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Ding Y, Gu Y, Yang Q, Yang Z, Huang Y, Weng Y, Zhang Y, Wu ST. Breaking the in-coupling efficiency limit in waveguide-based AR displays with polarization volume gratings. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:185. [PMID: 39128902 PMCID: PMC11317523 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Augmented reality (AR) displays, heralded as the next-generation platform for spatial computing, metaverse, and digital twins, empower users to perceive digital images overlaid with real-world environment, fostering a deeper level of human-digital interactions. With the rapid evolution of couplers, waveguide-based AR displays have streamlined the entire system, boasting a slim form factor and high optical performance. However, challenges persist in the waveguide combiner, including low optical efficiency and poor image uniformity, significantly hindering the long-term usage and user experience. In this paper, we first analyze the root causes of the low optical efficiency and poor uniformity in waveguide-based AR displays. We then discover and elucidate an anomalous polarization conversion phenomenon inherent to polarization volume gratings (PVGs) when the incident light direction does not satisfy the Bragg condition. This new property is effectively leveraged to circumvent the tradeoff between in-coupling efficiency and eyebox uniformity. Through feasibility demonstration experiments, we measure the light leakage in multiple PVGs with varying thicknesses using a laser source and a liquid-crystal-on-silicon light engine. The experiment corroborates the polarization conversion phenomenon, and the results align with simulation well. To explore the potential of such a polarization conversion phenomenon further, we design and simulate a waveguide display with a 50° field of view. Through achieving first-order polarization conversion in a PVG, the in-coupling efficiency and uniformity are improved by 2 times and 2.3 times, respectively, compared to conventional couplers. This groundbreaking discovery holds immense potential for revolutionizing next-generation waveguide-based AR displays, promising a higher efficiency and superior image uniformity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Ding
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Yuchen Gu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Information Display and Visualization, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Qian Yang
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Zhiyong Yang
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Yuge Huang
- Meta Reality Labs Research, 9845 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA
| | - Yishi Weng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Information Display and Visualization, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Information Display and Visualization, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Shin-Tson Wu
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
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Li X, Zhao W, Jin Y, Huang J, Chen D. Phase Behaviors and Photoresponsive Thin Films of Syndiotactic Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers with High Densely Substituted Azobenzene Mesogens. Chemphyschem 2024:e202400421. [PMID: 38825850 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Azobenzene-containing polymers (azopolymers) are a kind of fascinating stimuli-responsive materials with broad and versatile applications. In this work, a series of syndiotactic C1 type azopolymers of Pm-Azo-Cn with side-chain azobenzene mesogens of varied length alkoxy tails (n=1, 4, 8, 10) and different length alkyl spacers (m=6, 10) have been prepared via Rh-catalyzed carbene polymerization. The thermal properties and ordered assembly structures of thus synthesized side chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) have been systematically investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and variable-temperature small/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) analyses. P10-Azo-C1 and P10-Azo-C4 with shorter alkoxy tails exhibited hierarchical structures SmB/Colob and transformed into SmA/Colob at a higher temperature, while P10-Azo-C8 and P10-Azo-C10 with longer alkoxy tails only displayed side group dominated layered SmB phase and transformed into SmA phase at higher temperatures. For P6-Azo-C4 with a shorter spacer only showed a less ordered SmA phase owing to interference by partly coupling between the side chain azobenzene mesogens and the helical backbone. More importantly, the series high densely substituted syndiotactic C1 azopolymer thin films, exhibited evidently and smoothly reversible photoresponsive properties, which demonstrated promising photoresponsive device applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
- School of Information Technology, Suzhou Institute of Trade & Commerce, 215009, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiguang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianjia Huang
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongzhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
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Xu Y, Huang Z, Zhang Z, Ding B, Li P, Liu J, Hao Y, Dai L, Zhang H, Zhu C, Cai W, Liu B. An Electro-Optical Kerr Device Based on 2D Boron Nitride Liquid Crystals for Solar-Blind Communications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307330. [PMID: 38497596 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Achieving light modulation in the spectral range of 200-280 nm is a prerequisite for solar-blind ultraviolet communication, where current technologies are mainly based on the electro-luminescent self-modulation of the ultraviolet source. External light modulation through the electro-birefringence control of liquid crystal (LC) devices has shown success in the visible-to-infrared regions. However, the poor stability of conventional LCs against ultraviolet irradiation and their weak electro-optical response make it challenging to modulate ultraviolet light. Here, an external ultraviolet light modulator is demonstrated using two-dimensional boron nitride LC. It exhibits robust ultraviolet stability and a record-high specific electro-optical Kerr coefficient of 5.1 × 10⁻2 m V-2, being three orders of magnitude higher than those of other known electro-optical media that are transparent (or potentially transparent) in the ultraviolent spectral range. The sensitive response enables fabricating transmissive and stable ultraviolet-C electro-optical Kerr modulators for solar-blind ultraviolet light. An M-ary coding array with high transmission density is also demonstrated for solar-blind ultraviolet communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youan Xu
- Xi'an Research Institute of High Technology, Xi'an, 710025, China
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziyang Huang
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zehao Zhang
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Baofu Ding
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality/Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Peixuan Li
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiarong Liu
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yugan Hao
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lixin Dai
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Low-dimensional Materials Genome Initiative, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Caizhen Zhu
- Institute of Low-dimensional Materials Genome Initiative, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Xi'an Research Institute of High Technology, Xi'an, 710025, China
| | - Bilu Liu
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Layered Materials for Value-added Applications, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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4
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Zhang Y, Yang H, Chen Y, Yu H. Progress in Fabrication and Applications of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Microcapsules. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303198. [PMID: 37971158 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303198] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) are well known for inherent responsiveness to external stimuli, such as light, thermal, magnetic, and electric fields. Cholesteric LCs are among the most fascinating, since they possess distinctive optical properties due to the helical molecular orientation. However, the good flow, easy contamination, and poor stability of small-molecule LCs limit their further applications, and microencapsulation as one of the most effective tools can evade these disadvantages. Microencapsulation can offer shell-core structure with LCs in the core can strengthen their stability, avoiding interference with the environment while maintaining the stimuli-responsiveness and optical properties. Here, we report recent progress in the fabrication and applications of cholesteric LC microcapsules (CLCMCs). We summarize general properties and basic principles, fabrication methods including interfacial polymerization, in-situ polymerization, complex coacervation, solvent evaporation, microfluidic and polymerization of reactive mesogens, and then give a comprehensive overview of their applications in various popular domains, including smart fabrics, smart sensor, smart displays, anti-counterfeiting, information encryption, biomedicine and actuators. Finally, we discuss the currently facing challenges and the potential development directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100020, Beijing, China
| | - Haixiao Yang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100020, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjie Chen
