Effects of silver nanoparticles doping on morphology and luminescence behaviour of ferroelectric liquid crystals Langmuir–Blodgett films

ABSTRACT

We report the deposition of Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) thin films of low-weight dispersed composite systems of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs)–functionalised silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Because of their amphiphilic nature the molecules form stable Langmuir monolayers, which were transferred to silicon substrates. We noticed that absorption wave numbers are present for each bond constituting FLC–nanoparticles composite system, ensuring a complete transfer of molecules from water sub-phase. XRD showed intense peaks at 2θ = 3.2° due to the layer structure of FLC molecules. We infer from the morphology of LB films that doping of nanoparticles do not provide any hindrance to SmC* layer structure of FLC molecules. The photoluminescence study indicates blue shift in emission spectra and peak intensity increases with Ag nanoparticles concentration.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Langmuir–Blodgett films
• ferroelectric liquid crystal
• silver nanoparticles
• photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy

Acknowledgements

Authors (Kaur R and Bhullar G K) wish to thank Ms. L K Brar for training on Langmuir–Blodgett and Atomic Force Microscopy experimental set ups. Authors are highly thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC), India for financial support in form of senior research fellowship.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC), India.