1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mikami T, Kato R, Hosokawa Y, Miyamoto N, Kato T. Nanostructure Control in Zinc Oxide Films and Microfibers through Bioinspired Synthesis of Liquid-Crystalline Zinc Hydroxide Carbonate; Formation of Free-Standing Materials in Centimeter-Level Lengths. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300353. [PMID: 37665220 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Free-standing zinc oxide in the forms of films and fibrous materials are expected to be used as functional devices such as piezoelectric devices and catalyst filters without being limited by the growth substrate. Herein, a synthetic morphology-control method for 2D and 1D free-standing ZnO materials with ordered and nanoporous structures by conversion of liquid-crystalline (LC) zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZHC) nanoplates is reported. As a new colloidal liquid crystal, the LC ZHC nanoplate precursors are obtained by a biomineralization-inspired method. The approach is to control the morphology and crystallographic orientation of ZHC crystals by using acidic macromolecules. Their nano-scale and oriented structures are examined. The LC oriented ZHC nanoplates have led to the synthesis of free-standing films and microfibers of ZHC in centimeter-level lengths, with the successful thermal conversion into free-standing films and microfibers of ZnO. The resultant ZnO films and ZnO microfibers have nanoporous structures and preferential crystallographic orientations that preserve the alignment of ZHC nanoplates before conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Mikami
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Riki Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hosokawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Miyamoto
- Department of Life, Environment and Applied Chemistry, The Faculty of Engineering, Fukuoka Institute of Technology, Wajiro-higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 811-0295, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Woods MB, Beidaghi M, Davis VA. Phase Behavior and Rheological Properties of Size-Fractionated MXene (Ti 3C 2T x) Dispersions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38286809 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the dispersion behavior of MXenes is interesting from a fundamental colloid science perspective and critical to enabling the fluid-phase manufacturing of MXene devices with controlled microstructures and properties. However, the polydispersity, irregular shape, and charged surfaces of MXenes result in a complex phase behavior that is difficult to predict through theoretical calculations. As two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, MXenes can form lyotropic liquid crystal phases, gels, and aggregates. This work aims to elucidate the effects of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) sheet size on their phase behavior and associated rheological properties. Aqueous dispersions of large sheets with an average lateral dimension of 3.0 μm, small sheets with an average lateral dimension of 0.3 μm, and a bimodal mixture of the two sizes were investigated by using cross-polarized optical microscopy and rheology. At low concentrations, the large MXene dispersions exhibited lyotropic liquid crystal behavior and extended aligned textures, but increasing concentration resulted in the formation of dense flocs. Dispersions of small sheets formed small birefringent domains with increasing concentration but lacked long-range ordering. A bimodal mixture of these sizes enabled the formation of liquid crystalline phases with extended aligned textures with less floc formation. These results provide insights into using polydispersity to tune dispersion microstructure and rheological properties that can be applied to designing dispersions for fluid-phase manufacturing methods, such as direct ink writing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie B Woods
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Majid Beidaghi
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Virginia A Davis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baron PB, Hendley RS, Bevan MA. Anisotropic particle multiphase equilibria in nonuniform fields. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:124902. [PMID: 38127375 DOI: 10.1063/5.0169659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a method to predict equilibrium concentration profiles of hard ellipses in nonuniform fields, including multiphase equilibria of fluid, nematic, and crystal phases. Our model is based on a balance of osmotic pressure and field mediated forces by employing the local density approximation. Implementation of this model requires development of accurate equations of state for each phase as a function of hard ellipse aspect ratio in the range k = 1-9. The predicted density profiles display overall good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations for hard ellipse aspect ratios k = 2, 4, and 6 in gravitational and electric fields with fluid-nematic, fluid-crystal, and fluid-nematic-crystal multiphase equilibria. The profiles of local order parameters for positional and orientational order display good agreement with values expected for bulk homogeneous hard ellipses in the same density ranges. Small discrepancies between predictions and simulations are observed at crystal-nematic and crystal-fluid interfaces due to limitations of the local density approximation, finite system sizes, and uniform periodic boundary conditions. The ability of the model to capture multiphase equilibria of hard ellipses in nonuniform fields as a function of particle aspect ratio provides a basis to control anisotropic particle microstructure on interfacial energy landscapes in diverse materials and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe B Baron
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Rachel S Hendley
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Michael A Bevan
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ding Y, Yang J, Wang C, Wang Z, Li J, Hu B, Xia C. Structural Transformation between a Nematic Loose Packing and a Randomly Stacked Close Packing of Granular Disks. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:098202. [PMID: 37721830 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.098202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Packing structures of granular disks are reconstructed using magnetic resonance imaging techniques. As packing fraction increases, the packing structure transforms from a nematic loose packing to a dense packing with randomly oriented stacks. According to our model based on Edwards' volume ensemble, stack structures are statistically favored when the effective temperature decreases, which has a lower structural anisotropy than single disks, and brings down the global orientational order consequently. This mechanism identified in athermal granular materials can help us understand the nonergodic characteristics of disklike particle assemblies such as discotic mesogens and clays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bingwen Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chengjie Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Davis VA. Anisotropic Nanomaterial Liquid Crystals: From Fiber Spinning to Additive Manufacturing. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:3829-3836. [PMID: 36897798 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There have long been synergistic relationships among the discovery of new anisotropic materials, advancements in liquid crystal science, and the production of manufactured goods with exciting new properties. Ongoing progress in understanding the phase behavior and shear response of lyotropic liquid crystals comprised of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanomaterials, coupled with advancements in extrusion-based manufacturing methods, promises to enable the scalable production of solid materials with outstanding properties and controlled order across multiple length scales. This Perspective highlights progress in using anisotropic nanomaterial liquid crystals in two extrusion-based manufacturing methods: solution spinning and direct ink writing. It also describes current challenges and opportunities at the interface of nanotechnology, liquid crystalline science, and manufacturing. The intent is to inspire additional transdisciplinary research that will enable nanotechnology to fulfill its potential for producing advanced materials with precisely controlled morphologies and properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia A Davis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Phase Equilibria and Critical Behavior in Nematogenic MBBA-Isooctane Monotectic-Type Mixtures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032065. [PMID: 36768388 PMCID: PMC9916662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from the isotropic (I) liquid to the nematic-type (N) uniaxial phase appearing as the consequence of the elongated geometry of elements seems to be a universal phenomenon for many types of suspensions, from solid nano-rods to biological particles based colloids. Rod-like thermotropic nematogenic liquid crystalline (LC) compounds and their mixtures with a molecular solvent (Sol) can be a significant reference for this category, enabling insights into universal features. The report presents studies in 4'-methoxybenzylidene-4-n-butylaniline (MBBA) and isooctane (Sol) mixtures, for which the monotectic-type phase diagram was found. There are two biphasic regions (i) for the low (TP1, isotropic liquid-nematic coexistence), and (ii) high (TP2, liquid-liquid coexistence) concentrations of isooctane. For both domains, biphasic coexistence curves' have been discussed and parameterized. For TP2 it is related to the order parameter and diameter tests. Notable is the anomalous mean-field type behavior near the critical consolute temperature. Regarding the isotropic liquid phase, critical opalescence has been detected above both biphasic regions. For TP2 it starts ca. 20 K above the critical consolute temperature. The nature of pretransitional fluctuations in the isotropic liquid phase was tested via nonlinear dielectric effect (NDE) measurements. It is classic (mean-field) above TP1 and non-classic above the TP2 domain. The long-standing problem regarding the non-critical background effect was solved to reach this result.
