Uniaxial alignment of nanoconfined columnar mesophases.
By confining discotic phthalocyanines in a network of crisscrossed nanogrooves, we obtain a uniaxial alignment of the columnar mesophase. The alignment process is based on the anisotropy of interface tension between the mesophase and the nanogrooves' walls. Preferential mesophase alignment results from this nonhomogeneity combined with the anisotropy of the network cell dimensions. A simple model is proposed to explain the experimental observations.
Mouthuy
Pierre-Olivier
PO
Cermin, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. mouthuy@dice.ucl.ac.be
Melinte
Sorin
S
Geerts
Yves H
YH
Jonas
Alain M
AM
D016880:Anisotropy; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010316:Particle Size; D044367:Phase Transition; D013499:Surface Properties
D046911:Macromolecular Substances