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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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Wang H, Zhou H, He W, Yang Z, Cao H, Wang D, Li Y. Research Progress on Blue-Phase Liquid Crystals for Pattern Replication Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 16:194. [PMID: 36614533 PMCID: PMC9821960 DOI: 10.3390/ma16010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blue-Phase Liquid Crystals (BPLCs) are considered to be excellent 3D photonic crystals and have attracted a great deal of attention due to their great potential for advanced applications in a wide range of fields including self-assembling tunable photonic crystals and fast-response displays. BPLCs exhibit promise in patterned applications due to their sub-millisecond response time, three-dimensional cubic structure, macroscopic optical isotropy and high contrast ratio. The diversity of patterned applications developed based on BPLCs has attracted much attention. This paper focuses on the latest advances in blue-phase (BP) materials, including applications in patterned microscopy, electric field driving, handwriting driving, optical writing and inkjet printing. The paper concludes with future challenges and opportunities for BP materials, providing important insights into the subsequent development of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanli He
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +010-62333759
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Bo S, Chen B, Zhu D, Feng S, Chen Z. Low-voltage and fast-response polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals achieved using a new organosilicone monomer. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8188-8193. [PMID: 36268983 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01075e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, two types of polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals (PS-BPLCs) with different monomers were designed and prepared. The morphology, temperature range and electro-optical properties of the blue phases were studied and discussed. The temperature range of both types of PS-BPLC is greater than 110 °C, and both samples can be stabilized well at room temperature. The organosilicone monomer 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), which contains double bonds, was introduced to a blue-phase system for the first time. Regarding the electro-optical performance, the on-state voltage of the PS-BPLCs with the KH570 monomer is reduced to 30 V compared with traditional C12A monomer systems in which the on-state voltage is 75 V at 458 nm. Meanwhile, a fast response and suppressed hysteresis are obtained. These results are helpful to the application of displays and photonic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Bo
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, School of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Baohui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Dongping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Shuai Feng
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, School of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
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Kocakülah G, Algül G, Köysal O. Effect of CdSeS/ZnS quantum dot concentration on the electro-optical and dielectric properties of polymer stabilized liquid crystal. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2019.112182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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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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He WL, Zhang WK, Xu H, Li LH, Yang Z, Cao H, Wang D, Zheng ZG, Yang H. Preparation and optical properties of Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles-doped blue phase liquid crystal. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 18:29028-29032. [PMID: 27752664 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp05421h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle-doped blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) was found to have a relatively strong contrast ratio in magnetic-addressed display performance compared to the composites in other phases; this is a new application of the BPLC and a way to prepare a new type of power-free magnetically-driven LC flexible display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Li He
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Wei-Kai Zhang
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Huan Xu
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Li-Hao Li
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Materials Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Zhi-Gang Zheng
- Department of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huai Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
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Ye W, Yuan R, Dai Y, Gao L, Pang Z, Zhu J, Meng X, He Z, Li J, Cai M, Wang X, Xing H. Improvement of Image Sticking in Liquid Crystal Display Doped with γ-Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS 2017; 8:nano8010005. [PMID: 29295553 PMCID: PMC5791092 DOI: 10.3390/nano8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Image sticking in thin film transistor-liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCD) is related to the dielectric property of liquid crystal (LC) material. Low threshold value TFT LC materials have a weak stability and the free ions in them will be increased because of their own decomposition. In this study, the property of TFT LC material MAT-09-1284 doped with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was investigated. The capacitances of parallel-aligned nematic LC cells and vertically aligned nematic LC cells with different doping concentrations were measured at different temperatures and frequencies. The dielectric constants perpendicular and parallel to long axis of the LC molecules ε⊥ and ε//, as well as the dielectric anisotropy Δε, were obtained. The dynamic responses and the direct current threshold voltages in parallel-aligned nematic LC cells for different doping concentrations were also measured. Although the dielectric anisotropy Δε decreased gradually with increasing temperature and frequency at the certain frequency and temperature in LC state for each concentration, the doping concentration of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles less than or equal to 0.145 wt % should be selected for maintaining dynamic response and decreasing free ions. This study has some guiding significance for improving the image sticking in TFT-LCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiang Ye
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Rui Yuan
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Yayu Dai
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Ze Pang
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Jiliang Zhu
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Xiangshen Meng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Zhenghong He
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Jian Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Minglei Cai
- Hebei Jiya Electronics Co. Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050071, China.
- Hebei Provincial Research Center of LCD Engineering Technology, Shijiazhuang 050071, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Hebei Jiya Electronics Co. Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050071, China.
- Hebei Provincial Research Center of LCD Engineering Technology, Shijiazhuang 050071, China.
| | - Hongyu Xing
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
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Garbovskiy Y, Glushchenko A. Ferroelectric Nanoparticles in Liquid Crystals: Recent Progress and Current Challenges. NANOMATERIALS 2017; 7:nano7110361. [PMID: 29104276 PMCID: PMC5707578 DOI: 10.3390/nano7110361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The dispersion of ferroelectric nanomaterials in liquid crystals has recently emerged as a promising way for the design of advanced and tunable electro-optical materials. The goal of this paper is a broad overview of the current technology, basic physical properties, and applications of ferroelectric nanoparticle/liquid crystal colloids. By compiling a great variety of experimental data and discussing it in the framework of existing theoretical models, both scientific and technological challenges of this rapidly developing field of liquid crystal nanoscience are identified. They can be broadly categorized into the following groups: (i) the control of the size, shape, and the ferroelectricity of nanoparticles; (ii) the production of a stable and aggregate-free dispersion of relatively small (~10 nm) ferroelectric nanoparticles in liquid crystals; (iii) the selection of liquid crystal materials the most suitable for the dispersion of nanoparticles; (iv) the choice of appropriate experimental procedures and control measurements to characterize liquid crystals doped with ferroelectric nanoparticles; and (v) the development and/or modification of theoretical and computational models to account for the complexity of the system under study. Possible ways to overcome the identified challenges along with future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Garbovskiy
- UCCS Biofrontiers Center and Department of Physics, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
| | - Anatoliy Glushchenko
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
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