1
|
Zhang X, Xu Y, Valenzuela C, Zhang X, Wang L, Feng W, Li Q. Liquid crystal-templated chiral nanomaterials: from chiral plasmonics to circularly polarized luminescence. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2022; 11:223. [PMID: 35835737 PMCID: PMC9283403 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-00913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Chiral nanomaterials with intrinsic chirality or spatial asymmetry at the nanoscale are currently in the limelight of both fundamental research and diverse important technological applications due to their unprecedented physicochemical characteristics such as intense light-matter interactions, enhanced circular dichroism, and strong circularly polarized luminescence. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art advances in liquid crystal-templated chiral nanomaterials. The chiroptical properties of chiral nanomaterials are touched, and their fundamental design principles and bottom-up synthesis strategies are discussed. Different chiral functional nanomaterials based on liquid-crystalline soft templates, including chiral plasmonic nanomaterials and chiral luminescent nanomaterials, are systematically introduced, and their underlying mechanisms, properties, and potential applications are emphasized. This review concludes with a perspective on the emerging applications, challenges, and future opportunities of such fascinating chiral nanomaterials. This review can not only deepen our understanding of the fundamentals of soft-matter chirality, but also shine light on the development of advanced chiral functional nanomaterials toward their versatile applications in optics, biology, catalysis, electronics, and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiyi Xu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, 211189, Nanjing, China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, 211189, Nanjing, China.
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guan Z, Wang L, Bae J. Advances in 4D printing of liquid crystalline elastomers: materials, techniques, and applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1825-1849. [PMID: 35504034 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00232a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are polymer networks exhibiting anisotropic liquid crystallinity while maintaining elastomeric properties. Owing to diverse polymeric forms and self-alignment molecular behaviors, LCEs have fascinated state-of-the-art efforts in various disciplines other than the traditional low-molar-mass display market. By patterning order to structures, LCEs demonstrate reversible high-speed and large-scale actuations in response to external stimuli, allowing for close integration with 4D printing and architectures of digital devices, which is scarcely observed in homogeneous soft polymer networks. In this review, we collect recent advances in 4D printing of LCEs, with emphases on synthesis and processing methods that enable microscopic changes in the molecular orientation and hence macroscopic changes in the properties of end-use objects. Promising potentials of printed complexes include fields of soft robotics, optics, and biomedical devices. Within this scope, we elucidate the relationships among external stimuli, tailorable morphologies in mesophases of liquid crystals, and programmable topological configurations of printed parts. Lastly, perspectives and potential challenges facing 4D printing of LCEs are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhecun Guan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Jinhye Bae
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma T, Zhou L, Hua J, Li J, Ma X, Qiao W, Yin J, Jiang X. Dynamic Surface Wrinkles for In Situ Light-Driven Dynamic Gratings. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:16949-16957. [PMID: 35363461 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic diffraction gratings (DDGs) are considered as one of the most promising technologies for application in smart optical devices because of their in situ dynamic regulation of light propagation on demand; however, it is still a challenge to fabricate dynamic periodic micro/nanostructures due to limited materials and processes. Here, a facile and feasible strategy to construct a near-infrared (NIR) radiation-driven DDG is developed based on a double-sided surface pattern, which is fabricated by dynamic wrinkles and/or soft-imprinted static wrinkles. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serves as the substrate, and wrinkles are formed on both sides. The resulting double-sided wrinkle pattern can be used as a DDG to generate various adjustable two-dimensional (2D) diffraction patterns driven by NIR light. Furthermore, with various combinations of wrinkles, we demonstrated a single-sided responsive DDG and a double-sided responsive DDG to realize the evolution of diffraction patterns from 2D to one-dimensional (1D) and 2D to zero-dimensional (0D), respectively. The results provide an alternative for DDGs that will have wide applications in smart display, sensing, and imaging systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Ma
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Liangwei Zhou
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jianyu Hua
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
- Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies of Jiangsu Province & Key Lab of Modern Optical Technologies of Education Ministry of China, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Jin Li
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Wen Qiao
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
- Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies of Jiangsu Province & Key Lab of Modern Optical Technologies of Education Ministry of China, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yin
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xuesong Jiang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhat SA, Rao DSS, Prasad SK, Yelamaggad CV. Chiral plasmonic liquid crystal gold nanoparticles: self-assembly into a circular dichroism responsive helical lamellar superstructure. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:2269-2279. [PMID: 36133755 PMCID: PMC9419753 DOI: 10.1039/d0na01070g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their proven and promising potential in various technological endeavors ranging from catalysis and sensing to invisibility cloaks made from metamaterials, chiral plasmonic superstructures resulting from the directed self-assembly of optically active metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have been pursued intensively in recent years. Several strategic efforts have emerged especially to accomplish advanced nanomaterials assembling into liquid crystalline (LC) helical structures, where MNPs are regularly packed in fluid/frozen arrays/layers or wires (columns). While the helical fluid columnar arrays (molecular wires) showing circular dichroism (CD) have been realized, the discovery of fluid chiral lamellar ordering, where the dielectric and conducting regimes are arranged alternatively, has hitherto remained highly elusive. Herein we report the first examples of monodisperse LC-gold NPs (LC-GNPs) self-assembling into a fluid/frozen lamellar structure exhibiting CD activity. Notably, these new, exceptional LC-GNPs have been realized by simple, hassle-free protocols that involve the room temperature addition of LC dimer-like arylamines to Au(iii), where the amines not only reduce Au(iii) to Au(0) but also bind strongly to the central GNP scaffold. Their molecular structure, mesomorphism, and ability to interact with circularly polarized light have been evidenced unambiguously and could play an important role in realizing metamaterials in the visible region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachin A Bhat
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) P. B. No. 1329, Prof. U. R. Rao Road, Jalahalli Bengaluru 560012 India
- Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University Mangalagangotri 574 199 India
| | - D S Shankar Rao
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) P. B. No. 1329, Prof. U. R. Rao Road, Jalahalli Bengaluru 560012 India
| | - S Krishna Prasad
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) P. B. No. 1329, Prof. U. R. Rao Road, Jalahalli Bengaluru 560012 India
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang S, Yu H, Li Q. Supramolecular Chirality Transfer toward Chiral Aggregation: Asymmetric Hierarchical Self-Assembly. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002132. [PMID: 33898167 PMCID: PMC8061372 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly, as a typical bottom-up strategy for the fabrication of functional materials, has been applied to fabricate chiral materials with subtle chiral nanostructures. The chiral nanostructures exhibit great potential in asymmetric catalysis, chiral sensing, chiral electronics, photonics, and even the realization of several biological functions. According to existing studies, the supramolecular chirality transfer process combined with hierarchical self-assembly plays a vital role in the fabrication of multiscale chiral structures. This progress report focuses on the hierarchical self-assembly of chiral or achiral molecules that aggregate with asymmetric spatial structures such as twisted bands, helices, and superhelices in different environments. Herein, recent studies on the chirality transfer induced self-assembly based on a variety of supramolecular interactions are summarized. In addition, the influence of different environments and the states of systems including solutions, condensed states, gel systems, interfaces on the asymmetric hierarchical self-assembly, and the expression of chirality are explored. Moreover, both the driving forces that facilitate chiral bias and the supramolecular interactions that play an important role in the expression, transfer, and amplification of the chiral sense are correspondingly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Huang
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringKey Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of EducationPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
