Abstract
New asymmetrical Schiff base series based on lateral methoxy group in a central core, (E)-3-methoxy-4-(((4-methoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoate (An), were synthesized and their optical and mesomorphic characteristics were investigated. The lateral OCH3group was inserted in the central ring in ortho position with respect to the azomethine linkage. FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analyses were used to elucidate their molecular structures. Their mesomorphic behaviors were characterized by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These examinations indicated that all the designed series were monomorphic and possessed nematic (N) mesophase enantiotropically, except A12 derivative which exhibited monotropic N phase. A comparative study was made between the present investigated series (An) and their corresponding isomers (Bn). The results revealed that the kind and stability of the mesophase as well as its temperature range are affected by the location and special orientation of the lateral methoxy group electric-resistance, conductance, energy-gap, and Urbach-energy were also reported for the present investigated An series. These results revealed that all electrodes exhibit Ohmic properties and electric-resistances in the GΩ range, whereas the electric resistance was decreased from 221.04 to 44.83 GΩ by lengthening the terminal alkoxy-chain to n = 12. The band gap of the An series was reduced from 3.43 to 2.89 eV by increasing the terminal chain length from n = 6 to n = 12 carbons. Therefore, controlling the length of the terminal chain can be used to improve the An series’ electric conductivity and optical absorption, making it suitable for solar energy applications.
Highlights
Numerous applications are being found for liquid crystals (LCs) due to their ability to undergo molecular orientation changes, such as electromagnetic fields, optical displays, surface modifications, and solar energy applications (Meng et al, 2018; You et al, 2019; Olaleru et al, 2020)
The mesophase characteristics of the synthesized have been investigated via polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
New mesomorphic non-symmetrical homologues series based on a lateral CH3O group in a central core, (E)-3-methoxy-4(((4-methoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoate (An), were synthesized and investigated for their potential in solar energy applications
Summary
Numerous applications are being found for liquid crystals (LCs) due to their ability to undergo molecular orientation changes, such as electromagnetic fields, optical displays, surface modifications, and solar energy applications (Meng et al, 2018; You et al, 2019; Olaleru et al, 2020). Solar Energy Applications of Liquid Crystals shape and mesomorphic properties, as well as their effect on the involved mechanisms of phase transitions (Lagerwall and Giesselmann, 2006). Numerous studies on the applications of organic compounds for photosensitizers in solar cells have been reported (Meng et al, 2018; You et al, 2019; Olaleru et al, 2020). Due to the applications of solar energy, such as catalytic photo-degradation of dyes, solar hydrogen-generation, photo-electrochemical water splitting, and solar cells, band gap engineering and optical property control are critical parameters of interest (Ahmed and Abdalla, 2020; Helmy et al, 2020; Mohamed et al, 2020; Shaban and El Sayed, 2020; Shaban et al, 2020)
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