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Multifunctional sensors based on liquid crystals scaffolded in nematic polymer networks
Xiyun Zhan1,2, Dan Luo2, Kun-Lin Yang1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 4 Singapore 117576 Singapore cheyk@nus.edu.sg.
RSC Advances
|May 2, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel polymer network-stabilized liquid crystal (PNLC) sensor. This PNLC material can visually detect temperature changes and toluene vapor concentrations, offering a versatile sensing platform.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal (LC) materials are crucial for fundamental research and applications in electro-optics and biochemistry.
- Their unique anisotropic properties make them suitable for various sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a nematic polymer network-stabilized liquid crystal (PNLC) system for environmental sensing.
- To utilize the interference color of PNLCs for detecting temperature and volatile organic vapors.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a PNLC system by polymerizing LC monomers to form a stable, templating network.
- Tuning the LC monomer concentration to achieve a specific temperature sensing range.
- Utilizing the system's color change to indicate the presence and concentration of toluene vapor.
Main Results:
- The PNLC system exhibited visible color changes in response to temperature variations between 36 °C and 100 °C.
- The sensor successfully detected toluene vapor concentration profiles in a microchannel with a limit of detection of 2300 ppm.
- The PNLC system maintained the dynamic nature and thermal tunability of LCs.
Conclusions:
- The developed stimuli-responsive PNLC system effectively senses environmental conditions like temperature and volatile organic vapors.
- This PNLC material shows potential for naked-eye sensing applications.
- The sensor's performance can be tuned by adjusting LC monomer concentration.