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, 102600, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and, Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
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Zhang YH, Liu SJ, Chen P, Zhu D, Chen W, Ge SJ, Wang Y, Zhang ZF, Lu YQ. Logical rotation of non-separable states via uniformly self-assembled chiral superstructures. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1108. [PMID: 38321000 PMCID: PMC10847456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45299-8] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The next generation of high-capacity, multi-task optical informatics requires sophisticated manipulation of multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs) of light, especially when they are coupled in a non-separable way. Vector beam, as a typical non-separable state between the spin and orbital angular momentum DoFs, mathematically akin to entangled qubits, has inspired multifarious theories and applications in both quantum and classical regimes. Although qubit rotation is a vital and ubiquitous operation in quantum informatics, its classical analogue is rarely studied. Here, we demonstrate the logical rotation of vectorial non-separable states via the uniform self-assembled chiral superstructures, with favorable controllability, high compactness and exemption from formidable alignment. Photonic band engineering of such 1D chiral photonic crystal renders the incident-angle-dependent evolution of the spatially-variant polarizations. The logical rotation angle of a non-separable state can be tuned in a wide range over 4π by this single homogeneous device, flexibly providing a set of distinguished logic gates. Potential applications, including angular motion tracking and proof-of-principle logic network, are demonstrated by specific configuration. This work brings important insight into soft matter photonics and present an elegant strategy to harness high-dimensional photonic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Heng Zhang
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - Si-Jia Liu
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - 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, 210093, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dong Zhu
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - Shi-Jun Ge
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Zhang
- 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, 210093, Nanjing, 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, 210093, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Huang Y, Ning L, Zhang X, Zhou Q, Gong Q, Zhang Q. Stimuli-fluorochromic smart organic materials. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1090-1166. [PMID: 38193263 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00976e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Smart materials based on stimuli-fluorochromic π-conjugated solids (SFCSs) have aroused significant interest due to their versatile and exciting properties, leading to advanced applications. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in SFCS-based smart materials, expanding beyond organometallic compounds and light-responsive organic luminescent materials, with a discussion on the design strategies, exciting properties and stimuli-fluorochromic mechanisms along with their potential applications in the exciting fields of encryption, sensors, data storage, display, green printing, etc. The review comprehensively covers single-component and multi-component SFCSs as well as their stimuli-fluorochromic behaviors under external stimuli. We also provide insights into current achievements, limitations, and major challenges as well as future opportunities, aiming to inspire further investigation in this field in the near future. We expect this review to inspire more innovative research on SFCSs and their advanced applications so as to promote further development of smart materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Lijian Ning
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Qiuyu Gong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qichun Zhang
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry & Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
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7
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Kang W, Tang Y, Meng X, Lin S, Zhang X, Guo J, Li Q. A Photo- and Thermo-Driven Azoarene-Based Circularly Polarized Luminescence Molecular Switch in a Liquid Crystal Host. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202311486. [PMID: 37648676 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The development of chiral optical active materials with switchable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals remains a challenge. Here an azoarene-based circularly polarized luminescence molecular switch, (S, R, S)-switch 1 and (R, R, R)-switch 2, are designed and prepared with an (R)-binaphthyl azo group as a chiral photosensitive moiety and two (S)- or (R)-binaphthyl fluorescent molecules with opposite or the same handedness as chiral fluorescent moieties. Both switches exhibit reversible trans/cis isomerization when irradiated by 365 nm UV light and 520 nm green light in solvent and liquid crystal (LC) media. In contrast with the control (R, R, R)-switch 2, when switch 1 is doped into nematic LCs, polarization inversion and switching-off of the CPL signals are achieved in the resultant helical superstructure upon irradiation with 365 nm UV and 520 nm green light, respectively. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity of the system is basically unchanged during this switching process. In particular, these variations of the CPL signals could be recovered after heating, realizing the true sense of CPL reversible switching. Taking advantage of the unique CPL switching, the proof-of-concept for "a dual-optical information encryption system" based on the above CPL active material is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuqi Tang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Xianyu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Siyang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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8
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Concellón A. Liquid Crystal Emulsions: A Versatile Platform for Photonics, Sensing, and Active Matter. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202308857. [PMID: 37694542 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of liquid crystals (LCs) is a fascinating method for controlling the organization of discrete molecules into nanostructured functional materials. Although LCs are traditionally processed in thin films, their confinement within micrometre-sized droplets has recently revealed new properties and functions, paving the way for next-generation soft responsive materials. These recent findings have unlocked a wealth of unprecedented applications in photonics (e.g. reflectors, lasing materials), sensing (e.g. biomolecule and pathogen detection), soft robotics (e.g. micropumps, artificial muscles), and beyond. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in LC emulsion designs and highlights a variety of novel potential applications. Perspectives on the opportunities and new directions for implementing LC emulsions in future innovative technologies are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Concellón
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
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Huang Y, Xu Y, Bisoyi HK, Liu Z, Wang J, Tao Y, Yang T, Huang S, Yang H, Li Q. Photocontrollable Elongation Actuation of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Films with Well-Defined Crease Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304378. [PMID: 37421658 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Although liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have demonstrated various applications in artificial muscles and soft robotics, their inherent flexibility and orientation-dependent forces limit their functions. For instance, LCEs can sustain a high actuation force when they contract but cannot elongate to drive loads with large displacements. In this study, it is demonstrated that photocontrollable elongation actuation with a large strain can be achieved in polydomain LCEs by programming the crease structures in a well-defined order to couple the actuation forces. Efficient photoactuation without overheating-induced damage to the materials is favored, based on the well-designed photosensitive molecular switch crosslinker via the synergy of photochemical and photothermal effects. The LCE actuator can jack up heavy loads, elongate freely, and contract back to manipulate distant objects. Theoretical analysis based on a finite element simulation of the deformation energy during the actuation process reveals a trade-off between the abilities of jacking-up and withstanding load. More importantly, this study simplifies the design of a single material with functions inherent only in other soft robotic devices based on the assembly of multiple modules, thus providing a design strategy for surpassing instinctive properties of conventional soft materials to expand the functions of soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yiyi Xu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Liu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, 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 Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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10