Collapse
|
8
|
Chambon L, Das M, Vasilaki E, Petekidis G, Vamvakaki M. Colloidal Rod-Like Particles with Temperature-Driven Tunable Interactions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:13674-13685. [PMID: 36263911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Temperature-sensitive rod-like colloidal particles were synthesized by grafting a temperature-responsive polymer, poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMA), on the surface of high aspect ratio silica rods by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The stability of the grafted polymer on the surface of the particles in aqueous solutions was found to deteriorate with time, leading to a gradual decrease of the polymer content of the hybrid colloids, which was attributed to the mechanically activated hydrolysis of the labile bonds at the polymer-silica interface. The polymer degrafting was significantly suppressed by first growing a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) block onto the particle surface to act as a barrier layer for the penetration of water molecules at the polymer-particle interface, followed by chain-extension with the hydrophilic PDMA chains. Dynamic light scattering, microscopy, and rheological measurements revealed that the PDMA block conferred a temperature-responsive behavior to the rod-like particles, which formed aggregates at temperatures above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer. However, in contrast to their spherical counterparts, the polymer-grafted rod-like particles did not exhibit complete thermo-reversibility upon lowering the solution temperature below the LCST of PDMA, which was reflected by different values of the diffusion coefficient for the heating and cooling cycles, indicating an irreversible rod particle aggregation upon increasing the temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Chambon
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology─Hellas, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Mohan Das
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology─Hellas, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Evangelia Vasilaki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology─Hellas, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Petekidis
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology─Hellas, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Vamvakaki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology─Hellas, 700 13Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rafael EM, Tonti L, Daza FAG, Patti A. Active microrheology of colloidal suspensions of hard cuboids. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:034612. [PMID: 36266794 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.034612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
By performing dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the microrheology of isotropic suspensions of hard-core colloidal cuboids. In particular, we infer the local viscoelastic behavior of these fluids by studying the dynamics of a probe spherical particle that is incorporated in the host phase and is dragged by an external force. This technique, known as active microrheology, allows one to characterize the microscopic response of soft materials upon application of a constant force, whose intensity spans here three orders of magnitude. By tuning the geometry of cuboids from oblate to prolate as well as the system density, we observe different responses that are quantified by measuring the effective friction perceived by the probe particle. The resulting friction coefficient exhibits a linear regime at forces that are much weaker and larger than the thermal forces, whereas a nonlinear, force-thinning regime is observed at intermediate force intensities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Effran Mirzad Rafael
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Tonti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Fabián A García Daza
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Patti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Avenida Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nakayama M, Kato T. Biomineral-Inspired Colloidal Liquid Crystals: From Assembly of Hybrids Comprising Inorganic Nanocrystals and Organic Polymer Components to Their Functionalization. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:1796-1808. [PMID: 35699654 PMCID: PMC9260960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Bioinspired organic/inorganic synthetic composites
have been studied
as high-performance and functional materials. In nature, biominerals
such as pearls, teeth, and bones are self-organized organic/inorganic
composites. The inorganic components are composed of calcium carbonate
(CaCO3) and hydroxyapatite (HAp), while the organic components
consist of peptides and polysaccharides. These composites are used
as structural materials in hard biological tissues. Biominerals do
not show significantly higher performances than synthetic composites
such as glass-fiber- or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics. However,
biominerals consist of environmentally friendly and biocompatible
components that are prepared under mild conditions. Moreover, they
form elaborate nanostructures and self-organized hierarchical structures.
Much can be learned about material design from these biomineral-based
hierarchical and nanostructured composites to assist in the preparation
of functional materials. Inspired by these biological hard tissues,
we developed nanostructured
thin films and bulk hybrid crystals through the self-organization
of organic polymers and inorganic crystals of CaCO3 or
HAp. In biomineralization, the combination of insoluble components
and soluble acidic macromolecules controls the crystallization process.
We have shown that poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or acidic peptides called
polymer additives induce the formation of thin film crystals of CaCO3 or HAp by cooperation with insoluble organic templates such
as chitin and synthetic polymers bearing the OH group. Moreover, we
recently developed CaCO3- and HAp-based nanostructured
particles with rod and disk shapes. These were obtained in aqueous
media using a macromolecular acidic additive, PAA, without using insoluble
polymer templates. At appropriate concentrations, the anisotropic
particles self-assembled and formed colloidal liquid-crystalline (LC)
phases. LC materials are generally composed of organic molecules.
They
show ordered and mobile states. The addition of stimuli-responsive
properties to organic rod-like LC molecules led to the successful
development of informational displays, which are now widely used.
On the other hand, colloidal liquid crystals are colloidal self-assembled
dispersions of anisotropic organic and inorganic nano- and micro-objects.
For example, polysaccharide whiskers, clay nanosheets, gibbsite plate-shaped
particles, and silica rod-shaped particles exhibit colloidal LC states. In this Account, we focused on the material design and hierarchical
aspects of biomineral-based colloidal LC polymer/inorganic composites.
We describe the design and preparation, nanostructures, and self-assembled
behavior of these new bioinspired and biocompatible self-organized
materials. The characterization results for these self-assembled nanostructured
colloidal liquid crystals found using high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and neutron scattering
and rheological measurements are also reported. The functions of these
biomineral-inspired liquid crystals are presented. Because these biomineral-based
LC colloidal liquid crystals can be prepared under mild and aqueous
conditions and they consist of environmentally friendly and biocompatible
components, new functions are expected for these materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano 380-8553, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pal A, De Filippo CA, Ito T, Kamal MA, Petukhov AV, De Michele C, Schurtenberger P. Shape Matters in Magnetic-Field-Assisted Assembly of Prolate Colloids. ACS NANO 2022; 16:2558-2568. [PMID: 35138802 PMCID: PMC8867904 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c09208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An anisotropic colloidal shape in combination with an externally tunable interaction potential results in a plethora of self-assembled structures with potential applications toward the fabrication of smart materials. Here we present our investigation on the influence of an external magnetic field on the self-assembly of hematite-silica core-shell prolate colloids for two aspect ratios ρ = 2.9 and 3.69. Our study shows a rather counterintuitive but interesting phenomenon, where prolate colloids self-assemble into oblate liquid crystalline (LC) phases. With increasing concentration, particles with smaller ρ reveal a sequence of LC phases involving para-nematic, nematic, smectic, and oriented glass phases. The occurrence of a smectic phase for colloidal ellipsoids has been neither predicted nor reported before. Quantitative shape analysis of the particles together with extensive computer simulations indicate that in addition to ρ, a subtle deviation from the ideal ellipsoidal shape dictates the formation of this unusual sequence of field-induced structures. Particles with ρ = 2.9 exhibit a hybrid shape containing features from both spherocylinders and ellipsoids, which make their self-assembly behavior richer than that observed for either of the "pure" shapes. The shape of the particles with higher ρ matches closely with the ideal ellipsoids, as a result their phase behavior follows the one expected for a "pure" ellipsoidal shape. Using anisotropic building blocks and external fields, our study demonstrates the ramifications of the subtle changes in the particle shape on the field-directed self-assembled structures with externally tunable properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antara Pal
- Division
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | - Carlo Andrea De Filippo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze, Università degli Studi
Roma Tre, Via della Vasca
Navale, 84, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Thiago Ito
- Division
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | - Md. Arif Kamal
- Centre
Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Campus de Luminy − Case 913, 13288 CEDEX 09 Marseille, France
| | - Andrei V. Petukhov
- Van’t
Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
- Laboratory
of Physical Chemistry, Eindhoven University
of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Schurtenberger
- Division
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
