained by doping a judiciously designed achiral photoresponsive molecular switch functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocage into a chiral LC host. An unprecedented reversible collapse and reconstruction of such a high symmetric simple cubic blue phase II driven by light has been achieved. Furthermore, a well-defined conglomerate micropattern composed of simple cubic soft lattice and helical superstructure, which is challenging to fabricate in organic and inorganic crystalline materials, is produced using photomasking technology. Moreover, the promising photonic application based on such a micropattern is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Zhou
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Jian-Qiu Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Cong-Long Yuan
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dong Shen
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yan-Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and Colleague of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zheng
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Weian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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43
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Kim SU, Lee SH, Lee IH, Lee BY, Na JH, Lee SD. Generation of intensity-tunable structural color from helical photonic crystals for full color reflective-type display. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:13561-13572. [PMID: 29801380 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.013561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A new concept of intensity-tunable structural coloration is proposed on the basis of a helical photonic crystal (HPC). The HPCs are constructed from a mixture of chiral reactive mesogens by spin-coating, followed by the photo-polymerization. A liquid crystal (LC) layer, being homogeneously aligned, is prepared on the HPCs to serve as a tunable waveplate. The electrical modulation of the phase retardation through the LC layer directly leads to the intensity-tunable Bragg reflection from the HPCs upon the incidence of the polarized light. The bandwidths of the structural colors are found to be well preserved regardless of the applied voltage. A prototype of a full color reflective-type display, incorporated with three primary color units, is demonstrated. Our concept of decoupling two mutually independent functions, the intensity modulation by the tunable waveplate and the color reflection by the HPCs provides a simple and powerful way of producing a full color reflective-type display which possesses high color purity, high optical efficiency, the cycling durability, and the design flexibility.
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44
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Xia Y, Zhang X, Yang S. Instant Locking of Molecular Ordering in Liquid Crystal Elastomers by Oxygen‐Mediated Thiol–Acrylate Click Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201800366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania 3231 Walnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania 3231 Walnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania 3231 Walnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
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45
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Xia Y, Zhang X, Yang S. Instant Locking of Molecular Ordering in Liquid Crystal Elastomers by Oxygen-Mediated Thiol-Acrylate Click Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:5665-5668. [PMID: 29673017 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201800366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with intrinsic anisotropic strains are reversible shape-memory polymers of interest in sensor, actuator, and soft robotics applications. Rapid gelation of LCEs is required to fix molecular ordering within the elastomer network, which is essential for directed shape transformation. A highly efficient photo-cross-linking chemistry, based on two-step oxygen-mediated thiol-acrylate click reactions, allows for nearly instant gelation of the main-chain LCE network upon exposure to UV light. Molecular orientation from the pre-aligned liquid crystal oligomers can be faithfully transferred to the LCE films, allowing for preprogrammed shape morphing from two to three dimensions by origami- (folding-only) and kirigami-like (folding with cutting) mechanisms. The new LCE chemistry also enables widely tunable physical properties, including nematic-to- isotropic phase-transition temperatures (TN-I ), glassy transition temperatures (Tg ), and mechanical strains, without disrupting the LC ordering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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46
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Wang L, Li Q. Photochromism into nanosystems: towards lighting up the future nanoworld. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:1044-1097. [PMID: 29251304 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00630f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability to manipulate the structure and function of promising nanosystems via energy input and external stimuli is emerging as an attractive paradigm for developing reconfigurable and programmable nanomaterials and multifunctional devices. Light stimulus manifestly represents a preferred external physical and chemical tool for in situ remote command of the functional attributes of nanomaterials and nanosystems due to its unique advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution and digital controllability. Photochromic moieties are known to undergo reversible photochemical transformations between different states with distinct properties, which have been extensively introduced into various functional nanosystems such as nanomachines, nanoparticles, nanoelectronics, supramolecular nanoassemblies, and biological nanosystems. The integration of photochromism into these nanosystems has endowed the resultant nanostructures or advanced materials with intriguing photoresponsive behaviors and more sophisticated functions. In this Review, we provide an account of the recent advancements in reversible photocontrol of the structures and functions of photochromic nanosystems and their applications. The important design concepts of such truly advanced materials are discussed, their fabrication methods are emphasized, and their applications are highlighted. The Review is concluded by briefly outlining the challenges that need to be addressed and the opportunities that can be tapped into. We hope that the review of the flourishing and vibrant topic with myriad possibilities would shine light on exploring the future nanoworld by encouraging and opening the windows to meaningful multidisciplinary cooperation of engineers from different backgrounds and scientists from the fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, nanotechnology and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, USA.
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47
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Zheng ZG, Yuan CL, Hu W, Bisoyi HK, Tang MJ, Liu Z, Sun PZ, Yang WQ, Wang XQ, Shen D, Li Y, Ye F, Lu YQ, Li G, Li Q. Light-Patterned Crystallographic Direction of a Self-Organized 3D Soft Photonic Crystal. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1703165. [PMID: 28846814 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Uniform and patterned orientation of a crystallographic direction of ordered materials is of fundamental significance and of great interest for electronic and photonic applications. However, such orientation control is generally complicated and challenging with regard to inorganic and organic crystalline materials due to the occurrence of uncontrollable dislocations or defects. Achieving uniform lattice orientation in frustrated liquid-crystalline phases, like cubic blue phases, is a formidable task. Taming and tailoring the ordering of such soft, cubic lattices along predetermined or desired directions, and even imparting a prescribed pattern on lattice orientation, are more challenging, due to the entropy-domination attribute of soft matter. Herein, we disclose a facile way to realize designed micropatterning of a crystallographic direction of a soft, cubic liquid-crystal superstructure, exhibiting an alternate uniform and random orientation of the lattice crystallographic direction enabled by a photoalignment technique. Because of the rewritable trait of the photoalignment film, the pattern can be erased and rewritten on-demand by light. Such an oriented soft lattice sensitively responds to various external stimuli such as temperature, electric field, and light irradiation. Furthermore, advanced reflective photonic applications are achieved based on the patterned crystallographic orientation of the cubic blue phase, soft lattice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Zheng
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Cong-Long Yuan
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Ming-Jie Tang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Pei-Zhi Sun
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Yang
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Wang
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dong Shen
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yannian Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yan-Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Visual and Biomedical Optics Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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48
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Large three-dimensional photonic crystals based on monocrystalline liquid crystal blue phases. Nat Commun 2017; 8:727. [PMID: 28959009 PMCID: PMC5620071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there have been intense efforts to fabricate large three-dimensional photonic crystals in order to realize their full potential, the technologies developed so far are still beset with various material processing and cost issues. Conventional top-down fabrications are costly and time-consuming, whereas natural self-assembly and bottom-up fabrications often result in high defect density and limited dimensions. Here we report the fabrication of extraordinarily large monocrystalline photonic crystals by controlling the self-assembly processes which occur in unique phases of liquid crystals that exhibit three-dimensional photonic-crystalline properties called liquid-crystal blue phases. In particular, we have developed a gradient-temperature technique that enables three-dimensional photonic crystals to grow to lateral dimensions of ~1 cm (~30,000 of unit cells) and thickness of ~100 μm (~ 300 unit cells). These giant single crystals exhibit extraordinarily sharp photonic bandgaps with high reflectivity, long-range periodicity in all dimensions and well-defined lattice orientation.Conventional fabrication approaches for large-size three-dimensional photonic crystals are problematic. By properly controlling the self-assembly processes, the authors report the fabrication of monocrystalline blue phase liquid crystals that exhibit three-dimensional photonic-crystalline properties.
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49
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Mesoscale martensitic transformation in single crystals of topological defects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:10011-10016. [PMID: 28874557 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711207114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-crystal blue phases (BPs) are highly ordered at two levels. Molecules exhibit orientational order at nanometer length scales, while chirality leads to ordered arrays of double-twisted cylinders over micrometer scales. Past studies of polycrystalline BPs were challenged by the existence of grain boundaries between randomly oriented crystalline nanodomains. Here, the nucleation of BPs is controlled with precision by relying on chemically nanopatterned surfaces, leading to macroscopic single-crystal BP specimens where the dynamics of mesocrystal formation can be directly observed. Theory and experiments show that transitions between two BPs having a different network structure proceed through local reorganization of the crystalline array, without diffusion of the double-twisted cylinders. In solid crystals, martensitic transformations between crystal structures involve the concerted motion of a few atoms, without diffusion. The transformation between BPs, where crystal features arise in the submicron regime, is found to be martensitic in nature when one considers the collective behavior of the double-twist cylinders. Single-crystal BPs are shown to offer fertile grounds for the study of directed crystal nucleation and the controlled growth of soft matter.
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50
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Martínez-González JA, Li X, Sadati M, Zhou Y, Zhang R, Nealey PF, de Pablo JJ. Directed self-assembly of liquid crystalline blue-phases into ideal single-crystals. Nat Commun 2017. [PMID: 28621314 PMCID: PMC5481765 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chiral nematic liquid crystals are known to form blue phases—liquid states of matter that exhibit ordered cubic arrangements of topological defects. Blue-phase specimens, however, are generally polycrystalline, consisting of randomly oriented domains that limit their performance in applications. A strategy that relies on nano-patterned substrates is presented here for preparation of stable, macroscopic single-crystal blue-phase materials. Different template designs are conceived to exert control over different planes of the blue-phase lattice orientation with respect to the underlying substrate. Experiments are then used to demonstrate that it is indeed possible to create stable single-crystal blue-phase domains with the desired orientation over large regions. These results provide a potential avenue to fully exploit the electro-optical properties of blue phases, which have been hindered by the existence of grain boundaries. Blue phases are a liquid crystalline state with attractive optical properties but their use in devices can be hindered by their polycrystalline nature. Here the authors create monocrystalline blue phase domains by designing substrates with patterns which are determined by field-theoretic simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Martínez-González
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.,Material Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Monirosadat Sadati
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Ye Zhou
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Paul F Nealey
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.,Material Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.,Material Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
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