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Lin S, Tang Y, Kang W, Bisoyi HK, Guo J, Li Q. Photo-triggered full-color circularly polarized luminescence based on photonic capsules for multilevel information encryption. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3005. [PMID: 37231049 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Materials with phototunable full-color circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) have a large storage density, high-security level, and enormous prospects in the field of information encryption and decryption. In this work, device-friendly solid films with color tunability are prepared by constructing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) platforms with chiral donors and achiral molecular switches in liquid crystal photonic capsules (LCPCs). These LCPCs exhibit photoswitchable CPL from initial blue emission to RGB trichromatic signals under UV irradiation due to the synergistic effect of energy and chirality transfer and show strong time dependence because of the different FRET efficiencies at each time node. Based on these phototunable CPL and time response characteristics, the concept of multilevel data encryption by using LCPC films is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuqi Tang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Wenxin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, 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 Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
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11
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Xian H, Li L, Ding Y, Chu M, Ye C. Preparation and Orthogonal Analysis for Dual-Responsive Electrochromic Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Devices. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081860. [PMID: 37112007 PMCID: PMC10144608 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081860] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we provide a fabrication method for dual-responsive electrochromic (EC) polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices. The EC PDLC device was developed by combing the PDLC technique and a colored complex formed via a redox reaction without a specific EC molecule in a simple preparation method. The mesogen played dual roles in the device for scattering in the form of microdroplets and participating in the redox reactions. Orthogonal experiments were performed with the acrylate monomer concentration, the ionic salt concentration, and the cell thickness as factors to investigate the electro-optical performance for the achievement of optimized fabrication conditions. The optimized device presented four switchable states modulated by external electric fields. The light transmittance of the device was changed by an alternative current (AC) electric field while the color change was realized by a direct current (DC) electric field. Variations of mesogen and ionic salt species can modulate the color and hue of devices, which solves the disadvantage of a single color for traditional EC devices. This work lays the foundation for realizing patterned multi-colored patterned displays and anti-counterfeiting via screen printing and inkjet printing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Xian
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yilei Ding
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Mingjing Chu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Changqing Ye
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
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12
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Zou D, Li Z, Long D, Dong X, Qu H, Yang L, Cao X. Molecular Cage with Dual Outputs of Photochromism and Luminescence Both in Solution and the Solid State. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:13545-13553. [PMID: 36868562 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c23196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of stimuli-responsive materials requires a deep understanding of the structure-activity relationship. Herein, we proposed an intramolecular conformation-locking strategy─incorporating flexible tetraphenylethylene (TPE) luminogens into the rigid scaffold of a molecular cage─to produce a molecular photoswitch with dual outputs of luminescence and photochromism in solution and in the solid states at once. The molecular cage scaffold, which restricts the intramolecular rotations of the TPE moiety, not only helps to preserve the luminescence of TPE in a dilute solution but facilitates the reversible photochromism on account of the intramolecular cyclization/cycloreversion reactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate assorted applications of this multiresponsive molecular cage, e.g., photo-switchable patterning, anticounterfeiting, and selective vapochromism sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Da Long
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Hang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Liulin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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13
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Wan H, Hu L, Liu X, Zhang Y, Chen G, Zhang N, Ma R. Advanced hematite nanomaterials for newly emerging applications. Chem Sci 2023; 14:2776-2798. [PMID: 36937591 PMCID: PMC10016337 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00180f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the combined merits of rich physicochemical properties, abundance, low toxicity, etc., hematite (α-Fe2O3), one of the most chemically stable compounds based on the transition metal element iron, is endowed with multifunctionalities and has steadily been a research hotspot for decades. Very recently, advanced α-Fe2O3 materials have also been developed for applications in some cutting-edge fields. To reflect this trend, the latest progress in developing α-Fe2O3 materials for newly emerging applications is reviewed with a particular focus on the relationship between composition/nanostructure-induced electronic structure modulation and practical performance. Moreover, perspectives on the critical challenges as well as opportunities for future development of diverse functionalities are also discussed. We believe that this timely review will not only stimulate further increasing interest in α-Fe2O3 materials but also provide a profound understanding and insight into the rational design of other materials based on transition metal elements for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wan
- Zhongyuan Critical Metals Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450001 PR China
| | - Linfeng Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University Nanjing 211189 P. R. China
| | - Xiaohe Liu
- Zhongyuan Critical Metals Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450001 PR China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Zhongyuan Critical Metals Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450001 PR China
| | - Gen Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 PR China
| | - Renzhi Ma
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0044 Japan
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14
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Baby A, John AM, Balakrishnan SP. Photoresponsive Carbon-Azobenzene Hybrids: A Promising Material for Energy Devices. Chemphyschem 2023; 24:e202200676. [PMID: 36445807 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Advancements in renewable energy technology have been a hot topic in the field of photoresponsive materials for a sustainable community. Organic compounds that function as photoswitches is being researched and developed for use in a variety of energy storage systems. Azobenzene photoswitches can be used to store and release solar energy in solar thermal fuels. This review draws out the significance of azobenzene as photoswitches and its recent advances in solar thermal fuels. The recent developments of nano carbon templated azobenzene, their interactions and the effect of substituents are highlighted. The review also introduces their applications in solar thermal fuels and concludes with the challenges and future scope of the material. The advancements of solar thermal fuels with cost effective and desired optimal properties can be explored by scientists and engineers from different technological backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Baby
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560029
| | - Athira Maria John
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560029
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15
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Oka T, Yamamura Y, Kutsumizu S, Saito K. Aggregation structure of chiral cubic liquid crystals revealed by X-ray diffraction utilizing a new algorithm. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:1194-1201. [PMID: 36655785 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01687g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Chiral aggregation structure spontaneously formed by achiral rodlike molecules, a long-time unsolved problem in liquid crystal science, has been clarified by applying a new crystallographic algorithm recently developed while utilizing aggregation characteristics of this type. Bicontinuously interwoven networks characterize it similarly to the neighboring Gyroid phase in a phase diagram against the alkyl chain length and temperature. However, the network connectivity is significantly different from the bicontinuous networks that have been either known for related compounds or assumed for this phase. The network is compatible with the homochiral arrangement of rodlike molecules with successive twists by a proper angle between adjacent junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Oka
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, and Nanomaterials Research Division, Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Yamamura
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan.
| | - Shoichi Kutsumizu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuya Saito
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan.