- Institute of Advanced MaterialsSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsu Province211189China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringKey Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of EducationPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary ProgramKent State UniversityKentOH44242USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zou J, He Z, Yang Q, Yin K, Li K, Wu ST. Large-angle two-dimensional grating with hybrid mechanisms. OPTICS LETTERS 2021; 46:920-923. [PMID: 33577548 DOI: 10.1364/ol.417468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a large-diffraction-angle two-dimensional (2D) grating based on cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC). One dimension is a polarization volume grating (PVG) working in the Bragg regime, which is produced by a patterned photoalignment layer. The other dimension is a CLC grating working in the Raman-Nath regime, which is introduced by CLC self-assembly under a weak anchoring energy condition. The condition for the coexistence of the CLC Raman-Nath grating (RNG) and PVG is analyzed, and the efficiency and grating period of the CLC RNG are also characterized. Potential application of this 2D grating for enlarging the eyebox of augmented reality displays is discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang X, Koz B, Bisoyi HK, Wang H, Gutierrez-Cuevas KG, McConney ME, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Electro- and Photo-Driven Orthogonal Switching of a Helical Superstructure Enabled by an Axially Chiral Molecular Switch. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:55215-55222. [PMID: 33237715 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Self-organized functional soft materials, enabled by specific chemical architectures, are currently attracting tremendous attention because of their stimuli-responsive attributes and applications in advanced technological devices. A novel axially chiral molecular switch containing two azo linkages and six terminal alkyl chains on two elongated rod-shaped wings, that exhibits superior solubility, high helical twisting power, and reversible photoisomerization in an achiral liquid crystal host, is synthesized and utilized in the development of a photoresponsive, self-organized helical superstructure, that is, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC). The planar CLC adopts a standing helix (SH) configuration because of surface alignment layers on the substrates. This SH can be transitioned to a lying helix configuration, enabling tunable diffraction gratings under the application of electric field. Adjustment of the initial pitch of the planar CLC by photoirradiation yields the diffraction gratings with stripes either parallel or perpendicular to the rubbing direction upon the application of an appropriate electric field. Tunable beam steering along orthogonal directions has been demonstrated. Such tunable stimuli-responsive soft materials fabricated with artificial chiral switches show great potential in optics, photonics, and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinfang Zhang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
| | - Banu Koz
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman 70200, Turkey
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
| | - Hao Wang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
| | - Karla G Gutierrez-Cuevas
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
| | - Michael E McConney
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB 45433, Ohio, United States
| | - Timothy J Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB 45433, Ohio, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent 44242, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Qu D, Zussman E. Electro-responsive Liquid Crystalline Nanocelluloses with Reversible Switching. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:6697-6703. [PMID: 32787220 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) which can change their structural and optical properties in an electric field could be a new choice for advanced optoelectronic devices. Unfortunately, the exploration of its performance in an electric field is underdeveloped. Hence, we reveal some interesting dielectric coupling activities of liquid crystalline CNC in an electric field. The CNC tactoid is shown to orient its helix axis normal to the electric field direction. Then, as a function of the electric field strength and frequency, the tactoid can be stretched along with a pitch increase, with a deformation mechanism significantly differing at varied frequencies, and finally untwists the helix axis to form a nematic structure upon increasing the electric field strength. Moreover, a straightforward method to visualize the electric field is demonstrated, by combining the CNC uniform lying helix textures with polarized optical microscopy. We envision these understandings could facilitate the development of liquid crystalline CNC in the design of electro-optical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Eyal Zussman
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee KM, Rumi M, Mills MS, Reshetnyak V, Evans DR, Bunning TJ, McConney ME. A Different Perspective on Cholesteric Liquid Crystals Reveals Unique Color and Polarization Changes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:37400-37408. [PMID: 32672040 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Planar cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are well known for having vibrant reflective coloration that is associated with the handedness and the pitch length of the helicoidal twist of the liquid crystalline molecules. If one observes these films at oblique angles, the reflected colors blue-shift with increasing angles from normal. On the other hand, uniform lying helix (ULH) CLCs, where the helicoidal axis lies in the plane of the substrate, are well-known but are not typically associated with vibrant colors. Here, we examine the unique optical properties of CLCs at oblique incidence angles, specifically the spectral and polarization changes associated with switching between planar and ULH CLCs for various incidence angles. At small angles of incidence (0° < ψ < 45°, where ψ is the angle of incidence relative to the surface normal at the substrate-CLC interface), the electrically driven helical reorientation from planar to ULH results in a blue-shifting of the color and circularly polarized to unpolarized switching behavior. At large angles (45° < ψ < 90°), the behavior is reversed, with a red-shifting color change occurring and the polarization switching from unpolarized to circularly polarized. Modeling of the light propagation through ULH CLCs is used to confirm the change in position and polarization characteristic of the reflection band with incidence angle observed experimentally. This study provides a new perspective on ULH CLCs and reveals a unique reconfigurable angular chromaticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Lee
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
- Azimuth Corporation, 2970 Presidential Drive, Suite 200, Fairborn, Ohio 45324, United States
| | - Mariacristina Rumi
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
- Azimuth Corporation, 2970 Presidential Drive, Suite 200, Fairborn, Ohio 45324, United States
| | - Matthew S Mills
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Victor Reshetnyak
- Theoretical Physics Department, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 64 Volodymyrska Street, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Dean R Evans
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Timothy J Bunning
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Michael E McConney
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang H, Bisoyi HK, Li BX, McConney ME, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Visible-Light-Driven Halogen Bond Donor Based Molecular Switches: From Reversible Unwinding to Handedness Inversion in Self-Organized Soft Helical Superstructures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:2684-2687. [PMID: 31802595 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201913977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Visible-light-driven molecular switches endowing reversible modulation of the functionalities of self-organized soft materials are currently highly sought after for fundamental scientific studies and technological applications. Reported herein are the design and synthesis of two novel halogen bond donor based chiral molecular switches that exhibit reversible photoisomerization upon exposure to visible light of different wavelengths. These chiral molecular switches induce photoresponsive helical superstructures, that is, cholesteric liquid crystals, when doped into the commercially available room-temperature achiral liquid crystal host 5CB, which also acts as a halogen-bond acceptor. The induced helical superstructure containing the molecular switch with terminal iodo atoms exhibits visible-light-driven reversible unwinding, that is, a cholesteric-nematic phase transition. Interestingly, the molecular switch with terminal bromo atoms confers reversible handedness inversion to the helical superstructure upon irradiation with visible light of different wavelengths. This visible-light-driven, reversible handedness inversion, enabled by a halogen bond donor molecular switch, is unprecedented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Bing-Xiang Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Michael E McConney
- 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
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang H, Bisoyi HK, Li B, McConney ME, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Visible‐Light‐Driven Halogen Bond Donor Based Molecular Switches: From Reversible Unwinding to Handedness Inversion in Self‐Organized Soft Helical Superstructures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201913977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Bing‐Xiang Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Michael E. McConney
- 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
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang H, Bisoyi HK, McConney ME, Urbas AM, Bunning TJ, Li Q. Visible-Light-Induced Self-Organized Helical Superstructure in Orientationally Ordered Fluids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1902958. [PMID: 31402517 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201902958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Light-induced phenomena occurring in nature and in synthetic materials are fascinating and have been exploited for technological applications. Here visible-light-induced formation of a helical superstructure is reported, i.e., a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, in orientationally ordered fluids, i.e., nematic liquid crystals, enabled by a visible-light-driven chiral molecular switch. The cyclic-azobenzene-based chiral molecular switch exhibits reversible photoisomerization in response to visible light of different wavelengths due to the band separation of n-π* transitions of its trans- and cis-isomers. Green light (530 nm) drives the trans-to-cis photoisomerization whereas the cis-to-trans isomerization process of the chiral molecular switch can be caused by blue light (440 nm). It is observed that the helical twisting power of this chiral molecular switch increases upon irradiation with green light, which enables reversible induction of helical superstructure in nematic liquid crystals containing a very small quantity of the molecular switch. The occurrence of the light-induced helical superstructure enables the formation of diffraction gratings in cholesteric films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Michael E McConney
