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Jacob L, Niedzicki L, Jakubowski R, Pociecha D, Kaszyński P. Lithium salt of a pro-mesogenic [ closo-CB 11H 12] - derivative: anisotropic Li + ion transport in liquid crystalline electrolytes. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:10293-10302. [PMID: 38832635 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01246a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Li+ ion conduction in two aligned liquid crystalline electrolytes consisting of 10 mol% Li+ salt of a pro-mesogenic anion derived from [closo-1-CB11H12]- in non-ionic hosts was investigated. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the ionic conductivity in the parallel (σ‖) and perpendicular (σ⊥) directions of the electrolyte samples was determined using two types of cells: an interdigitated gold electrode and a nylon 6-coated ITO cell. The ratio of ionic conductivities σ⊥/σ‖ in the electrolyte with a nona(ethylene oxide) spacer was about 3 in the entire SmA phase, while in the shorter homologue, the ratio monotonically increases from about 0.4 to 2.9. The liquid crystalline behavior of the hosts and the electrolytes was investigated by optical, thermal, and powder XRD methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litwin Jacob
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, 90-363 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Leszek Niedzicki
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Jakubowski
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, 90-363 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Damian Pociecha
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Kaszyński
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, 90-363 Łódź, Poland.
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Łódź, 91-403 Łódź, Poland
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
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2
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Liu J, Li C, Jia P, Hao J, Gao L, Wang J, Jiang L. Large-Scale, Vertically Aligned 2D Subnanochannel Arrays by a Smectic Liquid Crystal Network for High-Performance Osmotic Energy Conversion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313695. [PMID: 38452281 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The osmotic energy, an abundant renewable energy source, can be directly converted to electricity by nanofluidic devices with ion-selective membranes. 2D nanochannels constructed by nanosheets possess abundant lateral interfacial ion-exchange sites and exhibit great superiority in nanofluidic devices. However, the most accessible orientation of the 2D nanochannels is parallel to the membrane surface, undoubtedly resulting in the conductivity loss. Herein, first vertically aligned 2D subnanochannel arrays self-assembled by a smectic liquid crystal (LC) network that exhibit high-performance osmotic energy conversion are demonstrated. The 2D subnanochannel arrays are fabricated by in situ photopolymerization of monomers in the LC phase. The as-prepared membrane exhibits excellent water-resistance and mechanical strength. The 2D subnanochannels with excellent cation selectivity and conductivity show high-performance osmotic energy conversion. The power density reaches up to about 22.5 W m-2 with NaCl solution under a 50-fold concentration gradient, which is among with ultrahigh power density. This membrane design concept provides promising applications in osmotic energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Sciences, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710048, China
| | - Chao Li
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Pan Jia
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nanomaterials, College of Chemistry and Material Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China
| | - JunRan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Longcheng Gao
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Material Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101407, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101407, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfaces Sciences, Technique Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101407, China
- Ji Hua Laboratory, Foshan, Guangdong Province, 528000, China
- Binzhou Institute of Technology, Binzhou, Shandong Province, 256600, China
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3
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Zeng H, Wang Y, Li C, Ren J, Lu R, Zhang H, Wang X, Lv X, Yu H, Liang T, Cheng C. Photo-responsive nanoporous liquid crystal polymer films for selective dye adsorption. RSC Adv 2024; 14:863-871. [PMID: 38174275 PMCID: PMC10759169 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06791b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Photo-responsive nanoporous polymer films (AZOF-R(NC6)) have been developed by a template method based on a hydrogen-bonding supramolecular liquid crystal (LC) and a light-sensitive azobenzene LC crosslinker in this work. Anionic nanopores were obtained after the removal of template NC6 using KOH solution. The AZOF-R(NC6) demonstrates charge-selective dye adsorption and the maximum adsorption capacity for Rh6G is 504.6 mg g-1. The AZOF-R(NC6) film without UV light treatment shows a 32% higher adsorption capacity for Rh6G than the AZOF-R(NC6) film treated with UV light within the initial 10 min. In addition, UV light can trigger the release of the adsorbed dye from the polymer film due to the pore size change arising from the trans-cis isomerization. Besides, the used polymer film can be effectively regenerated using a HCl solution. Such functional polymer films with highly ordered nanopores and photo-responsive properties hold great promise in selective adsorption and mass separations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongju Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
- Chengdu BOE Display Sci-tech Co. Ltd. Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Yun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Changxiang Li
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Junjie Ren
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Runzi Lu
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Huiyao Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Xingbin Lv
