LH-NAN-LC

Luminescent Hybrid Nanomaterial showing liquid crystalline properties

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In recent years the growing awareness of the merits to use renewable energies as well as the high oil prices have led to a new approach in the use of liquid crystal materials. One of their main applications is the LCD screens. In order to minimize the energy consumption of such devices, new arising technologies based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are now used in the design of flat low-power display. However this technology can be improved by replacing the amorphous emitting organic compounds by stable inorganic phosphors showing liquid crystal properties. The “Luminescent Hybrid NANomaterial showing Liquid Crystalline properties” project proposes to develop such approach by introducing a bright red-NIR inorganic emitter in a liquid crystal matrix. The one nanometer sized octahedral clusters based on Mo6 or Re6 scaffolds have been chosen for their outstanding luminescence properties. These inorganic building blocks are obtained via solid state chemistry synthesis techniques and, once solubilized, can be functionalized with judiciously designed organic molecules to give hybrids nanomaterials with self-organization abilities. This two years project will contribute to maintain Europe’s leading position in the field of innovative materials technologies for the future by developing new multifunctional nanomaterial with tailored properties: the clustomesogens (liquid crystal based clusters). Although at a first glance, the work is of peculiar interest to academics from a range of backgrounds, in particular to supramolecular, coordination, solid state and material chemists as well as physicists, there is a considerable industrial and commercial potential in the medium and long term as stated in the SusChem Strategic Research Agenda. The researcher involved in this proposal will brought his skills to consolidate and maintain the worldwide leadership position of the host group in the field of luminescent nanohybrid materials based on metallic cluster core.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Clustomesogens combine the unique properties of liquid crystals (LCs) with the novel electronic, magnetic and optical properties of metallic clusters. A new simple and efficient synthesis method will make tailored structure and function easy to achieve.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

LCs are composed of molecules in a phase of matter intermediate between a crystalline solid and an isotropic liquid. Popular for their use in LC displays, these materials are slowly being replaced by organic light-emitting diodes that use less energy when it comes to flat low-power displays. Further improvements can be achieved by replacing the amorphous light-emitting organic compounds with stable inorganic phosphors (phosphorescent materials) that have LC properties.

Liquid crystalline materials are easy to process and capable of spontaneous self-assembly over large areas. The first report of LCs containing transition metal clusters (clustomesogens) was published just a few years ago and the field has since witnessed a meteoric rise in attention.

The EU-funded project LH-NAN-LC (Luminescent hybrid nanomaterial showing liquid crystalline properties) set out to introduce a bright red near-infrared (NIR) inorganic emitter into a LC matrix.

Scientists chose the one nanometre-sized octahedral clusters based on molybdenum or rhenium as scaffolds due to their excellent luminescence. They are prepared by solid-state chemistry but, once solubilised and functionalised with suitable organic molecules, can yield hybrid nanomaterials with self-assembly capabilities.

Clustomesogens are typically prepared by grafting mesogenic promoters on the surface of inorganic entities or by replacing inorganic counter-cations with functional organic ones bearing LC promoters. LH-NAN-LC developed an innovative and simple alternative that exploits host-guest complex formation and electrostatic interactions. Scientists demonstrated its utility in rational design of structure to achieve desired properties in a new class of liquid crystalline materials.

Using a variety of advanced techniques, the team confirmed production of luminescent nematic or discotic (types of LCs) hybrid liquid crystalline materials. The nematic LC phase is the most important for applications, so the LH-NAN-LC hybrid materials have a bright future in systems requiring stable deep red or red-NIR emission. The knowledge-based design and synthesis promises to spur development of clustomesogens across the board for novel applications in optics, electronics, biology, energy and medicine.