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16
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Zhang Y, Yu W, Li H, Zheng W, Cheng Y. Induced CPL-Active Materials Based on Chiral Supramolecular Co-Assemblies. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202204039. [PMID: 36691189 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202204039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has attracted much interest due to its potential applications on chiral photonic techniques and optoelectronic materials science. As known, dissymmetry factor (gem ) of CPL is one essential factor for evaluating the features of CPL-active materials. Much attention has focused on how to increase the gem value, which is one of the most important issues for CPL practical applications. Recently, more and more works have demonstrated that chiral supramolecular could provide the significant strategy to improve the gem value through the orderly helical superstructure of chiral building blocks. Normally, this kind of chiral supramolecular assembly process can be accompanied by chirality transfer and induction mechanism, which can promote the amplification effect on the induced CPL of achiral dyes. In this review, we fully summarized recent advances on the induced CPL-active materials of chiral supramolecular co-assemblies, their applications in circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) and current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Zhang
- Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics &, Information Displays (KLOEID) and, Institute of Advanced Materials, National Synergistic Innovation Center for, Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Yu
- Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Hang Li
- Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yixiang Cheng
- Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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17
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Wang H, Zhou H, He W, Yang Z, Cao H, Wang D, Li Y. Research Progress on Blue-Phase Liquid Crystals for Pattern Replication Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 16:194. [PMID: 36614533 PMCID: PMC9821960 DOI: 10.3390/ma16010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blue-Phase Liquid Crystals (BPLCs) are considered to be excellent 3D photonic crystals and have attracted a great deal of attention due to their great potential for advanced applications in a wide range of fields including self-assembling tunable photonic crystals and fast-response displays. BPLCs exhibit promise in patterned applications due to their sub-millisecond response time, three-dimensional cubic structure, macroscopic optical isotropy and high contrast ratio. The diversity of patterned applications developed based on BPLCs has attracted much attention. This paper focuses on the latest advances in blue-phase (BP) materials, including applications in patterned microscopy, electric field driving, handwriting driving, optical writing and inkjet printing. The paper concludes with future challenges and opportunities for BP materials, providing important insights into the subsequent development of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanli He
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +010-62333759
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18
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Qu G, Zhang X, Li S, Lu L, Gao J, Yu B, Wu S, Zhang Q, Hu Z. Liquid crystal random lasers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 25:48-63. [PMID: 36477742 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp02859j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The enthusiasm for research on liquid crystal random lasers (LCRLs) is driven by their unusual optical properties and promising potential for broad applications in manufacturing, communications, medicine and entertainment. From this perspective, we will summarize the most attractive advances in the development of LCRLs in the last decade and propose future prospects. This article will begin with a fundamental description of LCRLs, including the principle of laser generation and a description of LC substances. Then, we spend several chapters on the lasing performance control methods of LCRLs, including random lasing wavelength, threshold, and polarization properties. In addition, we analyze how the LC chiral agent structures, LC core-shell structures and new light-amplifying materials affect the design of LCRL devices. In the last chapter, we discuss the application of LCRLs in 3D displays, information encryption, biochemical sensing and other optoelectronics devices and finally end the perspective with LCRLs' likely directions in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Siqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Liang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Department of Polymeric Materials and Engineering, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Benli Yu
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Si Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Qijin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Zhijia Hu
- Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
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19
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He H, He J, Zheng K, Ma M, Shi Y, Chen S, Wang X. Fantastic supramolecular chiral self-assembly of POSS based dendrimers: from helical nano-fibers to nano-toroids and loofah-like superstructures. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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20
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Li M, Hu H, Liu B, Liu X, Zheng ZG, Tian H, Zhu WH. Light-Reconfiguring Inhomogeneous Soft Helical Pitch with Fatigue Resistance and Reversibility. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20773-20784. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglong Hu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Binghui Liu
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zheng
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - He Tian
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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21
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Yuan R, Xu C, Cao H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Chen P, Lu Y, Hu W. Spin-Decoupled Transflective Spatial Light Modulations Enabled by a Piecewise-Twisted Anisotropic Monolayer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202424. [PMID: 35666050 PMCID: PMC9376837 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wavefront control lies at the heart of modern optics. Metasurfaces with specifically tailored resonators can encode different phases to two orthogonal polarization components, but suffer from wavelength-dependent efficiency, sophisticated fabrication, and limited size. Liquid crystals, another excellent candidate for planar optics, are restricted to spin-coupled conjugated phase modulations. Planar optics with spin-decoupled functions is expected to release the multifunctionality of modern optics. Here, a spin-decoupled transflective spatial light modulator is presented with a piecewise-twisted anisotropic monolayer. The phases of reflected and transmitted light can be independently customized by preprogramming the initial orientations of the periodic helix and mirror-symmetric dual-twist configuration, respectively. A transflective orbital angular momentum encoder and decoder is demonstrated, which is simultaneously compatible with different multiplexing techniques. This work releases the multifunctionality of advanced planar optics and may upgrade existing devices in optical informatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yuan
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Chun‐Ting Xu
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Han Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Yi‐Heng Zhang
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Guang‐Yao Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Peng Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Yan‐Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Laboratory of Solid State MicrostructuresKey Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulationand College of Engineering and Applied SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
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22
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Wu J, Zhang J, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Yan J, Li W, Masuda T, Whittaker AK, Zhang A. Supramolecular Chiral Assembly of Symmetric Molecules with an Extended Conjugated Core. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:33734-33745. [PMID: 35834778 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
C3-symmetric molecules carrying a conjugated diacetylene (DA) core are found to self-assemble into well-defined supramolecular fibers with enhanced supramolecular chirality in both organic and aqueous solutions. The conjugated core affords these amphiphiles characteristic fluorescence properties, which can be quenched partially due to the aggregation. Integration of the C3-symmetry with the conjugation provides these novel molecules strong aggregation tendency through solvent-mediated π-π stacking with preferential supramolecular chirality, which is predominately related to steric hindrance from their dipeptide pendants. Highly uniform supramolecular fibers of P and M handedness with thickness consistent in the dimensions of individual C3 molecules are obtained. The increase of concentrations induces these fibers to wrap together to form supramolecular fibrous bundles. Topochemical polymerization of the DA moieties can transform these supramolecular fibers into stable covalent polymers. We therefore believe that self-assembly of these C3-symmetric molecules with extended conjugated DA cores provides new prospects for the construction of supramolecular helical fibers through enhanced π-π stacking and creates a convenient strategy to furnish covalent chiral polymers of hierarchical structures through supramolecular assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindiao Wu
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jiatao Yan
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Wen Li