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Fundamental Chemistry of the State Ethnic Commission Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Hairong Yu
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Fundamental Chemistry of the State Ethnic Commission Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Ting Liang
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Fundamental Chemistry of the State Ethnic Commission Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
| | - Changjing Cheng
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Fundamental Chemistry of the State Ethnic Commission Chengdu Sichuan 610200 PR China
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Guschlbauer J, Niedzicki L, Jacob L, Rzeszotarska E, Pociecha D, Kaszyński P. Liquid Crystalline Electrolytes Derived from the 1,12-Disubstituted [closo-CB11H12]– Anion. J Mol Liq 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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5
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Du X, Zhang L, Chen R, You J, Ma Y, Wang J, Wu Y, Liu B, Zhao K, Chen J, Chen X, An Z, Liu SF. Spontaneous Interface Healing by a Dynamic Liquid-Crystal Transition for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2207362. [PMID: 36268995 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Low-temperature solution processing of thin-film semiconductors is more cost-effective than traditional vacuum processing; however, it leads to more defects during fast bulk crystallization and residual tensile stress. Herein, a new strategy of dynamic liquid-crystal transition (DLCT) is developed to solve these problems in one step. The design principle is used to suggest that the DLCT molecule should firstly interact with the perovskite grains in the bulk and meanwhile go through a dynamic transition to spontaneously heal the interface. A thermotropic LC molecule (CBO6SS6OCB) is then designed to demonstrate the strategy. The LC interacting with perovskite colloid forms an intermediate adduct to retard the crystallization. The annealing processes stimulate the concentrated LC solid, causing it to flow to the electron transport layer to release the residual stress to attain improved electron extraction. Consequently, the device efficiency is increased to 24.38%, where its VOC of 1.184 V is among the best for the formamidine-based perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the ambient stability (93.0% of initial efficiency after 2000 h of aging) and light stability (96.3% of initial efficiency after 500 h of aging) are much improved. This work conceives a new engineering of additive phase transition for high-performance perovskite solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxue You
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Yabin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Jungang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Yin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Baibai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Kui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Jiangzhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xinbing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei An
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Shengzhong Frank Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, International Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Photoelectric Materials Science, Institute for Advanced Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
- Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
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6
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Tang X, Chang X, Zhu B, Cui L, Jiang B, Meng F, Yan G. Self‐assembly, mesomorphic behavior, and ionic conductivity of polymerized ionic liquid crystals with a threshold switching characteristic. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5861] [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)
- Xinqiao Tang
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Featured Biochemical and Chemical Materials Ningde Normal University Ningde China
| | - Xiaolong Chang
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Boyan Zhu
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Luan Cui
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Beihong Jiang
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Fanbao Meng
- College of Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Guiyang Yan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Featured Biochemical and Chemical Materials Ningde Normal University Ningde China
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7
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Phase Behavior and Ionic Conductivity of Blended, Ion-Condensed Electrolytes with Ordered Morphologies. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the amphiphilic salt lithium trifluoromethanesulfonylimide octadecane (C18LiTFSI) was used as a basis to investigate the effects of anion density and cation coordination sites within blended electrolytes with strong ionic aggregation. C18LiTFSI was previously reported as a single-component, ion-condensed electrolyte with a wide layered liquid crystalline phase regime. Three additive molecules with varyingly sized polar sulfonyl groups attached to an octodecane-tail were synthesized and mixed with C18LiTFSI. The thermal properties, morphology, and ionic conductivity of the blended electrolytes were characterized. It was found that the blended electrolytes exhibited layered liquid crystalline morphology over a narrower temperature range than the pure salt, and the ionic conductivity of the blended liquid crystalline electrolytes were generally lower than that of the pure salt. Surprising, the additives were found to have the greatest effect on the bulk ionic conductivity of the semicrystalline phase of the electrolytes. Addition of minor fractions of methylsulfonyloctadecane to C18LiTFSI resulted in increases in conductivity of over two orders of magnitude at room temperature, while addition of ethylsulfonyloctadecane or isopropylsulfonyloctadecane with the larger head group resulted in decreased ionic conductivity over the entire composition space and temperature range investigated.
