1
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Yang Y, Cui Y, Chen Y, Guo Y, Liu X, Chen X, Liu J, Liu Y, Liu Z. Reflectivity and Angular Anisotropy of Liquid Crystal Microcapsules with Different Particle Sizes by Complex Coalescence. Molecules 2024; 29:3030. [PMID: 38998989 PMCID: PMC11242959 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesteric liquid crystal microcapsules (CLCMs) are used to improve the stability of liquid crystals while ensuring their stimulus response performance and versatility, with representative applications such as sensing, anticounterfeiting, and smart fabrics. However, the reflectivity and angular anisotropy decrease because of the anchoring effect of the polymer shell matrix, and the influence of particle size on this has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, the effect of synthesis technology on microcapsule particle size was investigated using a complex coalescence method, and the effect of particle size on the reflectivity and angular anisotropy of CLCMs was investigated in detail. A particle size of approximately 66 µm with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 1:1) exhibited a relative reflectivity of 16.6% and a bandwidth of 20 nm, as well as a narrow particle size distribution of 22 µm. The thermosetting of microcapsules coated with PVA was adjusted and systematically investigated by controlling the mass ratio. The optimized mass ratio of microcapsules (66 µm) to PVA was 2:1, increasing the relative reflectivity from 16.6% (1:1) to 32.0% (2:1) because of both the higher CLCM content and the matching between the birefringence of the gelatin-arabic shell system and PVA. Furthermore, color based on Bragg reflections was observed in the CLCM-coated ortho-axis and blue-shifted off-axis, and this change was correlated with the CLCM particle size. Such materials are promising for anticounterfeiting and color-based applications with bright colors and angular anisotropy in reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Yang
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yuchen Cui
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yinjie Chen
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xia Chen
- School of New Media, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Jianghao Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhengfeng Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
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2
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Chen Y, Du Z, Zhang J, Zeng P, Liang H, Wang Y, Sun Q, Zhou G, Li H. Personal Microenvironment Management by Smart Textiles with Negative Oxygen Ions Releasing and Radiative Cooling Performance. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37428964 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, significant strides have been made in the development of smart clothing, which combines traditional apparel with advanced technology. As our climate and environment undergo continuous changes, it has become critically important to invent and refine sophisticated textiles that enhance thermal comfort and human health. In this study, we present a "wearable forest-like textile". This textile is based on helical lignocellulose-tourmaline composite fibers, boasting mechanical strength that outperforms that of cellulose-based and natural macrofibers. This wearable microenvironment does more than generate approximately 18625 ions/cm3 of negative oxygen ions; it also effectively purifies particulate matter. Furthermore, our experiments demonstrate that the negative oxygen ion environment can slow fruit decay by neutralizing free radicals, suggesting promising implications for aging retardation. In addition, this wearable microenvironment reflects solar irradiation and selectively transmits human body thermal radiation, enabling effective radiative cooling of approximately 8.2 °C compared with conventional textiles. This sustainable and efficient wearable microenvironment provides a compelling textile choice that can enhance personal heat management and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Chen
- College of Chemical and Material Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Zhichen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- College of Chemical and Material Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Pei Zeng
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Since and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Huageng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Since and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yixiang Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Qingfeng Sun
- College of Chemical and Material Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Guomo Zhou
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Huiqiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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3
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Zhang Z, Bolshakov A, Han J, Zhu J, Yang KL. Electrospun Core-Sheath Fibers with a Uniformly Aligned Polymer Network Liquid Crystal (PNLC). ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 36916499 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c23065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Electrospun polymer-liquid crystal (PLC) fibers have potential applications such as wearable sensors and adaptive textiles because of their rapid response and high flexibility. However, existing PLC fibers only have a narrow responsive range and poor resistance to heat and chemicals. Herein, a new type of PLC fiber is prepared by using a coaxial electrospinning process. The core solution is 4'-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB), and the sheath solution is a mixture containing 13 wt % PVP and 10 wt % reactive mesogen (RM). After UV exposure of the fibers, 5CB in the core and RM diffusing from the core are cross-linked into an LC polymer. The fibers have a highly uniform morphology with an average diameter of 3.2 ± 0.5 μm, and mesogens inside the fibers align unidirectionally with the long axis of the fibers. The fibers show a broad phase-transition temperature range between 13.5 and 155.5 °C and have a response time of less than 10 s. The temperature range can also be controlled by adjusting components in the electrospun fibers and UV exposure time. The core-sheath fibers prepared in such a manner exhibit excellent heat and chemical resistance with reversible optical responses. Moreover, when the fibers are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, the fibers show a rapid optical response to toluene vapor within 25 s. This study demonstrates that the fibers are potentially useful for preparing flexible temperature and chemical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, P. R. China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117576 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrey Bolshakov
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, P. R. China
| | - Jiecai Han
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, P. R. China
