Dynamic self-assembly of nanoparticles using thermotropic liquid crystals. Issue 13 (7th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bagiński, Maciej; Szmurło, Anna; Andruszkiewicz, Aneta; Wójcik, Michał; Lewandowski, Wiktor
• Is Part Of: Liquid crystals. Volume 43:Issue 13/15(2016)
• Page Start: 2391
• Page End: 2409
• Publication Date: 2016-12-07
• Subjects: Dynamic self-assembly -- reconfigurable nanoparticle assemblies -- liquid-crystals -- plasmonics -- photonics -- semiconductor nanocrystals; Liquid crystals -- Periodicals; 548.905
• DOI: 10.1080/02678292.2016.1225834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-8292

Abstract

ABSTRACT: 3D nanoparticle-based materials with reconfigurable structure have gained vast attention due to the unique possibility of tailoring nanoparticle-related quantum confinement effects. These properties make active nanoparticle assemblies promising candidates for future optoelectronic and metamaterial technologies; however, integration of these materials into real-world applications is still challenging. In this context, the use of stimuli responsive liquid-crystals (LCs) offers a fascinating and industrially feasible strategy for active directing of NPs. Here, we briefly review LCs/NPs hybrid systems in which dynamic behaviour is achieved by affecting either LC matrix or LC ligands. We also experimentally evaluate a complementary strategy based on directly affecting metallic core of LC-covered NPs in an Ostwald ripening process. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: