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.
One 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.
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
Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay February 17th, 2019
Molecular Lego blocks: Chemical data mining boosts search for new organic semiconductors February 15th, 2019
The smallest skeletons in the marine world observed in 3D by synchrotron techniques February 15th, 2019
Display technology/LEDs/SS Lighting/OLEDs
Molecular Lego blocks: Chemical data mining boosts search for new organic semiconductors February 15th, 2019
Discoveries
Molecular Lego blocks: Chemical data mining boosts search for new organic semiconductors February 15th, 2019
The smallest skeletons in the marine world observed in 3D by synchrotron techniques February 15th, 2019
Announcements
Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay February 17th, 2019
Spintronics by 'straintronics': Switching superferromagnetism with electric-field induced strain February 15th, 2019
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers
Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay February 17th, 2019
NRL, AFRL develop direct-write quantum calligraphy in monolayer semiconductors February 15th, 2019
Homeland Security
A bullet-proof heating pad November 2nd, 2018
Squeezing light at the nanoscale: Ultra-confined light could detect harmful molecules June 17th, 2018
Military
NRL, AFRL develop direct-write quantum calligraphy in monolayer semiconductors February 15th, 2019
Laser-induced graphene gets tough, with help: Rice University lab combines conductive foam with other materials for capable new composites February 12th, 2019
Rice U. lab adds porous envelope to aluminum plasmonics: Scientists marry gas-trapping framework to light-powered nanocatalysts February 10th, 2019
Disruptive by Design: Nano Now February 1st, 2019
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
![]() |
![]() |
||
Premium Products | ||
![]() |
||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
![]() |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
![]() |