Mechanochemical nanoparticle functionalization for liquid crystal nanocomposites based on COOH-pyridine heterosynthons

Abstract

Nanoparticle/liquid crystal (NP/LC) composites can be stabilized by hydrogen bonding, a relatively strong, yet reversible interaction allowing for the annealing of defects.

Smart Supramolecular Self-Assembled Nanosystem: Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogen-Bonded Liquid Crystals

“…H-bonds were also used as a linker to combine LC molecules and nanoparticles into a supramolecular whole [ 61 ]. For example, highly specific H-bonding interactions improved the dispersibility and compatibility of the ZrO 2 nanoparticles in supramolecular nematic LC nanocomposites [ 62 ].…”

“…In general, the compatibility of inorganic NPs with LC is a huge challenge in this field. Surface modification is the most common solution for good compatibility and dispersibility [ 62 , 147 , 148 ]. Most oxide NPs generally aggregate into primary particles by H-bonds between the hydroxyl groups on the NP surface [ 149 ].…”

“…Similarly, carboxyl acid group-containing LC molecules can induce the aggregation of pendant carboxylic acid group-decorated NPs via intra- and inter-particle H-bonds. In order to avoid NP aggregation, the NP surface can be modified to construct H-bonded supramolecular LC without end carboxyl groups, and to promote NP–LC coupling [ 62 ].…”