Dynamic magnetic field alignment and polarized emission of semiconductor nanoplatelets in a liquid crystal polymer

Dahin Kim, Dennis Ndaya, Reuben Bosire, Francis K. Masese, Weixingyue Li, Sarah M. Thompson, Cherie R. Kagan, Christopher B. Murray, Rajeswari M. Kasi and Chinedum O. Osuji ()
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Dahin Kim: University of Pennsylvania
Dennis Ndaya: University of Connecticut
Reuben Bosire: University of Connecticut
Francis K. Masese: University of Connecticut
Weixingyue Li: University of Pennsylvania
Sarah M. Thompson: University of Pennsylvania
Cherie R. Kagan: University of Pennsylvania
Christopher B. Murray: University of Pennsylvania
Rajeswari M. Kasi: University of Connecticut
Chinedum O. Osuji: University of Pennsylvania

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Reconfigurable arrays of 2D nanomaterials are essential for the realization of switchable and intelligent material systems. Using liquid crystals (LCs) as a medium represents a promising approach, in principle, to enable such control. In practice, however, this approach is hampered by the difficulty of achieving stable dispersions of nanomaterials. Here, we report on good dispersions of pristine CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) in LCs, and reversible, rapid control of their alignment and associated anisotropic photoluminescence, using a magnetic field. We reveal that dispersion stability is greatly enhanced using polymeric, rather than small molecule, LCs and is considerably greater in the smectic phases of the resulting systems relative to the nematic phases. Aligned composites exhibit highly polarized emission that is readily manipulated by field-realignment. Such dynamic alignment of optically-active 2D nanomaterials may enable the development of programmable materials for photonic applications and the methodology can guide designs for anisotropic nanomaterial composites for a broad set of related nanomaterials.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30200-2

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