| | - Kun-Lin Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117576 Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Geng Y, Kizhakidathazhath R, Lagerwall JPF. Robust cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer fibres for mechanochromic textiles. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:1441-1447. [PMID: 36175519 PMCID: PMC9712110 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanically responsive textiles have transformative potential in many areas from fashion to healthcare. Cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers have strong mechanochromic responses that offer attractive opportunities for such applications. Nonetheless, making liquid crystalline elastomer fibres suitable for textiles is challenging since the Plateau-Rayleigh instability tends to break up precursor solutions into droplets. Here, we report a simple approach that balances the viscoelastic properties of the precursor solution to avoid this outcome and achieve long and mechanically robust cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer filaments. These filaments have fast, progressive and reversible mechanochromic responses, from red to blue (wavelength shift of 155 nm), when stretched up to 200%. Moreover, the fibres can be sewed into garments and withstand repeated stretching and regular machine washing. This approach and resulting fibres may be useful for applications in wearable technology and other areas benefiting from autonomous strain sensing or detection of critically strong deformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Geng
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | | | - Jan P F Lagerwall
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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5
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Shi J, Ma C, Ren M, Xu M, Zhu J, Qiu L, Ding Y, Zhang J, Lu H. Stable and tunable single-mode lasers based on cholesteric liquid crystal microdroplets. APPLIED OPTICS 2022; 61:2937-2942. [PMID: 35471268 DOI: 10.1364/ao.456377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies on cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) microdroplet single-mode lasers are available, it has been shown that the stability and tunability of such microdroplets are difficult to achieve simultaneously. In this paper, a new, to the best of our knowledge, method is proposed for the mass and rapid preparation of stable and tunable monodisperse CLC microdroplet single-mode lasers. This is based on the formation of polymer networks on the surface of the microdroplet via interfacial polymerization and a disruption of the orderliness of the polymer networks by increasing the temperature during polymerization, which results in a single pitch inside the microdroplets. This approach enables CLC microdroplet single-mode lasers to achieve improved environmental robustness, while maintaining the same temperature tunability as the unpolymerized sample. Our method has promising future applications in integrated optics, flexible devices, and sensors.
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6
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Qu R, Li G. Overview of Liquid Crystal Biosensors: From Basic Theory to Advanced Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12040205. [PMID: 35448265 PMCID: PMC9032088 DOI: 10.3390/bios12040205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs), as the remarkable optical materials possessing stimuli-responsive property and optical modulation property simultaneously, have been utilized to fabricate a wide variety of optical devices. Integrating the LCs and receptors together, LC biosensors aimed at detecting various biomolecules have been extensively explored. Compared with the traditional biosensing technologies, the LC biosensors are simple, visualized, and efficient. Owning to the irreplaceable superiorities, the research enthusiasm for the LC biosensors is rapidly rising. As a result, it is necessary to overview the development of the LC biosensors to guide future work. This article reviews the basic theory and advanced applications of LC biosensors. We first discuss different mesophases and geometries employed to fabricate LC biosensors, after which we introduce various detecting mechanisms involved in biomolecular detection. We then focus on diverse detection targets such as proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, glucose, cholesterol, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides. For each of these targets, the development history and state-of-the-art work are exhibited in detail. Finally, the current challenges and potential development directions of the LC biosensors are introduced briefly.
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7
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Sheng M, Wang W, Li L, Zhang L, Fu S. All-in-one wearable electronics design: Smart electrochromic liquid-crystal-clad fibers without external electrodes. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Liu H, Guo ZH, Xu F, Jia L, Pan C, Wang ZL, Pu X. Triboelectric-optical responsive cholesteric liquid crystals for self-powered smart window, E-paper display and optical switch. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:1986-1993. [PMID: 36654168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intelligent responsive devices are crucial for a variety of applications ranging from smart electronics to robotics. Electro-responsive cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) have been widely applied in display panels, smart windows, and so on. In this work, we realize the mechanical stimuli-triggered optical responses of the CLC by integrating it with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which converts the mechanical motion into alternating current electricity and then tunes the different optical responses of the CLC. When the voltage applied on the CLC is relatively low (15-40 V), the TENG drives the switching between the bistable planar state and focal conic state of the CLC, which shows potential applications in self-powered smart windows or E-paper displays. When the voltage supplied by the TENG is larger than 60 V, a self-powered optical switch is demonstrated by utilizing the transformation between focal conic state and instantons homeotropic state of the CLC. This triboelectric-optical responsive device consumes no extra electric power and suggests a great potential for future smart electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxin Liu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China; School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zi Hao Guo
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China; School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fan Xu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China; School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Luyao Jia
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China; School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chongxiang Pan
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center on Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center on Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332-0245, USA.
