Chirality Induction through Nano‐Phase Separation: Alternating Network Gyroid Phase by Thermotropic Self‐Assembly of X‐Shaped Bolapolyphiles. (7th January 2020) - Chen, Changlong
Abstract: The single gyroid phase as well as the alternating double network gyroid, composed of two alternating single gyroid networks, hold a significant place in ordered nanoscale morphologies for their potential applications as photonic crystals, metamaterials and templates for porous ceramics and metals. Here, we report the first alternating network cubic liquid crystals. They form through self‐assembly of X‐shaped polyphiles, where glycerol‐capped terphenyl rods lie on the gyroid surface while semiperfluorinated and aliphatic side‐chains fill their respective separate channel networks. This new self‐assembly mode can be considered as a two‐color symmetry‐broken double gyroid morphology, providing a tailored way to fabricate novel chiral structures with sub‐10 nm periodicities using achiral compounds. Abstract : Die Selbstsortierung der beiden inkompatiblen Seitenketten von X‐förmigen Polyphilen in getrennte Netzwerke führt zu einer chiralen kubischen Gyroid‐Phase („Single gyroid" I 41 32) mit zwei chemisch ungleichen Netzwerken und Sub‐10‐nm‐Periodizität. Dies ist der erste kubische Netzwerk‐Gyroid‐Flüssigkristall und der erste Flüssigkristall, dessen Chiralität ausschließlich auf Mikrophasentrennung basiert.