Carbon nanotubes in discotic liquid crystals

Abstract

In this paper we have briefly reviewed the research on dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes in both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystalline phases. Formation of liquid crystalline phases of carbon nanotubes themselves and preparation of carbon nanotubes from discotic liquid crystals have also been discussed. Finally we have described our work on dispersion and alignment of functionalized carbon nanotubes in the columnar matrix of discotic liquid crystal monomers and polymers having electron rich and electron deficient cores exhibiting mesomorphism at room temperature.