Functionalized Graphene Oxide Dispersed Hydrogen Bonded Liquid Crystals Efficient Electro-Optical Switching

Abstract

The formation of monolayer graphene oxide dispersing hydrogen bonded benzoic acid liquid crystals (GDHBLC) nanocomposite film was successfully fabricated by wet chemical solution casting process. We are introducing soft self-assembly of liquid crystalline materials (LC) comprising azelaic acid (AC) with p-n-alkyloxy benzoic acid (nBAO) varying the respective alkyloxy carbon number $(n=5)$ . A sensitive response of the GDLC phase to external stimuli also makes this phase attractive, which is mainly due to extending the applicability of GO and reduced GO to solution processes. Graphene is only one atom thick, optically transparent, chemically inert, and an excellent conductor. These properties seem to make this material an excellent candidate for applications in various photonic devices that require conducting but transparent thin films. However, contrary to expectations, the alignment of GO has been difficult to control through the application of electric fields or surface treatments. In this article, we are exploring liquid crystal device with electrodes made of graphene that shows excellent display performance with a high contrast ratio. New scientific challenges of electro-optical switching have been finely investigated through the studies of texture patterns, dielectric properties and DC conductivity.