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Silicon nanostructure-doped polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites for low voltage-driven smart windows
Zemin He1, Ping Yu2, Huimin Zhang1
1Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, Key Laboratory of Organic Polymer Photoelectric Materials, School of Sciences, Xijing University, Xi'an, 710123, People's Republic of China.
Nanotechnology
|November 17, 2021
Summary
Two silicon nanostructures were doped into polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites to improve electric-optical performance. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) significantly reduced driving voltage, enabling low-voltage smart windows.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites are crucial for electro-optical applications like smart windows.
- Existing composites often require high driving voltages, limiting their practical use.
- Developing methods to enhance electro-optical performance and reduce driving voltage is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of silicon nanostructures on the electro-optical performance of polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites.
- To compare the efficacy of two silicon nanostructures: commercial SiO2 nanoparticles and synthesized thiol polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-SH).
- To explore a novel approach for fabricating low voltage-driven polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films.
Main Methods:
- Two types of silicon nanostructures, SiO2 nanoparticles and POSS-SH, were doped into polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites.
- POSS-SH was incorporated into the polymer matrix via photoinduced thiol-ene crosslinking.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the microstructure of the composites.
- Electro-optical performance tests were conducted to evaluate the driving voltage and switching characteristics.
Main Results:
- POSS-SH implantation resulted in uniform porous polymer microstructures, while SiO2 nanoparticles led to heterogeneous morphologies.
- POSS-SH demonstrated a more significant effect on electro-optical performance regulation compared to SiO2 nanoparticles.
- A nearly 80% reduction in driving voltage was achieved with approximately 8 wt% POSS-SH.
- The composites could be driven by voltages below the safe continuous contact limit (24 V).
Conclusions:
- The implantation of POSS microstructure is an effective strategy for tailoring the electro-optical performance of polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites.
- POSS-SH offers a superior method for enhancing performance and reducing driving voltage compared to SiO2 nanoparticles.
- This research presents a creative approach for developing low voltage-driven PDLC films for advanced smart window applications.
