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Dynamically Controlled Iridescence of Cholesteric Cellulose Nanocrystal Suspensions Using Electric Fields
Bruno Frka-Petesic1, Harisoa Radavidson1, Bruno Jean1
1Centre de Recherche sur les Macromolécules Végétales (CERMAV-CNRS), Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Electric fields enable precise control over cellulose nanocrystal liquid crystals, enhancing their macroscopic order and allowing dynamic tuning of iridescent colors. This breakthrough improves the potential for advanced optical materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in apolar solvents form liquid-crystalline phases with iridescent properties.
- Macroscopic order and control over these phases are typically limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of electric fields for controlling the macroscopic order of CNC liquid crystals.
- To demonstrate the ability to tune the orientation and periodicity of cholesteric phases.
Main Methods:
- Applying external electric fields to CNC suspensions in an apolar solvent.
- Characterizing the resulting liquid-crystalline phases and their optical properties.
Main Results:
- Electric fields successfully induced macroscopic homogeneity in the CNC liquid-crystalline phases.
- Cholesteric orientation and periodicity were effectively controlled by the electric field.
- Dynamical tuning of iridescent hues was achieved through electric field manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Electric field application offers a viable method for controlling CNC liquid-crystal macroscopic order.
- This control enables tunable iridescent colors, opening possibilities for advanced optical materials.
