Liquid crystals are materials that combine the properties of a liquid with those of crystalline solids. They show a middle phase, known as mesophase or liquid crystalline phase, in which the material has unique characteristics that can be used in liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and solar cells.
One use of columnar discotic liquid crystals is charge transport in photovoltaic solar cells, where a high degree of order within the mesophase is required.
Ioan Paraschiv investigated whether it is possible to stabilise columnar discotic liquid crystals using hydrogen bonds. For this, he prepared columnar discotic liquid crystals based on triphenylene core. He stabilised the ordering in the mesophase by realising a synergy between various bonding interactions.
The mesophases of the newly-formed columnar discotic liquid crystals were found to be highly stable. Moreover, the material was still easy to process, due to its high solubility in organic solvents. This combination of stability and ease of processing is particularly important for the use of these materials in different applications.
Ioan Paraschiv's research was funded by NWO.
Ioan Paraschiv | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOA_6XAEMW_Eng
More articles from
Physics and Astronomy:
Keck Telescope and 'cosmic lens' resolve nature and fate of early star-forming galaxy
10.10.2008 | California Institute of Technology
Terahertz Goes Nano
10.10.2008 | Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie
Scientists find new insight into genome of neglected malaria parasite
10.10.2008 | Life Sciences
Hodgkin lymphoma -- new characteristics discovered
10.10.2008 | Life Sciences
Digital zebrafish embryo provides the first complete developmental blueprint of a vertebrate
10.10.2008 | Life Sciences