Role of semiconductor nanoparticles on electro-optical performance of PDLC devices

ABSTRACT

The performance of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) can be adjusted according to the needs of the application by controlling its composition ratio and microstructure. The clatter-based PDLC film with polymerisation-induced phase separation was prepared by ultraviolet curing method, and semiconductor nanoparticles were doped in it. The effects of semiconductor nanoparticles doping on the morphology, electrical and optical properties of PDLC films were investigated. Research showed that the addition of semiconductor nanoparticles reduced the rise time, threshold voltage, saturation voltage, and enhances contrast. The development of PDLC doped with semiconductor nanoparticles’ film which has faster rise time, lower threshold voltage, lower saturation voltage and better contrast will significantly increase the potential of PDLC-based devices in smart windows, sensors and flexible equipment application. At the same time, semiconductor nanoparticles had the characteristics of high fluorescence efficiency, wide absorption, narrow emission and bright colours. When PDLC doped with semiconductor nanoparticles is used as smart glass, the optical properties of semiconductor nanoparticles can be used to absorb light in part of the wavelength band and convert it into light in another wavelength band. In addition, it can have variable colours to make the appearance more beautiful while expanding the scope of its use.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Semiconductor nanoparticles
• polymer dispersed liquid crystal
• fluorescent brightening

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grant No. FRF-GF-19-003B], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 52073027, 51973017, 51773017], Scientific Research Program Funded by Shaanxi Provincial Education Department [Program No.20JK0959].