Enhanced broadband reflection properties of PSCLCs films supported by electrospun nanofiber networks loaded with Cs_0.33WO₃ nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

The introduction of nanoparticles into cholesteric liquid crystals has long provided inspiration for innovative device materials. A novel material design strategy was demonstrated to achieve a broadband reflection of polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) based on Cs_0.33WO₃ nanoparticles and the polymer nanonetworks in the PSCLCs. Through the adjustment of nanoparticle and chiral dopant (C6M) concentrations and meticulous control of polymerisation conditions, an appropriate pitch gradient distribution was achieved in the polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs). This was attained by striking a delicate balance between the polymerisation speed and chiral dopant diffusion rate, resulting in optimal PSCLCs optical properties. Modification of Cs_0.33WO₃ nanoparticles by oleic acid was successfully accomplished as confirmed by IR spectroscopy. SEM and EDS analyses further demonstrated the distribution of nanoparticles in the spun fibre film. Moreover, POM observations showed that liquid crystals with nanofiber networks maintained the planar texture and temperature stability. The prepared broadband reflective film opens an avenue towards developing the reflection bandwidth in the PSCLCs, essential for intelligent windows and infrared shielding devices.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• broadband reflection
• nanofiber networks
• Cs_0.33WO₃ nanoparticles
• polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education (Program No. 22JP100), Science and technology plan project of Xi’an (No. 22GXFW0150), the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51971182), the Science and Technology Projects of Suzhou City (SYC2022043 and SYG202025), and the Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu Province (2022).