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8
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Zeng H, Liang T, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wen J, Yu HR, Cheng C. Anisotropic Dyes Adsorption by Templated Smectic Nanoporous Polymer Films: Pore Size vs Pore Charges Affecting the Adsorption. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj01350a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Selective 2-dimentional (2D) nanoporous polymer films have been developed by a templating method based on hydrogen-bonding supramolecular liquid crystals (LCs) containing benzoic acid and pyridine groups (6OBA·NC6·C6H). The smectic lamellar...
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López-Bueno C, Bittermann MR, Dacuña-Mariño B, Llamas-Saiz AL, Del Carmen Giménez-López M, Woutersen S, Rivadulla F. Low temperature glass/crystal transition in ionic liquids determined by H-bond vs. coulombic strength. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:20524-20530. [PMID: 32966417 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp02633f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled ionic liquid crystals are anisotropic ionic conductors, with potential applications in areas as important as solar cells, battery electrolytes and catalysis. However, many of these applications are still limited by the lack of precise control over the variety of phases that can be formed (nematic, smectic, or semi/fully crystalline), determined by a complex pattern of different intermolecular interactions. Here we report the results of a systematic study of crystallization of several imidazolium salts in which the relative contribution of isotropic coulombic and directional H-bond interactions is carefully tuned. Our results demonstrate that the relative strength of directional H-bonds with respect to the isotropic Coulomb interaction determines the formation of a crystalline, semi-crystalline or glassy phase at low temperature. The possibility of pinpointing H-bonding directionality in ionic liquids make them model systems to study the crystallization of an ionic solid under a perturbed Coulomb potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos López-Bueno
- CIQUS, Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marius R Bittermann
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Dacuña-Mariño
- X-Ray Unit, RIAIDT, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - María Del Carmen Giménez-López
- CIQUS, Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain. and Departamento de Química-Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sander Woutersen
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francisco Rivadulla
- CIQUS, Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain. and Departamento de Química-Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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10
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Bicontinuous Cubic and Hexagonal Columnar Liquid Crystalline Ion-Conductors at Room Temperature in Ion-Doped Dendritic Amphiphiles. CRYSTALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst10030193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A bicontinuous cubic (Cubbi) liquid crystalline (LC) phase consisting of three dimensional (3D) conducting networks is a promising structural platform for ion-conductors. For practical applications using this fascinating LC structure, it is necessary to suppress crystallization at room temperature (RT). Herein, we report the Cubbi structure at RT and the morphology–dependent conduction behavior in ionic samples of a non-crystallizable dendritic amphiphile. In the molecular design, branched alkyl chains were used as an ionophobic part instead of crystallizable linear alkyl chains. Two ionic samples with Cubbi and hexagonal columnar (Colhex) LC phases at RT were prepared by adding different amounts of lithium salt to the amphiphile. Impedance analysis demonstrated that the Cubbi phase contributed to the faster ion-conduction to a larger extent than the Colhex phase due to the 3D ionic networks of the Cubbi phase. In addition, the temperature–dependent impedance and electric modulus data provided information regarding the phase transition from microphase-separated phase to molecularly mixed liquid phase.