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, 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
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fuh AYG, Lin TH, Chen YY, Li CC, Jau HC. Optical control of the rotation of cholesteric liquid crystal gratings. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:10806-10812. [PMID: 31052933 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.010806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Two photoalignment-based methods to achieve orientational control of optical diffractions by cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) fingerprint gratings are proposed and demonstrated. A trace of methyl red in the CLC host can effectively induce surface alignment upon linearly polarized green exposure and enable optically rewritable alignment. An effective rotation of the photo-aligned CLC grating is attained by changing the surface alignment axis. Using axially symmetric photoalignment, electrically tunable radial and concentric gratings are also realized. 1D grating diffraction is produced by operating off-axis and can be rotated by mechanically moving the axially symmetric grating. Such optical gratings have great potential for practical use in vibration detection, multi-directional optical modulations, and beam steering.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ryabchun A, Yakovlev D, Bobrovsky A, Katsonis N. Dynamic Diffractive Patterns in Helix-Inverting Cholesteric Liquid Crystals. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:10895-10904. [PMID: 30777420 PMCID: PMC6429427 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The future of adaptive materials will rely on transduction of molecular motion across increasing length scales, up to the macroscopic and functional level. In this context, liquid crystals have emerged as a promising amplification medium, in view of their long-range order and high sensitivity to external stimuli, and in particular, chiral liquid crystals have demonstrated widely tunable optical properties and invertible handedness. Here, we demonstrate that by applying weak electric fields, regular, periodic and light-tunable patterns can be formed spontaneously in cholesteric liquid crystals. These patterns can be used as light-tunable diffraction gratings for which the period, the diffraction efficiency, and the in-plane orientation of grating vector can be controlled precisely, reversibly, and independently. Such a photoregulation allows generating a variety of one- and two-dimensional complex diffractive patterns in a single material. Our data are also supported by modeling and theoretical calculations. Overall, the fine tunability of cholesteric materials doped with artificial molecular switches makes them attractive for optics and photonics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ryabchun
- Bio-inspired
and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 207, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Fraunhofer Institute
for Applied Polymer Research, Geiselbergstr.
69, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dmitry Yakovlev
- Physics
Department, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya 83, Saratov 410012, Russia
| | - Alexey Bobrovsky
- Chemistry
Department, Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Nathalie Katsonis
- Bio-inspired
and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 207, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang H, Bisoyi HK, Urbas AM, Bunning TJ, Li Q. The Halogen Bond: An Emerging Supramolecular Tool in the Design of Functional Mesomorphic Materials. Chemistry 2018; 25:1369-1378. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201802927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent Ohio 44242 USA
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent Ohio 44242 USA
| | - Augustine M. Urbas
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio 45433 USA
| | - Timothy J. Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio 45433 USA
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent Ohio 44242 USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li X, Du X, Guo P, Zhu J, Ye W, Xu Q, Sun Y. Fast Switchable Dual-Model Grating by Using Polymer-Stabilized Sphere Phase Liquid Crystal. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E884. [PMID: 30960809 PMCID: PMC6403605 DOI: 10.3390/polym10080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrated a fast switchable dual-model grating based on a polymer-stabilized sphere phase liquid crystal. To form binary periodicity layers, the polymer-stabilized sphere phase liquid crystal precursor was sequence ultraviolet cured at an isotropic and sphere phase. This grating jointly modulated both the phase and the amplitude, had six times the diffraction efficiency of that fabricated with polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal. Moreover, the dual-model tunable grating shown polarization-independent and submillisecond response time, which may hold a great potential application in diffractive optics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Xiaowei Du
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Peiyun Guo
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Jiliang Zhu
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Wenjiang Ye
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Yubao Sun
- Department of Applied Physics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lim C, Bae S, Jeong SM, Ha NY. Manipulation of Structural Colors in Liquid-Crystal Helical Structures Deformed by Surface Controls. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:12060-12065. [PMID: 29569432 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b03456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Structural colors from cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are manipulated by changing the only surface anchoring energy of an alignment layer. This behavior comes from the fact that weak surface energy of the perfluoropolymer induces the tilting of the cholesteric helix. Such deformed CLC structures with durability are successfully demonstrated without any external field applications and additional solidification processes. In addition, electrical tunings of structural colors from the deformed CLCs occur at very low operating voltages, compared to those of conventional CLC structures. On the basis of easy and simple fabrication, high durability, electrical tunability at low operating voltages, and the unique optical characteristics, the new deformed CLC structure could lead to extension in applications of CLCs, including multifunctional sensors, displays, and lasers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soon Moon Jeong
- Division of Nano and Energy Convergence Research , DGIST , Daegu 42988 , Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
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: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lu Y, Yang Y, Wang Y, Wang L, Ma J, Zhang L, Sun W, Liu Y. Tunable liquid-crystal microshell-laser based on whispering-gallery modes and photonic band-gap mode lasing. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:3277-3285. [PMID: 29401858 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.003277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The lasing behaviors of dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (DDCLC) microshells fabricated with silica-glass-microsphere coated DDCLCs were examined. Lasing characteristics were studied in a carrier medium with different refractive indices. The lasing in spherical cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) was attributed to two mechanisms, photonic band-gap (PBG) lasing and whispering-gallery modes (WGMs), which can independently exist by varying the chiral agent concentration and pumping energy. It was also found that DDCLC microshells can function as highly sensitive thermal sensors, with a temperature sensitivity of 0.982 nm °C-1 in PBG modes and 0.156 nm °C-1 in WGMs.
Collapse
|
29
|
Sun J, Lan R, Gao Y, Wang M, Zhang W, Wang L, Zhang L, Yang Z, Yang H. Stimuli-Directed Dynamic Reconfiguration in Self-Organized Helical Superstructures Enabled by Chemical Kinetics of Chiral Molecular Motors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2018; 5:1700613. [PMID: 29619309 PMCID: PMC5827101 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic controllability of self-organized helical superstructures in spatial dimensions is a key step to promote bottom-up artificial nanoarchitectures and functional devices for diverse applications in a variety of areas. Here, a light-driven chiral overcrowded alkene molecular motor with rod-like substituent is designed and synthesized, and its thermal isomerization reaction exhibits an increasing structural entropy effect on chemical kinetic analysis in anisotropic achiral liquid crystal host than that in isotropic organic liquid. Interestingly, the stimuli-directed angular orientation motion of helical axes in the self-organized helical superstructures doped with the chiral motors enables the dynamic reconfiguration between the planar (thermostationary) and focal conic (photostationary) states. The reversible micromorphology deformation processes are compatible with the free energy fluctuation of self-organized helical superstructures and the chemical kinetics of chiral motors under different conditions. Furthermore, stimuli-directed reversible nonmechanical beam steering is achieved in dynamic hidden periodic photopatterns with reconfigurable attributes prerecorded with a corresponding photomask and photoinduced polymerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijing100083P. R. China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCollege of EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Yanzi Gao
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCollege of EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCollege of EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Wanshu Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijing100083P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Lanying Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCollege of EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of EducationPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijing100083P. R. China
