Uniaxial alignment of nanoconfined columnar mesophases

Nano Lett. 2007 Sep;7(9):2627-32. doi: 10.1021/nl0710102. Epub 2007 Aug 9.

Abstract

By confining discotic phthalocyanines in a network of crisscrossed nanogrooves, we obtain a uniaxial alignment of the columnar mesophase. The alignment process is based on the anisotropy of interface tension between the mesophase and the nanogrooves' walls. Preferential mesophase alignment results from this nonhomogeneity combined with the anisotropy of the network cell dimensions. A simple model is proposed to explain the experimental observations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Phase Transition
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances