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Laser triggered phase transition in photothermal liquid crystals
Mathieu Ciancone1, Franck Camerel
1Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226 (CNRS-Université de Rennes 1), Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes, France. fcamerel@univ-rennes1.fr.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|May 27, 2017
Summary
Laser irradiation triggers reversible high-temperature phase transitions in thermotropic liquid crystals containing nickel-bis(dithiolene) cores. These materials exhibit strong photothermal activity, enabling rapid heating to 250 °C with precise spatial control.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
Background:
- Thermotropic liquid crystals are materials that exhibit phase transitions with temperature.
- Photothermal materials convert light energy into heat.
- Nickel-bis(dithiolene) complexes are known for their strong light absorption and heat generation properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of reversible high-temperature phase transitions in liquid crystals using laser irradiation.
- To explore the potential of photothermal nickel-bis(dithiolene) cores for rapid and controlled heating applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of thermotropic liquid crystals incorporating photothermal nickel-bis(dithiolene) cores.
- Irradiation of thin films of these liquid crystals with a laser.
- Monitoring of temperature changes and phase transitions.
Main Results:
- Reversible high-temperature phase transitions were successfully induced by laser irradiation.
- The nickel-bis(dithiolene) cores demonstrated strong photothermal activity.
- Temperatures up to 250 °C were reached rapidly (seconds) from room temperature.
- High spatial control over the heating process was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Nickel-bis(dithiolene) liquid crystals are effective for laser-induced, reversible phase transitions.
- Their strong photothermal properties enable rapid, spatially controlled heating for advanced material applications.
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