| | - Xiong Pu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China; School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center on Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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9
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Jasiurkowska-Delaporte M, Juszyńska-Gałązka E, Sas W, Zieliński PM, Baranowska-Korczyc A. Soft versus hard confinement effects on the phase transitions, and intra- and inter- molecular dynamics of 6BT liquid crystal constrained in electrospun polymer fibers and in nanopores. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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10
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Production and characterization of liquid crystal/polyacrylonitrile nano-fibers by electrospinning method. Colloid Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-021-04842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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11
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Verpaalen RC, Engels T, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. Stimuli-Responsive Shape Changing Commodity Polymer Composites and Bilayers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:38829-38844. [PMID: 32805900 PMCID: PMC7472435 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c10802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Commodity polymers are produced in large volumes, providing robust mechanical properties at relatively low costs. The products made from these commodity polymers typically offer only static functionalities. Over the past decade, however, in the scientific literature, stimuli-responsive additives and/or polymer coatings have been introduced to commodity polymers, yielding composites and bilayers that change shape in response to light, temperature, and/or humidity. These stimuli responsive commodity polymers allow the marketing and sales of these otherwise bulk products as "high-end" smart materials for applications spanning from soft actuators to adaptive textiles. This Spotlight on Applications presents an overview of recent intriguing works on how shape changing commodity polymer composite and bilayer actuators based on polyamide 6, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene, and polypropylene have been fabricated that respond to environmental stimuli and discusses their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob C.
P. Verpaalen
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, 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, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Engels
- DSM
Material Science Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Technology Institute, Polymer
Technology Group, Eindhoven University of
Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, 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, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, 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, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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12
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Park S, Lee SS, Kim SH. Photonic Multishells Composed of Cholesteric Liquid Crystals Designed by Controlled Phase Separation in Emulsion Drops. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002166. [PMID: 32519408 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs), also known as chiral nematic LCs, show a photonic stopband, which is promising for various optical applications. In particular, CLCs confined in microcompartments are useful for sensing, lasing, and optical barcoding at the microscale. The integration of distinct CLCs into single microstructures can provide advanced functionality. In this work, CLC multishells with multiple stopbands are created by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in a simple yet highly controlled manner. A homogeneous ternary mixture of LC, hydrophilic liquid, and co-solvent is microfluidically emulsified to form uniform oil-in-water drops, which undergo LLPS to form onion-like drops composed of alternating CLC-rich and CLC-depleted layers. The multiplicity is controlled from one to five by adjusting the initial composition of the ternary mixture, which dictates the number of consecutive steps of LLPS. Interestingly, the concentration of the chiral dopant becomes reduced from the outermost to the innermost CLC drop due to uneven partitioning during LLPS, which results in multiple stopbands. Therefore, the photonic multishells show multiple structural colors. In addition, dye-doped multishells provide band-edge lasing at two different wavelengths. This new class of photonic multishells will provide new opportunities for advanced optical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihun Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Sang Seok Lee
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, KIST, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, South Korea
| | - Shin-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
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Ma C, Su J, Li B, Herrmann A, Zhang H, Liu K. Solvent-Free Plasticity and Programmable Mechanical Behaviors of Engineered Proteins. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1907697. [PMID: 31990428 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201907697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymeric networks with plasticity show great competences in diverse fields owing to the combined biocompatible and mechanical characteristics. However, to realize such plasticity external complicated treatments, e.g., UV or organic solvent have to be applied, which in turn impair the biological nature and even mechanical properties of those systems. To address this challenge, one new type of anhydrous protein liquid crystalline (LC) gels, which exhibit flexible morphological plasticity and mechanical programmability is demonstrated. Supramolecular interactions in the smectic biogels play an important role for their high plasticity. Remarkably, the samples exhibit outstanding mechanical behaviors. The tensile strength and Young's modulus at MPa levels are comparable or even higher than chemically cross-linked hydrogels and LC elastomers. More importantly, mechanical programmability of the LC gels is achieved by genetically tuning the charge density of protein backbones. Consequently, the mechanical performance is manipulated in the range of one order of magnitude. Thus, this type of anhydrous protein LC gels offers great opportunities for load-bearing high-tech applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Juanjuan Su
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 130022, Changchun, China
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