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Toshio Masuda
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Afang Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
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23
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Dynamically actuated soft heliconical architecture via frequency of electric fields. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2712. [PMID: 35581208 PMCID: PMC9114134 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic electric field frequency actuated helical and spiral structures enable a plethora of attributes for advanced photonics and engineering in the contemporary era. Nevertheless, leveraging the frequency responsiveness of adaptive devices and systems within a broad dynamic range and maintaining restrained high-frequency induced heating remain challenging. Herein, we establish a frequency-actuated heliconical soft architecture that is quite distinct from that of common frequency-responsive soft materials. We achieve reversible modulation of the photonic bandgap in a wide spectral range by delicately coupling the frequency-dependent thermal effect, field-induced dielectric torque and elastic equilibrium. Furthermore, an information encoder prototype without the aid of complicated algorithm design is established to analogize an information encoding and decoding process with a more convenient and less costly way. A technique for taming and tailoring the distribution of the pitch length is exploited and embodied in a prototype of a spatially controlled soft photonic cavity and laser emission. This work demonstrates a distinct frequency responsiveness in a heliconical soft system, which may not merely inspire the interest in field-assisted bottom-up molecular engineering of soft matter but also facilitate the practicality of adaptive photonics. Frequency responsiveness within a broad dynamic range in adaptive systems while also reducing high-frequency induced heating remains a challenge for advanced photonics. Here, authors report a frequency-actuated heliconical soft architecture with reversible modulation of the photonic bandgap in a wide spectral range.
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24
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Bao J, Wang Z, Shen C, Huang R, Song C, Li Z, Hu W, Lan R, Zhang L, Yang H. Freestanding Helical Nanostructured Chiro-Photonic Crystal Film and Anticounterfeiting Label Enabled by a Cholesterol-Grafted Light-Driven Molecular Motor. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2200269. [PMID: 35398983 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Design and fabrication of freestanding chiro-photonic crystal film with the ability to change color over the whole visible light spectrum is appealing for anticounterfeiting technology and smart labels. Utilizing a newly synthesized light-responsive molecular motor functionalized with cholesterol (chol-MM) on the rotor, novel light-controlled photonic crystal is prepared by doping the novel chol-MM into liquid crystals (LCs). Thanks to the liquid crystalline cholesterol substituent, the chol-MM can be triggered by visible light (420 nm). At the same time, the miscibility of chol-MM in LC matrix is significantly enhanced. Integrating the chol-MM with thermochromic hydrogen-bonded LC matrix, thermal and light dual-responsive cholesteric LC (CLC) material is prepared, in which the nanoscale helical pitch is tunable by photo-induced molecular motions of chol-MM. More importantly, utilizing UV-initiated polymerization of the visible light-modulated CLC material, structural colored photonic crystal films with arbitrary colorful patterns are fabricated. Such freestanding helical nanostructured labels have potential in the application of encrypted communication and anticounterfeiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Bao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zizheng Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chen Shen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Chenjie Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Zhaozhong Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Lanying Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Huai Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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25
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Cao Y, Alaasar M, Zhang L, Zhu C, Tschierske C, Liu F. Supramolecular meso-Trick: Ambidextrous Mirror Symmetry Breaking in a Liquid Crystalline Network with Tetragonal Symmetry. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6936-6945. [PMID: 35394276 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bicontinuous and multicontinuous network phases are among nature's most complex structures in soft matter systems. Here, a chiral bicontinuous tetragonal phase is reported as a new stable liquid crystalline intermediate phase at the transition between two cubic phases, the achiral double gyroid and the chiral triple network cubic phase with an I23 space group, both formed by dynamic networks of helices. The mirror symmetry of the double gyroid, representing a meso-structure of two enantiomorphic networks, is broken at the transition to this tetragonal phase by retaining uniform helicity only along one network while losing it along the other one. This leads to a conglomerate of enantiomorphic tetragonal space groups, P41212 and P43212. Phase structures and chirality were analyzed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSoXS) at the carbon K-edge, and model-dependent SAXS/RSoXS simulation. Our findings not only lead to a new bicontinuous network-type three-dimensional mesophase but also reveal a mechanism of mirror symmetry breaking in soft matter by partial meso-structure racemization at the transition from enantiophilic to enantiophobic interhelical self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.,MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Mohamed Alaasar
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt Mothes Str. 2, Halle (Saale) D-06120, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chenhui Zhu
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Carsten Tschierske
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt Mothes Str. 2, Halle (Saale) D-06120, Germany
| | - Feng Liu
- Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
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26
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Alaasar M, Cai X, Kraus F, Giese M, Liu F, Tschierske C. Controlling ambidextrous mirror symmetry breaking in photosensitive supramolecular polycatenars by alkyl-chain engineering. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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27
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Hu H, Liu B, Li M, Zheng Z, Zhu WH. A Quadri-Dimensional Manipulable Laser with an Intrinsic Chiral Photoswitch. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2110170. [PMID: 35143699 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202110170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic and multi-dimensional manipulation of laser emission with light allows for optical coding, computing, and imaging photonic chips. However, the coupling balance between photonic resonance and transmission is a formidable challenge due to the uncontrollable chiral microcavity with photo-reversibility, which is limited to the multi-freedom of the laser with sustainable and repeatable output beams. Herein, a helical superstructure system with a unique intrinsic chiral photoswitch is developed for resolving the always pendent problems on organized defects in the microcavity. The unique intrinsic chirality based on the photoswitchable system allows laser emission with a sharp and narrow band-width, with both remarkable thermodynamic stability and robust fatigue-resistance. A quadri-dimensional manipulable laser, featuring wavelength-tunability, wavefront-shaping, spin angular momentum (SAM), and orbital angular momentum (OAM), is successfully established with the assistance of the photoresponsive intrinsic chiral superstructure with photoreversibility. This technology marks an important milestone, and sketches a future framework for the realms of nanophotonic information encoding, security imprinting, and integrated photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglong Hu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Binghui Liu
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhigang Zheng
- School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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28
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Lanfranchi A, Megahd H, Lova P, Comoretto D. Multilayer Polymer Photonic Aegises Against Near-Infrared Solar Irradiation Heating. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:14550-14560. [PMID: 35306809 PMCID: PMC8972252 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c25037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Preventing solar heating is nowadays of paramount interest in energy savings and health preservation. For instance, in building thermalization solar heating consumes an excess of energy leading to harmful CO2 emissions, while in food and beverage packaging it may lead to variation of organoleptic properties or even health issues. The phenomenon is attributed to the large presence of moieties with highly absorbing vibrational overtones and combination bands in the near-infrared spectral region that induces heating in water, moisture, and in polymers used in packaging. Thus, reducing and controlling the light absorbed by these materials with effective low-cost passive systems can play a major role in energy saving and health preservation. In this work, different polymer dielectric mirrors are reported, made of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) and either cellulose acetate or poly(acrylic acid), and able to selectively reflect near-infrared radiation while maintaining high transparency in the visible range. To this end, simple, tandem, and superperiodic mirrors are used to shield radiation impinging on samples of water and paraffin, demonstrating shielding efficiencies up to 52% with respect to unshielded references, promising a new paradigm to solve thermal management issues.
