Nanocomposites and nanomaterials

Chirality transfer in liquid crystal and gold nanoparticle nanocomposites
Grzelak D.1,2, Tupikowska M.1,2, Lewandowski W.1,2
1 Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw. 
Ludwika Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland 
E-mail: d.grzelak@uw.edu.pl
2 Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw.
Żwirki I Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland.

Liquid crystalline phases exhibiting chiral properties received considerable attention in recent years. Their adaptive behavior and controllable structure makes them interesting for various applications in switchable optoelectronics. Incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles into these materials enables strong chiral responses in the visible region. 
In my work I present an achiral liquid crystalline compound, that forms supramolecular, helical nanofilaments [1]. Employing structurally compatible chiral dopants allowed for obtainng thin films with controlable chiral properties. Incorporation of a wide variety of gold nanoparticles of different sizes and morphologies into LC matrix resulted n their self-assembly in a helical manner, which translated on their optical features. 
Structural analysis of the materials confirmed that helical nanofilaments selectively decorated with nanoparticles were obtained. CD spectra obtained for the films confirmed achieving controled properties of the materials. Additionally, tunable maximum peak position was found for different designs of the mixtures.

1.	﻿Bagiński, M.; Tupikowska, M.; González-Rubio, G.; Wójcik, M.; Lewandowski, W. Shaping Liquid Crystals with Gold Nanoparticles: Helical Assemblies with Tunable and Hierarchical Structures via Thin-Film Cooperative Interactions. Adv. Mater. 2020, 32, 1904581.