Nanotechnology Now |
Home > Press > Dartmouth researchers develop molecular switch that changes liquid crystal colors: Nanotechnology tool may help in in detecting harmful gases, pathogens, explosives
Abstract:
Dartmouth researchers have developed a molecular switch that changes a liquid crystal's readout color based on a chemical input. This new development may open the way for using liquid crystals in detecting harmful gases, pathogens, explosives and other chemical substances.
Dartmouth researchers develop molecular switch that changes liquid crystal colors: Nanotechnology tool may help in in detecting harmful gases, pathogens, explosives
Hanover, NH | Posted on August 26th, 2013One of the challenges in the field of molecular switches and machines is the translation of molecular level motion into macroscopic level events by harnessing light or chemical energy -- think of a molecular-sized light switch that can be turned on and off. With an actual light switch, this can be easily done by hard wiring the switch to a light source, but doing this at the nanoscale is challenging.
In their study, the Dartmouth researchers used liquid crystals such as the ones in LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors and TV screens to address this challenge. They synthesized a pH activated molecular switch that can control the long range assembly of a commercially available liquid crystal called NP5. This manipulation changed the readout color of NP5 from purple to green depending on the applied pH, confirming the molecular level motion is responsible for the change in the photophysical properties of the liquid crystal.
The findings open the way for researchers to design molecular switches that produce different liquid crystal readout colors when harmful chemical substances are detected. If these liquid crystals are used as pixels - similar to the ones in LCD screens - researchers may be able to bunch them together and develop groups of sensors that can quickly analyze and detect hazardous materials.
Ivan Aprahamian, a co-author and professor of chemistry, is available to comment at . More information about his research is available at Dartmouth Now.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
John Cramer
603-646-9130
Copyright © Dartmouth College
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Bookmark:
| Related Links |
The findings appear in the journal Angewandte Chemie. A PDF of the study is available on request:
| Related News Press |
News and information
East China University of Science and Technology Purchases Nanonex Advanced Nanoimprint Tool NX-B200 July 30th, 2014
From Narrow to Broad July 30th, 2014
Display technology/LEDs/SS Lighting/OLEDs
Martini Tech Inc. becomes the exclusive distributor for Yoshioka Seiko Co. porous chucks for Europe and North America July 20th, 2014
'Nano-pixels' promise thin, flexible, high resolution displays July 9th, 2014
Projecting a Three-Dimensional Future: TAU researchers develop holography technology that could change the way we view the world July 9th, 2014
Discoveries
New imaging agent provides better picture of the gut July 30th, 2014
From Narrow to Broad July 30th, 2014
A new way to make microstructured surfaces: Method can produce strong, lightweight materials with specific surface properties July 29th, 2014
Announcements
University of Manchester selects Anasys AFM-IR for coatings and corrosion research July 30th, 2014
Nature inspires a greener way to make colorful plastics July 30th, 2014
FEI Unveils New Solutions for Faster Time-to-Analysis in Metals Research July 30th, 2014
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals
From Narrow to Broad July 30th, 2014
Nature inspires a greener way to make colorful plastics July 30th, 2014
A new way to make microstructured surfaces: Method can produce strong, lightweight materials with specific surface properties July 29th, 2014
Homeland Security
Production of Toxic Gas Sensor Based on Nanorods July 28th, 2014
Tiny laser sensor heightens bomb detection sensitivity July 19th, 2014
Military
New imaging agent provides better picture of the gut July 30th, 2014
Tough foam from tiny sheets: Rice University lab uses atom-thick materials to make ultralight foam July 29th, 2014
A new way to make microstructured surfaces: Method can produce strong, lightweight materials with specific surface properties July 29th, 2014
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
University Technology Transfer & Patents
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||
| © Copyright 1999-2014 7th Wave, Inc. All Rights Reserved | PRIVACY POLICY :: CONTACT US :: STATS :: SITE MAP :: ADVERTISE |