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Unit Cells

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A crystal's internal structure is an orderly array of atoms, ions, or molecules, and the details of this array significantly influence the solid's properties. In a crystal, periodically repeating 'structural motifs' - which could be atoms, molecules, or groups thereof - create a 'space lattice.' This is essentially a three-dimensional, infinite array of points, each surrounded by its neighbors in an identical way, forming the basic structure of the crystal.A 'unit cell' is a theoretical...

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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals

Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals

Published on: May 29, 2018

Self-assembly of functional columnar liquid crystals.

Takashi Kato¹, Takuma Yasuda, Yuko Kamikawa

¹Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan. kato@chiral.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)

|March 27, 2009

Summary

Dynamically functional columnar liquid crystals, including those with unconventional shapes, are advancing anisotropic materials. Non-covalent interactions enable stimuli-responsive supramolecular columnar materials with applications in 1D transport.

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Supramolecular Chemistry
Liquid Crystals

Background:

Columnar liquid crystals are emerging as dynamically functional anisotropic materials.
Their unique properties stem from self-assembly into ordered structures.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in the design and functionalization of columnar liquid crystals.
To highlight the formation of supramolecular functional materials and their applications.

Main Methods:

Design of molecules with both disklike and unconventional shapes for columnar assembly.
Utilizing non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding, ionic, donor-acceptor) for supramolecular construction.
Exploiting nanosegregated columnar order for one-dimensional transport phenomena.

Main Results:

Columnar liquid crystals can be formed from diverse molecular shapes, creating nanosegregated structures.
Non-covalent interactions yield stimuli-responsive supramolecular columnar materials.
The ordered columnar structure facilitates one-dimensional transport of electrons, ions, and molecules.

Conclusions:

Columnar liquid crystals offer versatile platforms for creating advanced functional materials.
Tailoring molecular design and non-covalent interactions unlocks stimuli-responsive and transport properties.
These materials hold promise for applications in electronics, ion transport, and molecular delivery.