- Lund Institute
of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science LINXS, Lund University, Lund SE-22370, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Allahyarli K, Reithofer MR, Cheng F, Young AJ, Kiss E, Tan TTY, Prado-Roller A, Chin JM. Metal-Organic Framework superstructures with long-ranged orientational order via E-field assisted liquid crystal assembly. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 610:1027-1034. [PMID: 34920862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.11.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Most MOFs are non-cubic, with functionality dependent upon crystallographic direction, and are largely prepared as microcrystalline powders. Therefore, general methods to orient and assemble free-standing MOF crystals are especially important and urgently needed. This is addressed here through the novel strategy of E-field assisted liquid crystal assembly, applied to MIL-53-NH2(Al), MIL-68(In) and NU-1000 MOF crystals, with aspect ratios ranging from 10 to 1.2, to form highly oriented MOF superstructures which were photopolymerized to fix their long-ranged order. This new strategy for controlling MOF orientation and packing side-steps the traditional requirements of particle monodispersity, shape homogeneity and high aspect ratios (>4.7) typical of colloidal and liquid crystal assembly, and is applicable even to polydispersed MOF crystals, thereby paving the way towards the development of highly oriented MOF composites with improved functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Allahyarli
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Michael R Reithofer
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Fei Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Young
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Endre Kiss
- Faculty of Chemistry, Core Facility Multimodal Imaging, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-42, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Tristan Tsai Yuan Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, 138634, Singapore
| | - Alexander Prado-Roller
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry - Functional Materials, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Jia Min Chin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Maeda H, Maeda Y. Numerical Studies on Electrostatic Interaction Forces and the Free Energy between Parallel Colloidal Rods of Finite Size in Skewed Configurations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:10159-10165. [PMID: 34369784 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Formulas for interaction forces F(s) and the free energy G(s) between two parallel charged prismatic rods of various scaled values of d, ψs, and L in skewed configurations are obtained, where s is the lengthwise positional difference between the front-end faces of the respective rods, and d is the minimal distance between the opposing faces of the rods, ψs is the electric surface potential, L is the length of the rods. To obtain the free-energy function G(s), (i) 3D spatial distributions of the electric potential ψ around two rods were determined by numerically solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation with a finite element method, (ii) with the ψ distributions so determined, the lengthwise interaction electrostatic Maxwell stress tangential to the midplane between the rods was calculated to obtain the (discrete) s dependence of the stress, and (iii) by introducing two different fitting functions, the discrete s dependence was transformed into a continuous force function, F(s), which was then lengthwise integrated to derive G(s). It was found that the curves of G(s) linearly decreased with increasing s between 1 and L + 1 due to a localization of the stress. Although natural, it is of interest that the values of G(0) calculated for rods of various values of d, ψs, and L were in good agreement with those of the interaction free energy obtained in our preceding work by the widthwise integration of repulsive electrostatic forces normal to the midplane between the parallel rods in nonskewed configurations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideatsu Maeda
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Maeda
- The University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hamon C, Beaudoin E, Launois P, Paineau E. Doping Liquid Crystals of Colloidal Inorganic Nanotubes by Additive-Free Metal Nanoparticles. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:5052-5058. [PMID: 34019414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Doping liquid-crystal phases with nanoparticles is a fast-growing field with potential breakthroughs due to the combination of the properties brought by the two components. One of the main challenges remains the long-term stability of the hybrid system, requiring complex functionalization of the nanoparticles at the expense of their self-assembly properties. Here we demonstrate the successful synthesis of additive-free noble-metal nanoparticles at the surface of charged inorganic nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy confirm the stabilization of metallic nanoparticles on nanotubes. Meanwhile, the spontaneous formation of liquid-crystals phases induced by the nanotubes is observed, even after surface modification with metallic nanoparticles. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments reveal that the average interparticle distance in the resulting hybrids can be easily modulated by controlling electrostatic interactions. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our method for the preparation of homogeneous transparent hybrid films with a high degree of alignment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Hamon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Emmanuel Beaudoin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Pascale Launois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Erwan Paineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, 91405, Orsay, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sonin AS, Churochkina NA, Kaznacheev AV, Golovanov AV. Mesomorphism of Graphene Oxide Dispersions. COLLOID JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061933x21020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
17
|
Das M, Chambon L, Varga Z, Vamvakaki M, Swan JW, Petekidis G. Shear driven vorticity aligned flocs in a suspension of attractive rigid rods. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:1232-1245. [PMID: 33300930 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01576h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A combination of rheology, optical microscopy and computer simulations was used to investigate the microstructural changes of a semi-dilute suspension of attractive rigid rods in an imposed shear flow. The aim is to understand the relation of the microstructure with the viscoelastic response, and the yielding and flow behaviour in different shear regimes of gels built from rodlike colloids. A semi-dilute suspension of micron sized, rodlike silica particles suspended in 11 M CsCl salt solution was used as a model system for attractive rods' gel. Upon application of steady shear the gel microstructure rearranges in different states and exhibits flow instabilities depending on shear rate, attraction strength, volume fraction and geometrical confinement. At low rod volume fractions, the suspension forms large, vorticity aligned, particle rich flocs that roll in the flow-vorticity plane, an effect that is due to an interplay between hydrodynamic interactions and geometrical confinement as suggested by computer simulations. Experimental data allow the creation of a state diagram, as a function of volume fraction and shear rates, identifying regimes of stable (or unstable) floc formation and of homogeneous gel or broken clusters. The transition is related to dimensionless Mason number, defined as the ratio of shear forces to interparticle attractive force.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Das
- IESL - FORTH and Department of Material Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR - 71110, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Lucille Chambon
- IESL - FORTH and Department of Material Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR - 71110, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Zsigmond Varga
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maria Vamvakaki
- IESL - FORTH and Department of Material Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR - 71110, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - James W Swan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - George Petekidis
- IESL - FORTH and Department of Material Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR - 71110, Heraklion, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang S, Chen Y, Zhou X, Lei L, Shah ZH, Lin G, Gao Y. Magnetic Manipulation and Assembly of Nonmagnetic Colloidal Rods in a Ferrofluid. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:1429-1437. [PMID: 33464908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated experimentally and theoretically the interactions and assembly of rodlike colloids in a ferrofluid confined at solid/liquid interface by the gravity under external magnetic fields. We first derived analytical expressions for the interaction energy of a single rod with the external magnetic field and the interaction between two rods using classical electromagnetism. The theory well captured the experimentally observed alignment of a single rod along the field direction under an in-plane field and switching between the horizontal and the vertical configurations in an out-of-plane field due to the competition between the magnetic energy and the gravitational energy. The theory can also predict the symmetric position fluctuations of a free rod on a fixed one at 90° and the gradual bias toward the end of the fixed rod as the angle was reduced to 0°, favoring the tip-toe arrangement. Finally, we showed that this anisotropic interaction led to the formation of chain-like structures, whose growth kinetics followed a simple scaling behavior with time. This work provides a theoretical framework for understanding the behaviors of rodlike colloids in ferrofluids and highlights the importance of shape anisotropy in manipulating colloids and their self-assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xuemao Zhou
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lijie Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zameer Hussain Shah
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Guanhua Lin
