Emerging assembly of ZnO-nanowires/graphene dispersed liquid crystal for switchable device modulation

Abstract

Abstract The significant role of hydrogen-bonding (H ) interactions in the formation and/or stabilization of liquid crystalline phases have been recognized in recent years and excellent work has been conducted. Following the first and well-established examples of nanomaterials and graphene dispersed liquid crystal (NDLC/GDLC) matrix formation through the dimerization of aromatic carboxylic acids. ZnO-nanowires/graphene dispersed with liquid crystal composites based on H-bonding were explored using a model system. Several classes of hybrid compounds have been prepared by the interaction of complementary molecules, the liquid crystalline behavior of which is crucially dependent on the structure of the resulting supramolecular systems. We present the nanosecond electro-optic response of liquid crystal (LC) in the nematic and isotropic phases. The results demonstrate that in the isotropic phase and both are dielectrically positive and negative liquid crystal belongs to a larger field induced birefringence than in the nematic phase. This also leads to the formation of supramolecular complexes that may exhibit thermotropic liquid crystalline character. Depending on the nature, number and position of the groups able to form hydrogen bonds (H-), a diversity of supramolecular structures, both dimeric and polymeric, have been obtained, affording in turn various liquid crystalline phases. Smart LC cells with electrodes made of graphene, attributes an excellent performance with a high contrast ratio. The feature article investigates the advantages of graphene compared to conventional use metal oxides in terms of low resistivity, high transparency, and chemical stability. Observed various textural phases due to nanostructures and stability of these HBLC hybrid complexes, may have benefits for the ultrafast novel electro-optic applications in smart switchable device modulation, optoelectronic and optical shutters those brand new features well established.