META Ion trapping in nematic liquid crystal by incorporating functionalised silver nanoparticles. P. 4

Abstract

In this work, the effect of functionalised silver nanoparticles (f-AgNPs) on the dielectric constant, electrical conductivity and birefringence of a rod shaped NLC 4-trans-pentyl cyclohexylcyanobenzene (5PCH) has been investigated in the planar cell as a function of temperature. The magnitude of dielectric anisotropy, elastic constants and birefringence in nanocomposites of 5PCH were enhanced with increasing concentration of f-AgNPs indicating enhancement of order parameter in the nematic medium. From the study it is observed that, the conductivity has reduced in f-AgNps nanocomposites of 5PCH compared to pure 5PCH due to the absorption of ions by f-AgNPs which is further confirmed by measuring transient current and ion transport number. So our results show that f-AgNPs can be used as ion trapping agent with other improved physical properties suitable for display devices