Tailoring the physical parameters of nematogen using non-mesogenic ferromagnetic unit: dielectric and photoluminescence study

Abstract

Liquid crystals are self-organized anisotropic fluids which exhibit ordered states ranging from nematics to smectics/hexatics. Hybridized liquid crystals with nanoparticles broaden the research area in finding the novel functional devices. Reported herein, the study of highly stable room temperature nematic liquid crystal E7 and carbon-coated cobalt (Co) nanoparticles. Dispersion of 0.50 wt.% Co into E7 has been introduced to tailor the physical parameters of host E7. Dielectric studies have been performed in planar as well as homeotropic cells in the frequency range of 20 Hz–10MHz while photoluminescence spectra have been recorded at excitation wavelength of 325 nm in planar cells. Dielectric studies reveal the change in phase transition temperature and molecular dynamics associated with magnetic nanoparticles doped liquid crystals. Quenching in photoluminescence intensity has been observed with the inclusion of Co nanoparticles due to the formation of non-radiative channels in the composite system. The intercalation of Co nanoparticles into E7 studies manifests the strong correlation between liquid crystals and nanoparticles. Allocation of magnetic attributes onto liquid crystal molecules finds potential applications in advanced magnetic materials, information devices and optical devices.