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11
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Schweicher G, Garbay G, Jouclas R, Vibert F, Devaux F, Geerts YH. Molecular Semiconductors for Logic Operations: Dead-End or Bright Future? ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1905909. [PMID: 31965662 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201905909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The field of organic electronics has been prolific in the last couple of years, leading to the design and synthesis of several molecular semiconductors presenting a mobility in excess of 10 cm2 V-1 s-1 . However, it is also started to recently falter, as a result of doubtful mobility extractions and reduced industrial interest. This critical review addresses the community of chemists and materials scientists to share with it a critical analysis of the best performing molecular semiconductors and of the inherent charge transport physics that takes place in them. The goal is to inspire chemists and materials scientists and to give them hope that the field of molecular semiconductors for logic operations is not engaged into a dead end. To the contrary, it offers plenty of research opportunities in materials chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Schweicher
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Guillaume Garbay
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Rémy Jouclas
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - François Vibert
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Félix Devaux
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Yves H Geerts
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
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12
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Cao W, Senthilkumar B, Causin V, Swamy VP, Wang Y, Saielli G. Influence of the ion size on the stability of the smectic phase of ionic liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:411-420. [PMID: 31789337 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02115a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The thermotropic phase behavior of ionic liquids and ionic liquid crystals based on novel N-alkyl-3-methylpyridinium halides, trihalides and dichloroiodates was experimentally studied by polarized optical spectroscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In the experiments, the existence and thermal range of stability of the smectic phase of these ionic liquid crystals are found to strongly depend on the volume ratio between the cation and anion, that is their relative size. Only compounds with a relatively large volume ratio of the cation to anion, i.e., those with longer cationic alkyl chains and monoatomic halide anions, have a stable smectic A phase. Both melting points and clearing points increase with such a ratio. The MD simulation results qualitatively agree very well with the experimental data and provide molecular details which can explain the experimentally observed phenomena: the stronger van der Waals interactions from the longer alkyl chains and the stronger electrostatic interactions from the smaller anions with a higher charge density increase the stability of both the crystal phase and the smectic phase; this also prevents the ionic layers from easily mixing with the hydrophobic regions, a mechanism that ultimately leads to a nanosegregated isotropic liquid phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wudi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 55 East Zhongguancun Road, P. O. Box 2735, Beijing 100190, China.
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13
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Di Pietro ME, Margola T, Celebre G, De Luca G, Saielli G. A combined LX-NMR and molecular dynamics investigation of the bulk and local structure of ionic liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:4486-4497. [PMID: 31093625 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00612e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The unique power of NMR spectroscopy in anisotropic media (LX-NMR) as a tool to obtain local and bulk structural information, combined with the effectiveness of molecular dynamics simulations at the atomistic level, shows very attractive potentialities for the study of interesting, even though still poorly understood, materials such as Ionic Liquid Crystals (ILCs). In this work, we focused our attention, in particular, on the orientational ordering of two mesophases: 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C12C1im]Cl, and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C12C1im][BF4]. Both ILCs were studied by a 2H NMR direct investigation of the molecules forming the phases, suitably deuterated, and by 1H NMR spectroscopy, using the small rigid probe-solutes 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB), dissolved in [C12C1im][BF4] and [C12C1im]Cl, and 1,4-dibromobenzene (DBB) dissolved in [C12C1im][BF4], to probe the local, internal structure and organization of the mesophases. The experimental results were then compared with the predictions, by atomistic MD simulations, of the structure of the smectic phase of the two salts, at two selected temperatures, containing a single DCB molecule as a probe. The MD simulations show that the DCB solute is distributed only within the hydrophobic layers of the ILC. Orientational order parameters of the imidazolium cations and of the DCB molecule were obtained and compared with the experiments, showing a general good agreement and allowing a deeper understanding of the microscopic structure of the systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Enrica Di Pietro
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via P. Bucci, cubo 14C, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
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14
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Introducing planar hydrophobic groups into an alkyl-sulfonated rigid polyimide and how this affects morphology and proton conductivity. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.01.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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16
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Huang Z, Qi P, Liu Y, Chai C, Wang Y, Song A, Hao J. Ionic-surfactants-based thermotropic liquid crystals. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:15256-15281. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp02697e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ionic surfactants can be combined with various functional groups through electrostatic interaction, resulting in a series of thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Ping Qi
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Yihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Chunxiao Chai
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Aixin Song
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
| | - Jingcheng Hao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry
- Shandong University
- Ministry of Education
- Jinan
- China
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17