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29
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Aleksandriiskii V, Novikov I, Monakhov L, Pakhomov S, Burmistrov V, Koifman O. Role of local intermolecular contacts in the physical properties of induced helical phases based on nematic disubstituted azobenzene. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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30
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Wang H, Bisoyi H, Zhang X, Hassan F, Li Q. Visible Light-Driven Molecular Switches and Motors: Recent Developments and Applications. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202103906. [PMID: 34964995 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by human vision, a diverse range of light-driven molecular switches and motors has been developed for fundamental understanding and application in material science and biology. Recently, the design and synthesis of visible light-driven molecular switches and motors have been actively pursued. This emerging trend is partly motivated to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, which was necessary to drive the classical molecular switches and motors at least in one direction, impeding their employment in biomedical and photopharmacology applications. Moreover, visible light-driven molecular switches and motors are demonstrated to enable benign optical materials for advanced photonic devices. Therefore, during the past several years, visible light-driven molecular switches based on azobenzene derivatives, diarylethenes, 1,2-dicyanodithienylethenes, hemithioindigo derivatives, iminothioindoxyls, donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts, and overcrowded alkene based molecular motors have been judiciously designed, synthesized, and used in the development of functional materials and systems for a wide range of applications. In this Review, we present the recent developments toward the design of visible light-driven molecular switches and motors, with their applications in the fabrication of functional materials and systems in material science, bioscience, pharmacology, etc . The visible light-driven molecular switches and motors realized so far undoubtedly widen the scope of these interesting compounds for technological and biological applications. We hope this Review article could provide additional impetus and inspire further research interests for future exploration of visible light-driven advanced materials, systems, and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Kent State University, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, UNITED STATES
| | - Hari Bisoyi
- Kent State University, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, UNITED STATES
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- Kent State University, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institue, UNITED STATES
| | - Fathy Hassan
- Kent State University, Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, UNITED STATES
| | - Quan Li
- Kent State University, Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdiscinplary Program, 3273 Crown Pointe Drive, 44224, Stow, UNITED STATES
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31
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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32
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Ma T, Bai J, Li T, Chen S, Ma X, Yin J, Jiang X. Light-driven dynamic surface wrinkles for adaptive visible camouflage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2114345118. [PMID: 34810249 PMCID: PMC8640843 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114345118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Camouflage is widespread in nature, engineering, and the military. Dynamic surface wrinkles enable a material the on-demand control of the reflected optical signal and may provide an alternative to achieve adaptive camouflage. Here, we demonstrate a feasible strategy for adaptive visible camouflage based on light-driven dynamic surface wrinkles using a bilayer system comprising an anthracene-containing copolymer (PAN) and pigment-containing poly (dimethylsiloxane) (pigment-PDMS). In this system, the photothermal effect-induced thermal expansion of pigment-PDMS could eliminate the wrinkles. The multiwavelength light-driven dynamic surface wrinkles could tune the scattering of light and the visibility of the PAN film interference color. Consequently, the color captured by the observer could switch between the exposure state that is distinguished from the background and the camouflage state that is similar to the surroundings. The bilayer wrinkling system toward adaptive visible camouflage is simple to configure, easy to operate, versatile, and exhibits in situ dynamic characteristics without any external sensors and extra stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Bai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jie Yin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuesong Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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33
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Miao T, Cheng X, Qian Y, Zhuang Y, Zhang W. Engineering Achiral Liquid Crystalline Polymers for Chiral Self-Recovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11980. [PMID: 34769412 PMCID: PMC8584346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Flexible construction of permanently stored supramolecular chirality with stimulus-responsiveness remains a big challenge. Herein, we describe an efficient method to realize the transfer and storage of chirality in intrinsically achiral films of a side-chain polymeric liquid crystal system by combining chiral doping and cross-linking strategy. Even the helical structure was destroyed by UV light irradiation, the memorized chiral information in the covalent network enabled complete self-recovery of the original chiral superstructure. These results allowed the building of a novel chiroptical switch without any additional chiral source in multiple types of liquid crystal polymers, which may be one of the competitive candidates for use in stimulus-responsive chiro-optical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (T.M.); (X.C.); (Y.Q.); (Y.Z.)
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34
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Liquid Crystalline Cholesteric Reflective Layers for Colored Silicon-Based Solar Cells. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11111336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The performance of a prototype opaque-type colored silicon-based solar cell integrated with liquid crystalline cholesteric layers is investigated. These devices were developed using only organic components and wet processes, without complicated vacuum processes. The evaluated performances of the prototype solar cells were inferior to those of the other types of previously reported colored solar cells because of the inherent limitations of the cholesteric layers, such as the limited reflectance (~50%), narrow color gamut, and viewing angle-dependent color changes. We propose effective strategies for improving the performance of colored solar cell modules integrated with cholesteric layers.
