Liquid Crystal-Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Materials

Liquid Crystal-Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Materials 

In modem history, particularly in the recent decades, liquid crystals (LCs) have become a very important class of materials. Since the first invention of LC display (LCD), LCs have become the quintessential materials in information displays such as TVs, computer monitors, and digital displays. In the recent development of LC materials, LCs have moved rapidly beyond display applications and are evolving into entirely new scientific frontiers, opening broad avenues for versatile applications such as lasers, photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, field effect transistors, biosensors, switchable windows, and nanophotonics [1]. AU these applications benefit from LC s unique properties, e.g. self-organization and being able to 

Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA e-mail qlil kent.edu 

Li (ed.). Nanoscience with Liquid Crystals, NanoScience and Technology, 101 

This chapter aims to give an overview of current research of LC/GNP hybrid materials. Fundamentals of LC and GNP materials will be introduced and representative LC/GNP hybrid materials reported in recent years will be summarized and discussed. Their applications will also be presented. This chapter is concluded by outlining future potential and opportunities in this rapidly emerging research field. 

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Liquid Crystal-Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Materials... 

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