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NAGAO Y. Proton-Conductive Polymer Thin Films by Molecular Orientation and Organized Structure. KOBUNSHI RONBUNSHU 2018. [DOI: 10.1295/koron.2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki NAGAO
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
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18
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Investigation of the conduction properties of ionic liquid crystal electrolyte used in dye sensitized solar cells. J Mol Liq 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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19
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Takakura K, Ono Y, Suetsugu K, Hara M, Nagano S, Abe T, Nagao Y. Lyotropic ordering for high proton conductivity in sulfonated semialiphatic polyimide thin films. Polym J 2018. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-018-0111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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20
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Peng H, Kubo M, Shiba H. Molecular dynamics study of mesophase transitions upon annealing of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with long-alkyl chains. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:9796-9805. [PMID: 29620128 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp00698a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations are performed on a 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C12mim][PF6]) ionic liquid using a united-atom model. The ionic liquid exhibits second step relaxation at temperatures below a crossover point, where the diffusion coefficient shows an Arrhenius to non-Arrhenius transition. Annealing below this crossover temperature makes an isotropic to mesophase transition, where the smectic A (SmA) phase or crystal-like smectic B (SmB) phase forms. Hundreds of nanoseconds are required for completing these transitions. A normal diffusion process is found for anions along the layer-normal and -lateral directions in the SmA phase, but only in the lateral directions in the SmB phase. We find a preserved orientational order for the imidazolium-ring rotational and the alkyl-chain reorientational dynamics in both of the smectic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Peng
- Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
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21
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Onuma T, Yoshio M, Obi M, Kashiwagi K, Tahara S, Kato T. Liquid-crystalline behavior and ion transport properties of block-structured molecules containing a perfluorinated ethylene oxide moiety complexed with a lithium salt. Polym J 2018. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-018-0051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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22
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Wang X, Bai L, Tang X, Gao Y, Pan D, He X, Meng F. Ionic liquid-crystalline network polymers formed by sulfonic acid-containing polysiloxanes and pyridinium compounds. Eur Polym J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Onuma T, Hosono E, Takenouchi M, Sakuda J, Kajiyama S, Yoshio M, Kato T. Noncovalent Approach to Liquid-Crystalline Ion Conductors: High-Rate Performances and Room-Temperature Operation for Li-Ion Batteries. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:159-166. [PMID: 31457884 PMCID: PMC6641243 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b01503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We report advanced liquid-crystalline (LC) electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We evaluated the potential of LC electrolytes with a half cell composed of Li metal and LiFePO4 which is a conventional positive electrode for LIBs. Low-molecular-weight carbonates of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate were incorporated into the two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured electrolyte composed of mesogen-containing carbonate and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The incorporation of low-molecular-weight carbonates increased the ionic conductivity with maintaining 2D nanostructures in the LC state. High-power performances at relatively high current densities induced by higher ionic conductivities have been achieved by LC electrolytes with low-molecular-weight carbonates. Furthermore, room-temperature operation of LIBs using LC electrolytes is reported for the first time. In the research field of electrolytes for LIBs, we demonstrate the progress of a new category of LC electrolytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taira Onuma
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Eiji Hosono
- Research
Institute for Energy Conservation, National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
| | - Motokuni Takenouchi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Junji Sakuda
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kajiyama
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yoshio
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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24
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Lugger J, Mulder DJ, Sijbesma R, Schenning A. Nanoporous Polymers Based on Liquid Crystals. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E104. [PMID: 29324669 PMCID: PMC5793602 DOI: 10.3390/ma11010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the present review, we discuss recent advances in the field of nanoporous networks based on polymerisable liquid crystals. The field has matured in the last decade, yielding polymers having 1D, 2D, and 3D channels with pore sizes on the nanometer scale. Next to the current progress, some of the future challenges are presented, with the integration of nanoporous membranes in functional devices considered as the biggest challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Lugger
- Laboratory of Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirk Jan Mulder
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Dutch Polymer Institute, P.O. Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Rint Sijbesma
- Laboratory of Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert Schenning
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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25
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Charge Transport and Phase Behavior of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Crystals from Fully Atomistic Simulations. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11010064. [PMID: 29301305 PMCID: PMC5793562 DOI: 10.3390/ma11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ionic liquid crystals occupy an intriguing middle ground between room-temperature ionic liquids and mesostructured liquid crystals. Here, we examine a non-polarizable, fully atomistic model of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate family using molecular dynamics in the constant pressure-constant temperature ensemble. These materials exhibit a distinct "smectic" liquid phase, characterized by layers formed by the molecules, which separate the ionic and aliphatic moieties. In particular, we discuss the implications this layering may have for electrolyte applications.