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Avenue 3688, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sano K, Igarashi N, Ebina Y, Sasaki T, Hikima T, Aida T, Ishida Y. A mechanically adaptive hydrogel with a reconfigurable network consisting entirely of inorganic nanosheets and water. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6026. [PMID: 33247096 PMCID: PMC7699623 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although various biomimetic soft materials that display structural hierarchies and stimuli responsiveness have been developed from organic materials, the creation of their counterparts consisting entirely of inorganic materials presents an attractive challenge, as the properties of such materials generally differ from those of living organisms. Here, we have developed a hydrogel consisting of inorganic nanosheets (14 wt%) and water (86 wt%) that undergoes thermally induced reversible and abrupt changes in its internal structure and mechanical elasticity (23-fold). At room temperature, the nanosheets in water electrostatically repel one another and self-assemble into a long-periodic lamellar architecture with mutually restricted mobility, forming a physical hydrogel. Upon heating above 55 °C, the electrostatic repulsion is overcome by competing van der Waals attraction, and the nanosheets rearrange into an interconnected 3D network of another hydrogel. By doping the gel with a photothermal-conversion agent, the gel-to-gel transition becomes operable spatiotemporally on photoirradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Sano
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Naoki Igarashi
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yasuo Ebina
- National Institute for Materials Science, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Sasaki
- National Institute for Materials Science, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hikima
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
| | - Takuzo Aida
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Ishida
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tan J, Liu Y, Gong J, Jin X, Cheng C, Zhang R, Chen M. Non-aqueous liquid crystals of hydroxyapatite nanorods. Acta Biomater 2020; 116:383-390. [PMID: 32920176 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanorods in the collagen matrix of bone have a macroscopically ordered structure that has many similarities to the ordered structure of anisotropic nano-units in inorganic liquid crystals (LCs). Inspired by these similarities, we conducted the first (to our best knowledge) synthesis of HA LCs in non-polar solvents (such as cyclohexane and toluene), thus expanding the range of applicable monomers and polymers. We synthesized HA nanorods by a simple, effective, and oleic-acid-assisted hydrothermal route. The hydrothermal temperature directly modulates the aspect ratio of the HA nanorods, and indirectly modulates their LC behavior. The LC phase transition has no size limitation. Thus, our approach may be used to develop high solid content, macroscopically assembled, large-scale polymer-based bio(mimetic)-materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Tan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China
| | - Jing Gong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Lightweight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P. R. China
| | - Minfang Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Parisi D, Seo J, Nazari B, Schaake RP, Rhoades AM, Colby RH. Shear-Induced Isotropic-Nematic Transition in Poly(ether ether ketone) Melts. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:950-956. [PMID: 35648606 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In a previous work on a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) melt, above its nominal melting temperature (Tm ≅ 335 °C), a severe Cox-Merz rule failure was observed. The abrupt decrease in the apparent shear viscosity was ascribed to the formation of flow-induced crystallization precursors. Here shear rheology and reflection polariscope experiments are utilized to unravel the structural changes occurring under shear on a similar PEEK melt above Tm. Three regimes of the flow curve were identified from low (0.01 s-1) to high shear rates (1000 s-1): (I) an isotropic structure with weak birefringence due to polymer chain orientation and mild shear thinning for γ̇ < 1 s-1, (II) an isotropic-nematic transition accompanied by strong birefringence, two steady-state viscosities, and large nematic polydomain director fluctuations, and (III) shear-thinning behavior with an η ∼ γ̇-0.5 dependence for γ̇ > 20 s-1, typically found in nematic fluids. The findings reported in this experimental work suggest that the nematic phase may represent the early stage of the formation of shear-induced crystallization precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Parisi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jiho Seo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Behzad Nazari
- School of Engineering, Penn State Behrend, Erie, Pennsylvania 16563, United States
| | - Richard P Schaake
- SKF Research & Technology Development, 3992 AE Houten, The Netherlands
| | - Alicyn M Rhoades
- School of Engineering, Penn State Behrend, Erie, Pennsylvania 16563, United States
| | - Ralph H Colby
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kamal MA, Petukhov AV, Pal A. Path-Dependent Self-Assembly of Magnetic Anisotropic Colloidal Peanuts. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:5754-5760. [PMID: 32515962 PMCID: PMC7363168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c03771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Here we present the field induced self-assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles whose shape resembles peanuts. Being made up of hematite core and silica shell, these particles align in a direction perpendicular to the applied external magnetic field. Using small-angle X-ray scattering with microradian resolution (μrad-SAXS) in sedimented samples, we have found that one can tune the self-assembled structures by changing the time of application of the external field. If the field is applied after the sedimentation, the self-assembled structure is a nematic one, while dipolar chains are formed if the field is applied during the sedimentation process. Interestingly, within each chain particles form a smectic phase with defects. Further, these aforementioned nematic and smectic phases are of oblate type in spite of the prolate shape of the individual particles. For dipolar chains, an unusual diffraction peak shape has been observed with highly anisotropic tails in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the external field). The peak shape can be rationalized by considering the fact that the dipolar chains can act as a building block aligned along the field direction to form a para-nematic phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Arif Kamal
- Centre
Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Andrei V. Petukhov
- Van’t
Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Utrecht University, 3512 JE Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antara Pal
- Division
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dekker F, González García Á, Philipse AP, Tuinier R. Phase stability of dispersions of hollow silica nanocubes mediated by non-adsorbing polymers. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2020; 43:38. [PMID: 32556853 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2020-11962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although there are theoretical predictions (Eur. Phys. J. E 41, 110 (2018)) for the rich-phase behaviour of colloidal cubes mixed with non-adsorbing polymers, a thorough verification of this phase behaviour is still underway; experimental studies on mixtures of cubes and non-adsorbing polymers in bulk are scarce. In this paper, mixtures of hollow silica nanocubes and linear polystyrene in N,-N-dimethylformamide are used to measure the structure factor of the colloidal cubes as a function of non-adsorbing polymer concentration. Together with visual observations these structure factors enabled us to assess the depletion-mediated phase stability of cube-polymer mixtures. The theoretical and experimental phase boundaries for cube-depletant mixtures are in remarkable agreement, despite the simplifications underlying the theory employed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Dekker
- Van 't Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Padulaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Á González García
- Van 't Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Padulaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A P Philipse
- Van 't Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Padulaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Tuinier
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nakayama M, Kajiyama S, Kumamoto A, Ikuhara Y, Kato T. Bioinspired selective synthesis of liquid-crystalline nanocomposites: formation of calcium carbonate-based composite nanodisks and nanorods. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:2326-2332. [PMID: 36133376 PMCID: PMC9417261 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00130a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Here we report new organic/inorganic hybrid colloidal liquid crystals that consist of colloidal calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hybrid nanodisks. We selectively synthesized anisotropic liquid-crystalline CaCO3-based nanodisk and nanorod composites in water/methanol mixtures, which formed discotic and calamitic nematic liquid crystals in their colloidal dispersions, respectively. The vaterite nanodisks and calcite nanorods were selectively synthesized in methanol-rich and water-rich solutions, respectively. The observation of these materials with transmission electron microscopy clarified the atomic-scale structures of these nanodisks and nanorods, revealing the self-organized CaCO3/PAA hybrid structures with the ability to form colloidal liquid crystals. The liquid crystals were prepared under mild and aqueous conditions by methods using acidic polymers inspired by the biomineralization process. The present approach provides new insights into the design of organic/inorganic hybrid colloidal liquid crystals and development of environmentally friendly functional hybrid materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Satoshi Kajiyama
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Akihito Kumamoto
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Yuichi Ikuhara
