Alignment of liquid crystals doped with nickel nanoparticles containing different morphologies

Adv Mater. 2011 Dec 22;23(48):5779-84. doi: 10.1002/adma.201102611. Epub 2011 Nov 21.

Abstract

Uniform homeotropic and homogeneous alignment of liquid crystals (LCs) is facilely achieved by dispersing Ni nanoparticles (Ni NPs) into the LCs. The alignment mode depends on the morphology of the Ni NPs. The mechanism of NP-induced LC alignment is elucidated clearly, indicating that the perfect orientation arises from the adsorption of Ni NPs on the substrate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nickel / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Nickel