Nonspherical Liquid Crystalline Assemblies with Programmable Shape Transformation

Liquid crystalline (LC) assemblies with tailored shape and programmable shape transformation were prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly. The influence of polymerization temperature and solvent on the shape of the LC assemblies indicated that shape of the LC assemblies could be delicately regulated by the repulsive interaction among the solvophilic chains and LC ordering. Programmable shape transformation of ellipsoidal LC assemblies was achieved, taking advantage of the smectic-to-isotropic phase transition. The ellipsoidal assemblies could remain ellipsoids or transform to faceted spheres and spheres, depending on the temperature procedure used. Besides, the generated spheres could be reshaped to ellipsoids with high shape recovery ratio. Small angle X-ray scattering study indicated that the interplay of the reversible smectic-to-isotropic phase transition and kinetic trapping underpins the programmed shape transformation. As a general approach to LC assemblies with programmable shape transformation, our strategy would provide a reliable platform for nanoactuators, nanomotors, and adaptive colloidal devices.