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Maeda H, Maeda Y. Numerical Studies on Electrical Interaction Forces and Free Energy between Colloidal Plates of Finite Size. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:214-222. [PMID: 31887049 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
By solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation with a finite element method (FEM), three-dimensional (3D) spatial distributions of the electric potential (ψ, scaled) in electrolyte solutions having two charged parallel finite plates (including cubes and prismatic rods) are determined for various separations (d, scaled by the Debye length, κ-1), surface potentials (ψs), and plate dimensions (length × width × thickness, each scaled by κ-1). The total interaction force between two plates, F, is the sum of the electrostatic double-layer (EDL) repulsion (the osmotic pressure, Fosm) and the Maxwell electrostatic stress (Fes). The EDL repulsion is estimated using the distribution of ψ not only between the facing surfaces of two parallel plates but also around the other extremities of the plates. The Maxwell stress (Fes) is localized near the extremities to act as a repulsive force on the midplane between the two plates. The ratio Fes/F is 0.07-0.5, depending on d, ψs, and dimensions. It is found that, with increasing dimensions, the total F values per unit area calculated for finite plates, F̃, decreasingly approach the exact ones for parallel infinite plates, F̃inf; for example, at d = 1 and ψs = 5, the ratio F̃/F̃inf is 2.83 for plates with dimensions of 1 × 1 × 1 and 1.18 for plates of 10 × 10 × 1. The repulsions arising from the extremities cannot be neglected for plates with dimensions <10 × 10 × 1. Furthermore, the total interaction forces (F) are calculated at a series of discrete d values, respectively, for parallel plates. We introduce a force fitting function, Ff(d), with parameters that can be determined so that Ff(d) fits well to the calculated serial F values. By integrating the Ff(d), we obtain the interaction free energy, G(d), for finite parallel plates that consists of two Γ functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideatsu Maeda
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) , 1-1-1 Higashi , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8566 , Japan
| | - Yoshiko Maeda
- The University of Tsukuba , 1-1-1 Tennodai , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8574 , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Parisi D, Ruan Y, Ochbaum G, Silmore KS, Cullari LL, Liu CY, Bitton R, Regev O, Swan JW, Loppinet B, Vlassopoulos D. Short and Soft: Multidomain Organization, Tunable Dynamics, and Jamming in Suspensions of Grafted Colloidal Cylinders with a Small Aspect Ratio. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:17103-17113. [PMID: 31793788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b03025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The yet virtually unexplored class of soft colloidal rods with a small aspect ratio is investigated and shown to exhibit a very rich phase and dynamic behavior, spanning from liquid to nearly melt state. Instead of the nematic order, these short and soft nanocylinders alter their organization with increasing concentration from isotropic liquid with random orientation to small domains with preferred local orientation and eventually a multidomain arrangement with a local orientational order. The latter gives rise to a kinetically suppressed state akin to structural glass with detectable terminal relaxation, which, on further increasing concentration, reveals features of hexagonally packed order as in ordered block copolymers. The respective dynamic response comprises four regimes, all above the overlapping concentration of 0.02 g/mL:(I) from 0.03 to 0.1 g/mol, the system undergoes a liquid-to-solidlike transition with a structural relaxation time that grows by 4 orders of magnitude. (II) From 0.1 to 0.2 g/mL, a dramatic slowing-down is observed and is accompanied by an evolution from isotropic to a multidomain structure. (III) Between 0.2 and 0.6 g/mol, the suspensions exhibit signatures of shell interpenetration and jamming, with the colloidal plateau modulus depending linearly on concentration. (IV) At 0.74 g/mL, in the densely jammed state, the viscoelastic signature of hexagonally packed cylinders from microphase-separated block copolymers is detected. These properties set short and soft nanocylinders apart from long colloidal rods (with a large aspect ratio) and provide insights for fundamentally understanding the physics in this intermediate soft colloidal regime and for tailoring the flow properties of nonspherical soft colloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Parisi
- Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH , Heraklion 71110 , Crete , Greece
- Department of Materials Science & Technology , University of Crete , Heraklion 71003 , Crete , Greece
| | - Yingbo Ruan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry , The Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Guy Ochbaum
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Ilze Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105 , Israel
| | - Kevin S Silmore
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge 02139 , Massachusetts , United States
| | - Lucas L Cullari
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Ilze Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105 , Israel
| | - Chen-Yang Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry , The Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Ronit Bitton
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Ilze Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105 , Israel
| | - Oren Regev
- Department of Chemical Engineering and the Ilze Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105 , Israel
| | - James W Swan
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge 02139 , Massachusetts , United States
| | - Benoit Loppinet
- Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH , Heraklion 71110 , Crete , Greece
| | - Dimitris Vlassopoulos
- Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH , Heraklion 71110 , Crete , Greece
- Department of Materials Science & Technology , University of Crete , Heraklion 71003 , Crete , Greece
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mouri E, Irie A, Nakato T. Electric-Alignment Immobilization of Liquid Crystalline Colloidal Nanosheets with the Aid of a Natural Organic Polymer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:7003-7008. [PMID: 31055925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic nanosheets obtained by exfoliation of a layered crystal in water form colloidal liquid crystals, and their alignment can be controlled by an electric field. In order to realize the immobilization of the electrically aligned niobate nanosheets without external forces, an aqueous gelator, agar, is introduced to the niobate nanosheet system to utilize the thermosensitive sol-gel transition property of agar. Alignment of nanosheets in a niobate-agar system is performed by applying an electric field above the sol-gel transition temperature, and then, the sample is cooled down, followed by cooling below the transition temperature with the electric field turned off. The aligned structure is kept for more than 24 h after the removal of the electric field. The concentration of agar is a key parameter for both the orientation of nanosheets and the retention of the orientation.
Collapse
|
28
|
Fernández-Rico C, Yanagishima T, Curran A, Aarts DGAL, Dullens RPA. Synthesis of Colloidal SU-8 Polymer Rods Using Sonication. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1807514. [PMID: 30869177 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201807514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The bulk synthesis of fluorescent colloidal SU-8 polymer rods with tunable dimensions is described. The colloidal SU-8 rods are prepared by shearing an emulsion of SU-8 polymer droplets and then exposing the resulting non-Brownian rods to ultrasonic waves, which breaks them into colloidal rods with typical lengths of 3.5-10 µm and diameters of 0.4-1 µm. The rods are stable in both aqueous and apolar solvents, and by varying the composition of apolar solvent mixtures both the difference in refractive index and mass density between particles and solvent can be independently controlled. Consequently, these colloidal SU-8 rods can be used in both 3D confocal microscopy and optical trapping experiments while carefully tuning the effect of gravity. This is demonstrated by using confocal microscopy to image the liquid crystalline phases and the isotropic-nematic interface formed by the colloidal SU-8 rods and by optically trapping single rods in water. Finally, the simultaneous confocal imaging and optical manipulation of multiple SU-8 rods in the isotropic phase is shown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fernández-Rico
- Department of Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Taiki Yanagishima
- Department of Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Arran Curran
- Department of Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Dirk G A L Aarts
- Department of Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Roel P A Dullens
- Department of Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tan J, Jin X, Chen M. Bio-inspired synthesis of aqueous nanoapatite liquid crystals. Sci Rep 2019; 9:466. [PMID: 30679530 PMCID: PMC6345739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The macroscopically ordered structure of rod-like nanoapatites within the collagen matrix is of great significance for the mechanical performance of bones and teeth. However, the synthesis of macroscopically ordered nanoapatite remains a challenge. Inspired by the effect of citrate molecules on apatite crystals in natural bone and the similarities between these ordered rod-like nanoapatites and the nematic phase of inorganic liquid crystals (LCs), we synthesized aqueous liquid crystal from rod-like nanoapatites with the aid of sodium citrate. Following a similar procedure, aqueous Mg(OH)2 and Mg3(PO4)2 LCs were also prepared. These findings lay the foundation for the fabrication of macroscopically assembled nanoapatite-based functional materials for biomedical applications and offer a green chemical synthesis platform for the development of new types of inorganic LCs. This process may reduce the difficulties in synthesizing large quantities of inorganic LCs so that they can be applied to the fabrication of functional materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Tan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Light-weight Materials and Processing, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, P. R. China.