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35
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He Y, Zhang S, Bisoyi HK, Qiao J, Chen H, Gao J, Guo J, Li Q. Irradiation‐Wavelength Directing Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Self‐Organized Helical Superstructures Enabled by Hydrogen‐Bonded Chiral Fluorescent Molecular Switches. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong He
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers Ministry of Education College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent Ohio 44242 USA
| | - Jinghui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers Ministry of Education College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers Ministry of Education College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - JingJing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers Ministry of Education College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers Ministry of Education College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent Ohio 44242 USA
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36
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Xiang C, Wang W, Wang S, Liu S, Li M, Wang D. Humidity-Driven Switch in the Transparency of a Nanofiber Film for a Smart Window. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:9636-9643. [PMID: 34586827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Traditional smart windows use electrical signals to transform transparency. However, this electric transmission mode greatly limits their uses. Here, we have prepared a transparent PVA-co-PE/CA composite film, which can realize the reversible transformation of transparency under the stimulation of humidity. The preparation method of the composite film included simple immersion and a thermal curing process, showing high optical transparency (96.61%) and an excellent tensile strain at break of 536.34%. Once exposed to moisture stimulation, the rapid hygroscopic swelling of the composite film led to the increase in the difference in the refractive index between the citric acid filling phase and the nanofibers, which directly led to the sharp decrease in the composite film's transparency. Moreover, the composite film can be arbitrarily attached to the surface of the transparent substrate and designed as some special visualization devices or smart windows, which have a promising future in information encryption and intelligent homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxue Xiang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products (Wuhan Textile University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products (Wuhan Textile University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Shuying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products (Wuhan Textile University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Mufang Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Dong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fiber and Products (Wuhan Textile University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430200, China
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37
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Meskers SCJ. Circular Polarization of Luminescence as a Tool To Study Molecular Dynamical Processes. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.202100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan C. J. Meskers
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. box 513 (STW 4.37) NL 5600 MB Eindhoven Netherlands
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38
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He Y, Zhang S, Bisoyi HK, Qiao J, Chen H, Gao J, Guo J, Li Q. Irradiation-Wavelength Directing Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Self-Organized Helical Superstructures Enabled by Hydrogen-Bonded Chiral Fluorescent Molecular Switches. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:27158-27163. [PMID: 34549501 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Two light-driven chiral fluorescent molecular switches, (R,S,R)-switch 1 and (R,S,R)-switch 2, are prepared by means of hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) assembly of a photoresponsive (S) chiral fluorescent molecule, respectively with a cyano substitution at different positions as an H-bond acceptor and an opposite (R) chiral molecule as an H-bond donor. The resulting two switches exhibit tunable and reversible Z/E photoisomerization irradiated with 450 nm blue and 365 nm UV light. When doped into an achiral liquid crystal, both switches are found to be able to form a CPL tunable luminescent helical superstructure. In contrast to the tunable CPL characteristics of the system incorporating switch 2, exposure of the system incorporating switch 1 to 365 nm and 450 nm radiation can lead to controllable different photostationary CPL behavior, including switching-off and polarization inversion. In addition, optical information coding is demonstrated using the system containing switch 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong He
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242, USA
| | - Jinghui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - JingJing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.,Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242, USA
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39
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Nagarajan S, Woo EM. Unique Optical Periodicity Assembly of Discrete Dendritic Lamellae and Pyramidal Single Crystals in Poly(ε-caprolactone). ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:41200-41208. [PMID: 34423644 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A unique zig-zag banded morphology poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), crystallized at high Tc = 46-47 °C and confined in thin films (<1 μm), is found to be assembled of parallel cogrowth of two totally crystal entities: edge-on dendritic lamellar protrusion from surfaces and flat-on pyramidal single crystals. The alternating PCL optical bands are assembled as flat-on single crystals aligned as straight dendrites as a valley band in series with edge-on branches as a ridge band, leading to a unique assembly mechanism of periodic optical rings where these two crystal pieces are assembled in series. Detailed assembly mechanisms are proposed to explain how the composite bands in the PCL aggregates are correlated to optical birefringence periodicity. By techniques of melt crystallization via periodic species drainage, PCL single crystals could be prepared and tailor-made to a variety of nanopatterns as templates for applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Nagarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Eamor M Woo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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40
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Xiang Y, Jing H, Chen H, Zhang J, Ding X, Li J, Cai Z, Éber N, Buka Á. Light-driven rotation of gratings formed by electroconvection patterns in cholesteric liquid crystals. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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41
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Miao T, Cheng X, Ma H, He Z, Zhang Z, Zhou N, Zhang W, Zhu X. Transfer, Amplification, Storage, and Complete Self-Recovery of Supramolecular Chirality in an Achiral Polymer System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18566-18571. [PMID: 34156135 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202107992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular chirality and its complete self-recovery ability are highly mystical in nature and biological systems, which remains a major challenge today. Herein, we demonstrate that partially cross-linked azobenzene (Azo) units can be employed as the potential chiral trigger to fully heal the destroyed helical superstructure in achiral nematic polymer system. Combining the self-assembly of Azo units and terminal hydroxyl groups in polymer side chains allows the vapor-induced chiral nematic phase and covalent fixation of the superstructure via acetal reaction. The induced helical structure of Azo units can be stored by inter-chain cross-linking, even after removal of the chiral source. Most interestingly, the stored chiral information can trigger perfect chiral self-recovery (CSR) behavior after being destroyed by UV light, heat, and solvents. The results pave a new way for producing novel chiroptical materials with reversible chirality from achiral sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Miao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Cheng
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Haotian Ma
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zixiang He
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nianchen Zhou
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiulin Zhu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Miao T, Cheng X, Ma H, He Z, Zhang Z, Zhou N, Zhang W, Zhu X. Transfer, Amplification, Storage, and Complete Self‐Recovery of Supramolecular Chirality in an Achiral Polymer System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202107992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Miao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Xiaoxiao Cheng
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Haotian Ma
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Zixiang He
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Nianchen Zhou
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Xiulin Zhu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
