17th International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Physical Chemistry (Proceedings, Volume I) (2024) [H-02-SL, pp. 283]
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Nemanja Trišović 
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DOI: 10.46793/Phys.Chem24I.283T
ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:
Bent-core liquid crystals (BCLCs) represent a promising field of research in both materials chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. Emergence of new polar mesophases, induction of supramolecular chirality using achiral molecules and their significant ferroelectric and antiferroelectric properties have attracted considerable interest in these compounds [1]. Some of important aspects that determine the application of BCLCs include their transition temperatures, the mesophase range and the ability to control their morphology. Although a progress has been made in lowering the transition temperatures of these compounds, new BCLCs that meet the commercial temperature range are still needed. An additional factor limiting their application is related to bulk phase alignment, as the conventional procedures used for LCs are not applicable to these systems.
The ability to reversibly tune the material properties using an external stimulus is an important concept in materials science. Light is particularly interesting in this regard. It can be delivered remotely and momentarily, leading to dynamic supramolecular architectures that exist as long as the stimulus is applied. An attractive way to render BCLCs responsive to light involves incorporating a photoisomerisable chromophore such as the trans-azobenzene building blocks into their molecular structure. Exposure to UV light causes azobenzene to isomerize to the more polar cis-isomer, which induces metastable supramolecular arrangements that disintegrate in the dark within a few hours [2].
We present our contribution to the fundamental understanding of the structure–property relationship of the azo-containing BCLCs. Incorporating this photoisomerizable chromophore into BCLC design has provided access to new multifunctional materials where the polar response can be modulated by light. Azobenzenes with a strong push–pull configuration show very fast cis–trans isomerization kinetics even at room temperature [3]. Imparting control over structural features has led to novel photoswitchable materials with fast and efficient responses.
KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (grant no 451-03-65/2024-03/200135).
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