Graphene oxide liquid crystals: synthesis, phase transition, rheological property, and applications in optoelectronics and display.

Feng Lin,Yanan Wang,Xin Tong,Jiming Bao,Zhiming M Wang

doi:10.1186/s11671-015-1139-1

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) liquid crystals (LCs) are macroscopically ordered GO flakes dispersed in water or polar organic solvents. Since the first report in 2011, GO LCs have attracted considerable attention for their basic properties and potential device applications. In this review, we summarize recent developments and present a comprehensive understanding of GO LCs via many aspects ranging from the exfoliation of GO flakes from graphite, to phases and phase transitions under various conditions, the orientational responses of GO under external magnetic and electric fields, and finally Kerr effect and display applications. The emphasis is placed on the unique and basic properties of GO and their ordered assembly. We will also discuss challenges and issues that need to be overcome in order to gain a more fundamental understanding and exploit full device potentials of GO LCs.

Highlights

Graphene oxide (GO) liquid crystals (LCs) are macroscopically ordered GO flakes dispersed in water or polar organic solvents
It was only after the full development of wet chemical exfoliation of GO that GO LCs were discovered, LCs of graphene and carbon nanotubes were already observed in chlorosulfonic acid or sulfuric acid [16,17,18]
GO is unique compared to molecules in conventional LCs in that GO exhibits the largest diameter to thickness aspect ratio and largest shape and optical anisotropy

Summary

Introduction

Graphene oxide (GO) liquid crystals (LCs) are macroscopically ordered GO flakes dispersed in water or polar organic solvents. In “Phase Properties” section, we will discuss the phase diagram, phase transitions, and their dependence on the mass/volume fraction, size/aspect ratio, salt concentration, and pH value.

Results

Conclusion