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Cheng HB, Zhang S, Qi J, Liang XJ, Yoon J. Advances in Application of Azobenzene as a Trigger in Biomedicine: Molecular Design and Spontaneous Assembly. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2007290. [PMID: 34028901 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202007290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene is a well-known derivative of stimulus-responsive molecular switches and has shown superior performance as a functional material in biomedical applications. The results of multiple studies have led to the development of light/hypoxia-responsive azobenzene for biomedical use. In recent years, long-wavelength-responsive azobenzene has been developed. Matching the longer wavelength absorption and hypoxia-response characteristics of the azobenzene switch unit to the bio-optical window results in a large and effective stimulus response. In addition, azobenzene has been used as a hypoxia-sensitive connector via biological cleavage under appropriate stimulus conditions. This has resulted in on/off state switching of properties such as pharmacology and fluorescence activity. Herein, recent advances in the design and fabrication of azobenzene as a trigger in biomedicine are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15 North Third Ring Road, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shuchun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15 North Third Ring Road, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Ji Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15 North Third Ring Road, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Juyoung Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Korea
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Kwon O, Cai X, Saeed A, Liu F, Poppe S, Tschierske C. 2,6-Dibromogallates as a new building block for controlling π-stacking, network formation and mirror symmetry breaking. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:6491-6494. [PMID: 34100483 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01922h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Achiral multi-chain (polycatenar) compounds based on the 2,7-diphenyl substituted [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (BTBT) unit and a 2,6-dibromo-3,4,5-trialkoxybenzoate end group lead to materials forming bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phases with helical network structures over wide temperature ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohjin Kwon
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes Str. 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Xiaoqian Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Azhar Saeed
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Shaanxi International Research Center for Soft Matter, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Silvio Poppe
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes Str. 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Carsten Tschierske
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes Str. 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Alaasar M, Schmidt JC, Cai X, Liu F, Tschierske C. Controlling liquid and liquid crystalline network formation by core-fluorination of hydrogen bonded supramolecular polycatenars. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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46
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Hou SS, Liu Y, Zhang WX, Zhang XD. Separating and trapping of chiral nanoparticles with dielectric photonic crystal slabs. OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 29:15177-15189. [PMID: 33985222 DOI: 10.1364/oe.423243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chiral separation is a crucial step in many chemical synthesis processes, particularly for pharmaceuticals. Here we present a novel method for the realization of both separating and trapping of enantiomers using the dielectric photonic crystal (PhC) slabs, which possess quasi-fourfold degenerate Bloch modes (overlapping double degenerate transverse-electric-like and transverse-magnetic-like modes). Based on the designed structure, a large gradient of optical chirality appears near the PhC slab, leading to the extreme enhancement of chiral optical forces about 3 orders of magnitude larger than those obtained with circularly polarized lights. In this case, our method provides a reference for realizing all-optical enantiopure syntheses.
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47
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Yang Y, Wang L, Yang H, Li Q. 3D Chiral Photonic Nanostructures Based on Blue‐Phase Liquid Crystals. SMALL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350 China
| | - Huai Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering College of Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
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48
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Unexpected organic hydrate luminogens in the solid state. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2339. [PMID: 33879783 PMCID: PMC8058042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing organic photoluminescent materials with high emission efficiencies in the solid state under a water atmosphere is important for practical applications. Herein, we report the formation of both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in three tautomerizable Schiff-base molecules which comprise active hydrogen atoms that act as proton donors and acceptors, simultaneously hindering emission properties. The intercalation of water molecules into their crystal lattices leads to structural rearrangement and organic hydrate luminogen formation in the crystalline phase, triggering significantly enhanced fluorescence emission. By suppressing hydrogen atom shuttling between two nitrogen atoms in the benzimidazole ring, water molecules act as hydrogen bond donors to alter the electronic transition of the molecular keto form from nπ* to lower-energy ππ* in the excited state, leading to enhancing emission from the keto form. Furthermore, the keto-state emission can be enhanced using deuterium oxide (D2O) owing to isotope effects, providing a new opportunity for detecting and quantifying D2O. Developing organic photoluminescent materials with high emission efficiencies in the solid state under a water atmosphere is important for practical applications. Here, the authors report the formation of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in a tautomerizable Schiff base and intercalation of water in the crystal lattice leading to a luminescent organic hydrate.
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49
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Chen HQ, Wang XY, Bisoyi HK, Chen LJ, Li Q. Liquid Crystals in Curved Confined Geometries: Microfluidics Bring New Capabilities for Photonic Applications and Beyond. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:3789-3807. [PMID: 33775094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The quest for interesting properties and phenomena in liquid crystals toward their employment in nondisplay application is an intense and vibrant endeavor. Remarkable progress has recently been achieved with regard to liquid crystals in curved confined geometries, typically represented as enclosed spherical geometries and cylindrical geometries with an infinitely extended axial-symmetrical space. Liquid-crystal emulsion droplets and fibers are intriguing examples from these fields and have attracted considerable attention. It is especially noteworthy that the rapid development of microfluidics brings about new capabilities to generate complex soft microstructures composed of both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals. This review attempts to outline the recent developments related to the liquid crystals in curved confined geometries by focusing on microfluidics-mediated approaches. We highlight a wealth of novel photonic applications and beyond and also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development in this emerging research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Qing Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Xi-Yuan Wang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
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50
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Yang J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang L, Feng W, Li Q. Beyond the Visible: Bioinspired Infrared Adaptive Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2004754. [PMID: 33624900 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Infrared (IR) adaptation phenomena are ubiquitous in nature and biological systems. Taking inspiration from natural creatures, researchers have devoted extensive efforts for developing advanced IR adaptive materials and exploring their applications in areas of smart camouflage, thermal energy management, biomedical science, and many other IR-related technological fields. Herein, an up-to-date review is provided on the recent advancements of bioinspired IR adaptive materials and their promising applications. First an overview of IR adaptation in nature and advanced artificial IR technologies is presented. Recent endeavors are then introduced toward developing bioinspired adaptive materials for IR camouflage and IR radiative cooling. According to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, IR camouflage can be realized by either emissivity engineering or thermal cloaks. IR radiative cooling can maximize the thermal radiation of an object through an IR atmospheric transparency window, and thus holds great potential for use in energy-efficient green buildings and smart personal thermal management systems. Recent advances in bioinspired adaptive materials for emerging near-IR (NIR) applications are also discussed, including NIR-triggered biological technologies, NIR light-fueled soft robotics, and NIR light-driven supramolecular nanosystems. This review concludes with a perspective on the challenges and opportunities for the future development of bioinspired IR adaptive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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