Supramolecular Nanocomposites: Dispersion of zero-, one- and two-dimensional nanoparticles in discotic liquid crystals.

Abstract

Discotic liquid crystals are emerging as novel nanomaterials useful in many device applications. Recently their hybridization with various zero-, one- and two- dimensional metallic and semiconducting nanoparticles has been realized to alter and improve their thermal, supramolecular and electronic properties. In this article, we have overviewed the work carried out in our laboratories on the dispersion of various metallic, semiconducting and carbon nanoparticles in discotic liquid crystals. First a brief introduction of self-organizing supramolecular liquid crystalline materials is presented with an emphasis on discotic liquid crystals. This is followed by the description of various discotic liquid crystal-nanoparticle hybrid systems. A number of discotic liquid crystals, functionalized nanoparticles and their nanocomposites were prepared and studied by spectroscopic and analytical tools. The dispersion of such functionalized nanomaterials in columnar matrix enhances the physical properties such as, conductivity, photoconductivity, absorbance, etc., significantly without disturbing the supramolecular properties.