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Minfang Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bagnani M, Nyström G, De Michele C, Mezzenga R. Amyloid Fibrils Length Controls Shape and Structure of Nematic and Cholesteric Tactoids. ACS NANO 2019; 13:591-600. [PMID: 30543398 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b07557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils offer the possibility of controlling their contour length, aspect ratio, and length distribution, without affecting other structural parameters. Here we show that a fine control in the contour length distribution of β-lactoglobulin amyloid fibrils, achieved by mechanical shear stresses of different levels, translates into the organization of tactoids of different shapes and morphologies. While longer fibrils lead to highly elongated nematic tactoids in an isotropic continuous matrix, only sufficiently shortened amyloid fibrils lead to cholesteric droplets. The progressive decrease in amyloid fibrils length leads to a linear decrease of the anchoring strength and homogeneous tactoid → bipolar tactoid → cholesteric droplet transitions. Upon fibrils length increase, we first find experimentally and predict theoretically a decrease of the cholesteric pitch, before full disappearance of the cholesteric phase. The latter is understood to arise from the decrease of the energy barrier separating cholesteric and nematic phases over thermal energy for progressively longer, semiflexible fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bagnani
- Department of Health Science and Technology , ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, LFO E23 Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
| | - Gustav Nyström
- Department of Health Science and Technology , ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, LFO E23 Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
| | - Cristiano De Michele
- Dipartimento di Fisica , "Sapienza" Università di Roma , P.le A. Moro 2 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Department of Health Science and Technology , ETH Zurich , Schmelzbergstrasse 9, LFO E23 Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
- Department of Materials , ETH Zurich , Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10 , Zurich 8093 , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Modarres MH, Engelke S, Jo C, Seveno D, De Volder M. Self-Assembly of Hybrid Nanorods for Enhanced Volumetric Performance of Nanoparticles in Li-Ion Batteries. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:228-234. [PMID: 30521349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b03741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of nanosize active particles in Li-ion batteries are currently ambiguous. They are acclaimed for enhancing the cyclability of certain electrode materials and for improving rate performance. However, at the same time, nanoparticles are criticized for causing side reactions as well as for their low packing density and, therefore, poor volumetric battery performance. This paper demonstrates for the first time that self-assembly can be used to pack nanoparticles into dense battery electrodes with up to 4-fold higher volumetric capacities. Furthermore, despite the dense packing of the self-assembled electrodes, they retain a higher volumetric capacity than randomly dispersed nanoparticles up to rates of 5 C. Finally, we did not observe substential degradation in capacity after 1000 cycles, and post-mortem analysis indicates that the self-assembled structures are maintained during cycling. Therefore, the proposed self-assembled electrodes profit from the advantages of nanostructured battery materials without compromising the volumetric performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Modarres
- Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 17 Charles Babbage Road , Cambridge , CB3 0FS , United Kingdom
| | - Simon Engelke
- Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 17 Charles Babbage Road , Cambridge , CB3 0FS , United Kingdom
- Cambridge Graphene Centre , University of Cambridge , 9 JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge , CB3 0FA , United Kingdom
| | - Changshin Jo
- Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 17 Charles Babbage Road , Cambridge , CB3 0FS , United Kingdom
| | - David Seveno
- Department of Materials Engineering , KU Leuven , Kasteelpark Arenberg 44 - bus 2450 , B-3001 Heverlee , Belgium
| | - Michael De Volder
- Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 17 Charles Babbage Road , Cambridge , CB3 0FS , United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kato R, Kakugo A, Shikinaka K, Ohsedo Y, Kabir AMR, Miyamoto N. Liquid Crystalline Colloidal Mixture of Nanosheets and Rods with Dynamically Variable Length. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:14869-14874. [PMID: 30555995 PMCID: PMC6289543 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Here, we demonstrate the novel double-component liquid crystalline colloids composed of mesogenic inorganic nanosheets and the rods with dynamically variable length controlled by temperature. As the length-controllable rod, stiff biopolymer microtubule is used, which was successfully polymerized/depolymerized from tubulin proteins through a biochemical process even in the presence of the nanosheets. The mesoscopic structure of the liquid crystal phase was reversibly modifiable as caused by the change of the rod length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riki Kato
- Department
of Material Science and Production Engineering, Graduate School of Fukuoka Institute of Technology, 3-30-1 Wajiro-Higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 811-0295, Japan
| | - Akira Kakugo
- Faculty
of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-10, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
- Graduate
School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-10, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
- E-mail: (A.K.)
