Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2015-06-01

Homeotropic orientation behavior of nematic liquid crystals induced by copper ions.

Guang Li, Bin Gao, Meng Yang, Long-Cong Chen, Xing-Liang Xiong

Index: Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 130 , 287-91, (2015)

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Abstract

A homeotropic ordering film of nematic liquid crystal (LC) induced by copper ions (Cu(2+)) had been developed. The Cu(ClO4)2 was directly spin-coated on the glass substrate without any other chemical modification. A homeotropic orientation of LC thin-film was generated by the interfacial chemical interaction between nitrile-containing LC and copper ions on the surface. Results showed that an appropriate density of Cu(2+) could shorten the response time of orientation, but a shelf-time was prolonged. The LC film fabrication not only offered a simple process, but also presented a great repeatability to detect organophosphonates (DMMP). This study provided guidance for the design of LC films responding to organic molecules as a biosensor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.