Discotic-decorated gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Several mixtures of hexanethiolate capped gold nanoparticles and discotic liquid crystals were prepared. The thermophysical properties of these mixtures were investigated using polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and DC conductivity. Formation of columnar mesophase and about 250 times enhancement in the DC conductivity indicate inclusion of gold nanoparticles into the matrix of triphenylene based discotic liquid crystals.