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26
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Liang T, van Kuringen HPC, Mulder DJ, Tan S, Wu Y, Borneman Z, Nijmeijer K, Schenning APHJ. Anisotropic Dye Adsorption and Anhydrous Proton Conductivity in Smectic Liquid Crystal Networks: The Role of Cross-Link Density, Order, and Orientation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:35218-35225. [PMID: 28936867 PMCID: PMC5677250 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b09386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the decisive role of rigidity, orientation, and order in the smectic liquid crystalline network on the anisotropic proton and adsorbent properties is reported. The rigidity in the hydrogen-bonded polymer network has been altered by changing the cross-link density, the order by using different mesophases (smectic, nematic, and isotropic phases), whereas the orientation of the mesogens was controlled by alignment layers. Adding more cross-linkers improved the integrity of the polymer films. For the proton conduction, an optimum was found in the amount of cross-linker and the smectic organization results in the highest anhydrous proton conduction. The polymer films show anisotropic proton conductivity with a 54 times higher conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the molecular director. After a base treatment of the smectic liquid crystalline network, a nanoporous polymer film is obtained that also shows anisotropic adsorption of dye molecules and again straight smectic pores are favored over disordered pores in nematic and isotropic networks. The highly cross-linked films show size-selective adsorption of dyes. Low cross-linked materials do not show this difference due to swelling, which decreases the order and creates openings in the two-dimensional polymer layers. The latter is, however, beneficial for fast adsorption kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Huub P. C. van Kuringen
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch
Polymer Institute (DPI), PO Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Mulder
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch
Polymer Institute (DPI), PO Box 902, 5600 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Shuai Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan
University No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zandrie Borneman
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty Nijmeijer
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albertus P. H. J. Schenning
- Department
of Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Membrane Materials and Processes, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Institute for
Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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27
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Saielli G, Margola T, Satoh K. Tuning Coulombic interactions to stabilize nematic and smectic ionic liquid crystal phases in mixtures of charged soft ellipsoids and spheres. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:5204-5213. [PMID: 28671229 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm00612h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the effect of electrostatic interactions in mixtures of soft ellipsoids and spheres based on the well-known Gay-Berne (GB) and Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential, respectively. These model systems, in their original version, that is without any electrostatic charge, have been thoroughly investigated in the literature both as pure components and mixtures. In particular, mixtures of particles of different shapes, such as spheres and ellipsoids, tend to phase separate because of the excluded volume effects. Common ionic liquid crystals, based on imidazolium or other quaternary ammonium salts, are usually composed of roughly elongated (although flexible) cations and roughly spherical anions, that is, particles with a similar shape such as the GB and LJ models. Therefore, in this work, we present the results of molecular dynamics simulations of mixtures of positively charged GB and negatively charged LJ particles as models of ionic liquid crystals. Interestingly, by modulating the charge of the particles it is possible to stabilize isotropic, nematic, smectic and crystalline ionic phases. The relative weight of Coulomb (a radial, therefore isotropic interaction) and van der Waals (an anisotropic interaction) contributions is a key parameter to tune the stability of various mesophases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Saielli
- Istituto per la Tecnologia delle Membrane del CNR (ITM-CNR), Sede Secondaria di Padova, Via Marzolo, 1-35131, Padova, Italy.
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