Ferroelectrically Switching Helical Columnar Assembly Comprising Cisoid Conformers of a 1,2,3-Triazole-based Liquid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• 1,2,3-triazole, a click chemistry product, has a high dipole moment.
• Polar motifs are useful for ferroelectric columnar liquid crystal (LC) materials.
• 1,2,3-triazole has not been previously utilized in ferroelectric LC materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the helical assembly and ferroelectric switching properties of a columnar liquid crystal containing 1,2,3-triazolyl linkages.
• To investigate the potential of 1,2,3-triazole as a polar motif in liquid crystal design.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a columnar liquid crystal with a naphthalene core and 1,2,3-triazolyl linkages.
• X-ray diffraction and simulations to analyze the columnar structure.
• Polarization measurements under an electric field to observe ferroelectric switching.

Main Results:

• The molecule self-assembles into a double-stranded helical columnar liquid crystal phase (Colhel).
• X-ray simulations indicate the helical assembly consists of cisoid conformers with a non-zero dipole moment.
• Ferroelectric switching of axial polarization was observed between 105-115°C in the Colhel phase.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized 1,2,3-triazole-based liquid crystal exhibits ferroelectric properties.
• The helical assembly and ferroelectric switching are driven by the polar 1,2,3-triazole units.
• This study demonstrates the potential of 1,2,3-triazoles in developing novel ferroelectric liquid crystal materials.