Aggregation structure of chiral cubic liquid crystals revealed by X-ray diffraction utilizing a new algorithm. Issue 6 (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oka, Toshihiko; Yamamura, Yasuhisa; Kutsumizu, Shoichi; Saito, Kazuya
• Is Part Of: Soft matter. Volume 19:Issue 6(2023)
• Page Start: 1194
• Page End: 1201
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: Soft condensed matter -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01687g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-683X

Abstract

Abstract : A recently developed crystallographic algorithm revealed an unexpected interwoven network structure in chiral thermotropic liquid crystals of achiral rodlike molecules. The two networks are homochiral in network geometry and molecular arrangement. Abstract : Chiral aggregation structure spontaneously formed by achiral rodlike molecules, a long-time unsolved problem in liquid crystal science, has been clarified by applying a new crystallographic algorithm recently developed while utilizing aggregation characteristics of this type. Bicontinuously interwoven networks characterize it similarly to the neighboring Gyroid phase in a phase diagram against the alkyl chain length and temperature. However, the network connectivity is significantly different from the bicontinuous networks that have been either known for related compounds or assumed for this phase. The network is compatible with the homochiral arrangement of rodlike molecules with successive twists by a proper angle between adjacent junctions.