Reversible Photoresponsive Molecular Alignment of Liquid Crystals at Fluid Interfaces with Persistent Stability

This work demonstrates a noninvasive approach to control alignment of liquid crystals persistently and reversibly at fluid interfaces by using a photoresponsive azobenzene-based surfactant dissolved in an ionic liquid (IL), ethylammonium nitrate (EAN). As the first report on the orientational behavior of LCs at the IL/LC interface, our study also expands current understanding of alignment control of LCs at the aqueous/LC interface by adding electrolytes into aqueous solutions. The threshold concentration for switching the optical responses of LCs can be changed just by simply manipulating the ratio of EAN to H2 O. This work will inspire fundamental studies and novel applications of using the LC-based imaging technique to investigate various chemical and biological events in ILs.