| | - Huai Yang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCollege of EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of EducationPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nishikawa H, Mochizuki D, Higuchi H, Okumura Y, Kikuchi H. Reversible Broad-Spectrum Control of Selective Reflections of Chiral Nematic Phases by Closed-/Open-Type Axially Chiral Azo Dopants. ChemistryOpen 2017; 6:710-720. [PMID: 29226059 PMCID: PMC5715284 DOI: 10.1002/open.201700121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate reversible RGB-color photocontrol of a chiral nematic liquid crystal (N*LC) by using newly synthesized closed- and open-type chiral dopants. The photoswitching elements in the dopants are azobenzene units on axially chiral binaphthyl cores. Owing to cis-trans photoisomerization of the azobenzene units, both closed- and open-type compounds showed higher solubility, larger helical twisting power (HTP), and larger changes in HTP than conventional chiral dopants in host LCs. Thus, even at very low dopant concentrations, we successfully controlled the chirality of the induced helical structure of the N*LCs. Consequently, the N*LCs reflected right- and left-handed circularly polarized light (CPL) under a light stimulus. In the N*LCs with closed-type chiral dopants, the RGB-color reflection was reversibly controlled within several seconds. Interestingly, the open-type chiral dopant reversibly inverted CPL with opposite handedness in the near and short-wave IR regions. These novel materials are expected to realize new applications and perspectives in color information and similar technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroya Nishikawa
- Institute for Material Chemistry and EngineeringKyushu University6-1 Kasuga-Koen, KasugaFukuoka816-8580Japan
| | - Daigou Mochizuki
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering SciencesKyushu University6-1 Kasuga-Koen, KasugaFukuoka816–8580Japan
| | - Hiroki Higuchi
- Institute for Material Chemistry and EngineeringKyushu University6-1 Kasuga-Koen, KasugaFukuoka816-8580Japan
| | - Yasushi Okumura
- Institute for Material Chemistry and EngineeringKyushu University6-1 Kasuga-Koen, KasugaFukuoka816-8580Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Kikuchi
- Institute for Material Chemistry and EngineeringKyushu University6-1 Kasuga-Koen, KasugaFukuoka816-8580Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang L, Chen D, Gutierrez-Cuevas KG, Bisoyi HK, Fan J, Zola RS, Li G, Urbas AM, Bunning TJ, Weitz DA, Li Q. Optically Reconfigurable Chiral Microspheres of Self-Organized Helical Superstructures with Handedness Inversion. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2017; 4:1190-1195. [PMID: 29403644 PMCID: PMC5796552 DOI: 10.1039/c7mh00644f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Optically reconfigurable monodisperse chiral microspheres of self-organized helical superstructures with dynamic chirality were fabricated via a capillary-based microfluidic technique. Light-driven handedness-invertible transformations between different configurations of microspheres were vividly observed and optically tunable RGB photonic cross-communications among the microspheres were demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Dong Chen
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Karla G. Gutierrez-Cuevas
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Jing Fan
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Rafael S. Zola
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná-Apucarana, PR 86812-460, Brazil
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, United States
| | - Augustine M. Urbas
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Timothy J. Bunning
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - David A. Weitz
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Light-Driven Rotation and Pitch Tuning of Self-Organized Cholesteric Gratings Formed in a Semi-Free Film. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:polym9070295. [PMID: 30970973 PMCID: PMC6432147 DOI: 10.3390/polym9070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) has attracted intensive attention due to its ability to form a periodic helical structure with broad tunability. CLC gratings in open systems are especially promising in sensing and micromanipulation. However, there is still much to learn about the inherent mechanism of such gratings. We investigate the light-driven rotation and pitch-tuning behaviors of CLC gratings in semi-free films which are formed by spin-coating the CLC mixtures onto planarly photoaligned substrates. The doped azobenzene chiral molecular switch supplies great flexibility to realize the continuous grating rotation. The maximum continuous rotational angle reaches 987.8°. Moreover, dependencies of light-driven rotation and pitch tuning on the dopant concentration and exposure are studied. The model of director configuration in the semi-free film is constructed. Precise beam steering and synchronous micromanipulation are also demonstrated. Our work may provide new opportunities for the CLC grating in applications of beam steering, micromanipulation, and sensing.
Collapse
|