Aligning the Induced Anisotropy of Isotropic Nanoparticles with Liquid Crystals

Ning, Yifan; Yang, Dai-Bei; Yang, Shengsong; Zhang, Yugang; Saven, Jeffery G.; Murray, Christopher B.

doi:10.1021/jacs.4c16332

Title: Aligning the Induced Anisotropy of Isotropic Nanoparticles with Liquid Crystals

Journal Article · 10 February 2025 · Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c16332 · OSTI ID:2550616

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^[1]; Murray, Christopher B. ^[1]

Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States)
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN)

Thermotropic liquid crystals (LCs) present opportunities for synergistic interactions with ligand-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs). Understanding the dynamics and structures of ligand-coated NPs in an anisotropic LC environment allows for better design and control of versatile LC-NP hybrid materials. Here, simulations and experiments yield direct evidence that cyanobiphenyl LCs induce anisotropy in the biphenylalkyl ligand shells of spherical NPs. The ellipsoidal NP aligns with the LC director. Magnetic fields can dictate the directional ordering of mesogens and consequently allow control of the orientation of the nonmagnetic NPs. Further, controlling the alignment and deformation advances the design and engineering of these hybrid nanomaterials.

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Research Organization:: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN); Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0012704; SC0019282

OSTI ID:: 2550616

Report Number(s):: BNL--227947-2025-JAAM

Journal Information:: Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 147; ISSN 0002-7863

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Aligning the Induced Anisotropy of Isotropic Nanoparticles with Liquid Crystals

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