Abstract
Monolayer graphene flakes were dispersed at low concentrations into two achiral liquid crystals (LCs) alkoxyphenylbenzoate (9OO4) and 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), separately. The presence of graphene resulted in two types of chiral signatures in the LCs: an electroclinic effect (a polar tilt of the LC director perpendicular to, and linear in, an applied electric field) in the smectic-A phase of 9OO4, and a macroscopic helical twist of the LC director in the nematic phase of 5CB. Graphene flakes generally possess strain chirality and edge chirality. The non-covalent interactions between the LC molecules and chiral graphene flakes induce molecular conformational deracemization in the LC, exhibiting a bulk electroclinic effect and a macroscopic helical twist.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call