| | - Kazuhiro Shikinaka
- Research
Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Nigatake, 4-2-1, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-8551, Japan
| | - Yutaka Ohsedo
- Center
for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Ashikaga
University, 286-1 Omae-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-8558, Japan
| | - Arif Md. Rashedul Kabir
- Faculty
of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-10, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
- Graduate
School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-10, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Miyamoto
- Department
of Material Science and Production Engineering, Graduate School of Fukuoka Institute of Technology, 3-30-1 Wajiro-Higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 811-0295, Japan
- Department
of Life, Environment and Materials Chemistry, Fukuoka Institute of Technology, 3-30-1 Wajiro-Higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 811-0295, Japan
- Laboratoire
de Physique des Solides, UMR CNRS 8502, Bâtiment 510, Université
Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France
- E-mail: (N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nascimento ES. Nematic-isotropic transition in a density-functional theory for hard spheroidal colloids. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2018; 41:136. [PMID: 30467606 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2018-11746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a density-functional formalism based on the Parsons-Lee and the generalized van der Waals theories in order to describe the thermodynamics of anisotropic particle systems with steric interactions. For ellipsoids of revolution, the orientational distribution function is obtained by minimizing the free energy functional and the equations of state are determined. The system exhibits a nematic-isotropic discontinuous transition, characterized by a phase separation between nematic and isotropic phases at finite as well low packing fractions. The model presents a phase behavior which is in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations for finite aspect ratios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E S Nascimento
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, 05314-970, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sui J, Doi M, Ding Y. Dynamics of the floating nematic phase formation in platelet suspension with thickness polydispersity by sedimentation. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:8956-8961. [PMID: 30364923 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01177j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An inverted phase coexistence, where an ordered phase appears on top of a disordered phase, has been observed in polydisperse colloidal suspensions. Herein, we studied the dynamics of this phenomenon in a suspension of a mixture of two types of platelets, namely, thick and thin. We show that the thick platelets preferentially sediment first excluding the thin platelets, and create a region enriched with thin platelets at some place above the bottom, which eventually gives the inverted configuration. We show that such interplay between the sedimentation and the isotropic-nematic phase transition can cause a rich and complex sedimentation dynamic. Depending on the initial concentration and the gravity strength, the interface between the isotropic phase and the nematic phase can move up or down during the sedimentation, and a variety of final equilibrium structures can appear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jize Sui
- Center of Soft Matter Physics and its Applications, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pospisil MJ, Saha P, Abdulquddos S, Noor MM, Davis VA, Green MJ. Orientation Relaxation Dynamics in Cellulose Nanocrystal Dispersions in the Chiral Liquid Crystalline Phase. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:13274-13282. [PMID: 30301352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A Landau-de Gennes formulation was implemented in dynamic finite element simulations to compare with postshear relaxation experiments that were conducted on cholesteric cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) dispersions. Our study focused on the microstructural reassembly of CNCs in lyotropic dispersions as parameters such as chiral strength and gap confinement were varied. Our simulation results show that homeotropic and/or more complicated three-dimensional helical configurations are possible, depending on the choice of these parameters. We also observed how dynamic banding patterns develop into the hierarchical microstructures that are characterized by an equilibrium pitch length in both the experiments and simulations. This work has immediate relevance for cellulose nanocrystal dispersion processing and provides new insight into fluid phase ordering for tailorable optical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Pospisil
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering , Texas A&M University , College Station , Texas 77843 , United States
| | - Partha Saha
- Samuel Ginn Department of Chemical Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama 36849 , United States
| | - Suhaib Abdulquddos
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering , Texas A&M University , College Station , Texas 77843 , United States
| | - Matthew M Noor
- Samuel Ginn Department of Chemical Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama 36849 , United States
| | - Virginia A Davis
- Samuel Ginn Department of Chemical Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama 36849 , United States
| | - Micah J Green
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering , Texas A&M University , College Station , Texas 77843 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang J, Morisaka K, Kumamoto T, Mouri E, Nakato T. Electrolyte-dependence of the macroscopic textures generated in the colloidal liquid crystals of niobate nanosheets. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
37
|
Sui J, Ding Y, Doi M. Dynamics of liquid crystalline phase transition in sedimenting platelet-like particles. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:3049-3056. [PMID: 29652416 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00254a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
When a suspension of platelet-like particles sediment in a closed container, the particles undergo isotropic-nematic phase transition (I-N transition), and there appears a clear interface between the isotropic phase and the nematic phase. Usually the interface moves from bottom to top since the nematic phase appears and grows at the bottom, but it has been observed that in some situations the interface moves from top to bottom. Here, we study the dynamics of the interface by solving the non-equilibrium diffusion equation for the concentration of platelet-like particles, and show that the I-N interface can move upward (rising interface) or downward (falling interface) depending on whether the initial concentration is less than the critical concentration of I-N transition or more than it. We give a simple analysis theory for the motion of the interface in each case, which agrees well with the numerical calculations. We also show that the numerical results are in reasonable agreement with existing experimental measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jize Sui
- Center of Soft Matter Physics and its Applications, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chang C, Zhao Y, Liu Y, An L. Liquid crystallinity of carbon nanotubes. RSC Adv 2018; 8:15780-15795. [PMID: 35539493 PMCID: PMC9080064 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra00879e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we first briefly recapitulate the orientation characteristics of liquid crystalline carbon nanotubes (CNTs), emphasizing their inherent properties. Both the high Young's modulus and the strong attractive interaction between them make the liquid crystallinity apt to show splay deformations (splay defects). It is these defects that often produce apparent low-order structures for long and deformed nanotubes. However, the application of doping, shearing, magnetic or electric fields will be efficient routes toward highly ordered CNT assemblies from such defects. Then, we describe the electrical behavior of CNTs in the electric field, which combines desirable features of the CNTS with those of classical liquid crystals (LCs). An electric field will generate an induced dipole moment on CNTs and align them in the field direction, minimizing the dipolar energy. Finally, we review the potential application of CNTs in the area of liquid crystal displays (LCD). In the LC cell unit, CNTs as dopants in LC layers can have compatible stability with LCs, with the orientation consistent and with surprising complementary advantages. And also CNT films as nanostructured electrodes can substitute ITO electrodes in the LC cell unit, exhibiting a strong electrical anisotropy due to their excellent axial conductivity. Furthermore, CNT films as an alignment layer have the potential to replace the traditional PI film, aligning LC molecules effectively along the direction of the nanotubes. Besides, CNTs acting as polarizers can absorb or transmit incident light when the electric vector propagates parallel or perpendicular to the nanotube axis. All of these applications demonstrate that CNTs in LC ordering will effectively improve the performance of materials and their related devices. Thus, we should improve the ordering of CNT assemblies as far as possible, which is critical to make full use of their exceptional axial properties and further to develop novel materials and applications successfully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunrui Chang
- North China University of Science and Technology, College of Science Tangshan 063009 China +86 18032513036
| | - Ying Zhao
- Hebei Milestone Electronic Material Limited Company, Research and Development Department of Liquid Crystal Mixture Shijiazhuang 050600 China
| | - Ying Liu
- North China University of Science and Technology, College of Science Tangshan 063009 China +86 18032513036
| | - Libao An
- North China University of Science and Technology, College of Mechanical Engineering Tangshan 063009 China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kato T, Uchida J, Ichikawa T, Sakamoto T. Von funktionellen Flüssigkristallen zur nächsten Generation von Materialien. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201711163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ichikawa
- Department of Biotechnology Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho Koganei Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
- PRESTO (Japan) Science and Technology Agency (JST) 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi 332-0012 Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kato T, Uchida J, Ichikawa T, Sakamoto T. Functional Liquid Crystals towards the Next Generation of Materials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [PMID: 29534321 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201711163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the liquid-crystalline state in 1888, liquid crystal science has made great advances through fusion with various technologies and disciplines. Recently, new molecular design strategies and new self-assembled structures have been developed as a result of the progress made in synthetic procedures and characterization techniques. Since these liquid crystals exhibit new functions and properties derived from their nanostructures and alignment, a variety of new functions for liquid crystals, such as transport for energy applications, separation for environmental applications, chromism, sensing, electrooptical effects, actuation, and templating have been proposed. This Review presents recent advances of liquid crystals that should contribute to the next generation of materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ichikawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.,PRESTO (Japan) Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nakayama M, Kajiyama S, Kumamoto A, Nishimura T, Ikuhara Y, Yamato M, Kato T. Stimuli-responsive hydroxyapatite liquid crystal with macroscopically controllable ordering and magneto-optical functions. Nat Commun 2018; 9:568. [PMID: 29422609 PMCID: PMC5805687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02932-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystals are mostly formed by self-assembly of organic molecules. In contrast, inorganic materials available as liquid crystals are limited. Here we report the development of liquid-crystalline (LC) hydroxyapatite (HAp), which is an environmentally friendly and biocompatible biomineral. Its alignment behavior, magneto-optical properties, and atomic-scale structures are described. We successfully induce LC properties into aqueous colloidal dispersions of rod-shaped HAp by controlling the morphology of the material using acidic macromolecules. These LC HAp nanorod materials are macroscopically oriented in response to external magnetic fields and mechanical forces. We achieve magnetic modulation of the optical transmission by dynamic control of the LC order. Atomic-scale observations using transmission electron microscopy show the self-organized inorganic/organic hybrid structures of mesogenic nanorods. HAp liquid crystals have potential as bio-friendly functional materials because of their facile preparation, the bio-friendliness of HAp, and the stimuli-responsive properties of these colloidal ordered fluids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kajiyama
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Akihito Kumamoto
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Nishimura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ikuhara
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yamato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nack A, Seifert J, Passow C, Wagner J. Hindered nematic alignment of hematite spindles in poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels: a small-angle X-ray scattering and rheology study. J Appl Crystallogr 2018. [DOI: 10.1107/s1600576717017411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Field-induced changes to the mesostructure of ferrogels consisting of spindle-shaped hematite particles and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Related field-induced changes to the macroscopic viscoelastic properties of these composites are probed by means of oscillatory shear experiments in an external magnetic field. Because of their magnetic moment and magnetic anisotropy, the hematite spindles align with their long axis perpendicular to the direction of an external magnetic field. The field-induced torque acting on the magnetic particles leads to an elastic deformation of the hydrogel matrix. Thus, the field-dependent orientational distribution functions of anisotropic particles acting as microrheological probes depend on the elastic modulus of the hydrogel matrix. The orientational distribution functions are determined by means of SAXS experiments as a function of the varying flux density of an external magnetic field. With increasing elasticity of the hydrogels, tunedviathe polymer volume fraction and the crosslinking density, the field-induced alignment of these anisotropic magnetic particles is progressively hindered. The microrheological results are in accordance with macrorheological experiments indicating increasing elasticity with increasing flux density of an external field.
Collapse
|
43
|
Liu K, Greitemann J, Pollet L. Generic first-order phase transitions between isotropic and orientational phases with polyhedral symmetries. Phys Rev E 2018; 97:012706. [PMID: 29448474 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.97.012706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyhedral nematics are examples of exotic orientational phases that possess a complex internal symmetry, representing highly nontrivial ways of rotational symmetry breaking, and are subject to current experimental pursuits in colloidal and molecular systems. The classification of these phases has been known for a long time; however, their transitions to the disordered isotropic liquid phase remain largely unexplored, except for a few symmetries. In this work, we utilize a recently introduced non-Abelian gauge theory to explore the nature of the underlying nematic-isotropic transition for all three-dimensional polyhedral nematics. The gauge theory can readily be applied to nematic phases with an arbitrary point-group symmetry, including those where traditional Landau methods and the associated lattice models may become too involved to implement owing to a prohibitive order-parameter tensor of high rank or (the absence of) mirror symmetries. By means of exhaustive Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the nematic-isotropic transition is generically first-order for all polyhedral symmetries. Moreover, we show that this universal result is fully consistent with our expectation from a renormalization group approach, as well as with other lattice models for symmetries already studied in the literature. We argue that extreme fine tuning is required to promote those transitions to second-order ones. We also comment on the nature of phase transitions breaking the O(3) symmetry in general cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Munich, Theresienstrasse 37, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Greitemann
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Munich, Theresienstrasse 37, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Lode Pollet
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Munich, Theresienstrasse 37, 80333 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Celebre G, D'Urso C, Porto M. Extensive molecular field theoretical investigation of thermotropic biaxial nematics composed of board-like (D) molecules in the partially repulsive regime of orientational interactions. J Mol Liq 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2017.10.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
45
|
Haywood AD, Weigandt KM, Saha P, Noor M, Green MJ, Davis VA. New insights into the flow and microstructural relaxation behavior of biphasic cellulose nanocrystal dispersions from RheoSANS. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:8451-8462. [PMID: 29087424 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm00685c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been studied as nanostructured building blocks for functional materials and function as a model nanomaterial mesogen for cholesteric (chiral nematic) liquid crystalline phases. In this study, both rheology and small angle neutron scattering (RheoSANS) were used to measure changes in flow-oriented order parameter and viscosity as a function of shear rate for isotropic, biphasic, liquid crystalline, and gel dispersions of CNC in deuterium oxide (D2O). In contrast to plots of viscosity versus shear rate, the order parameter trends showed three distinct rheological regions over a range of concentrations. This finding is significant because the existence of three rheological regions as a function of shear rate is a long-standing signature of liquid crystalline phases composed of rod-like polymers, but observing this trend has been elusive for high-concentration dispersions of anisotropic nanomaterials. The results of this work are valuable for guiding the development of processing methodologies for producing ordered materials from CNC dispersions and the broader class of chiral nanomaterial mesogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Haywood
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Patti A, Cuetos A. Monte Carlo simulation of binary mixtures of hard colloidal cuboids. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2017.1402307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Patti
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - A. Cuetos
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Pablo de Olavide University,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Coursault D, Dozov I, Blanc C, Nobili M, Dupont L, Chanéac C, Davidson P. Dispersions of Goethite Nanorods in Aprotic Polar Solvents. MATERIALS 2017; 10:ma10101191. [PMID: 29039797 PMCID: PMC5666997 DOI: 10.3390/ma10101191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Colloidal suspensions of anisotropic nanoparticles can spontaneously self-organize in liquid-crystalline phases beyond some concentration threshold. These phases often respond to electric and magnetic fields. At lower concentrations, usual isotropic liquids are observed but they can display very strong Kerr and Cotton-Mouton effects (i.e., field-induced particle orientation). For many examples of these colloidal suspensions, the solvent is water, which hinders most electro-optic applications. Here, for goethite (α-FeOOH) nanorod dispersions, we show that water can be replaced by polar aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), without loss of colloidal stability. By polarized-light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and electro-optic measurements, we found that the nematic phase, with its field-response properties, is retained. Moreover, a strong Kerr effect was also observed with isotropic goethite suspensions in these polar aprotic solvents. Furthermore, we found no significant difference in the behavior of both the nematic and isotropic phases between the aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions. Our work shows that goethite nanorod suspensions in polar aprotic solvents, suitable for electro-optic applications, can easily be produced and that they keep all their outstanding properties. It also suggests that this solvent replacement method could be extended to the aqueous colloidal suspensions of other kinds of charged anisotropic nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Coursault
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Ivan Dozov
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
| | - Christophe Blanc
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Maurizio Nobili
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Laurent Dupont
- IMT Atlantique, Optics Department, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, CS 83818, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France.
| | - Corinne Chanéac
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, CNRS, Collège de France, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Patrick Davidson
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dierking I, Al-Zangana S. Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Phases from Anisotropic Nanomaterials. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 7:E305. [PMID: 28974025 PMCID: PMC5666470 DOI: 10.3390/nano7100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals are an integral part of a mature display technology, also establishing themselves in other applications, such as spatial light modulators, telecommunication technology, photonics, or sensors, just to name a few of the non-display applications. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend to add various nanomaterials to liquid crystals, which is motivated by several aspects of materials development. (i) addition of nanomaterials can change and thus tune the properties of the liquid crystal; (ii) novel functionalities can be added to the liquid crystal; and (iii) the self-organization of the liquid crystalline state can be exploited to template ordered structures or to transfer order onto dispersed nanomaterials. Much of the research effort has been concentrated on thermotropic systems, which change order as a function of temperature. Here we review the other side of the medal, the formation and properties of ordered, anisotropic fluid phases, liquid crystals, by addition of shape-anisotropic nanomaterials to isotropic liquids. Several classes of materials will be discussed, inorganic and mineral liquid crystals, viruses, nanotubes and nanorods, as well as graphene oxide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Dierking
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sonin AS, Churochkina NA, Kaznacheev AV, Golovanov AV. Mineral liquid crystals. COLLOID JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061933x17040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
50
|
Nakato T, Nono Y, Mouri E. Textural diversity of hierarchical macroscopic structures of colloidal liquid crystalline nanosheets organized under electric fields. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.02.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|