Multifunctional sensors based on liquid crystals scaffolded in nematic polymer networks. Issue 61 (1st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhan, Xiyun; Luo, Dan; Yang, Kun-Lin
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 11:Issue 61(2021)
• Page Start: 38694
• Page End: 38702
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08030j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Naked-eye color change as a result of temperature change or VOC exposure was demonstrated in a nematic polymer network-stabilized liquid crystal (PNLC) system. Abstract : Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal (LC) materials have attracted great attention due to their unique characteristics and anisotropic properties. They are not only important for fundamental studies, but also have many potential applications in the electro-optical and biochemical fields. Herein, the interference color obtained from a nematic polymer network-stabilized liquid crystal (PNLC) system is demonstrated to reflect the environmental conditions, including temperature and the presence of volatile organic vapors. The polymerization of LC monomers forms a stable network to template the LCs, while still maintaining the dynamic nature and thermal tunability of LCs. Via adjusting the concentration of LC monomer, a wide temperature sensing range can be achieved between 36 °C and 100 °C with visible color. The same sensor can be used to detect concentration profiles of toluene vapor in a microchannel with a limit of detection of 2300 ppm. This stimuli-responsive PNLC system is expected to be potentially useful for many other naked-eye sensing applications.