Effect of shape of ZnO nanoparticle on electro-optic and dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

Properties of liquid crystal incorporated with various shapes of a nanomaterial are expected to show multifaceted behaviour as properties of nanomaterial are extremely dependent on its size and shape. In view of this, we have investigated the effect of shape of ZnO nanoparticle on electro-optic and dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystal (NLC), PCH5. Nanocomposites of 0.01 wt% ZnO nano- sphere, rods, and wires in NLC are prepared. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles to NLC leads to increase in the order parameter and reduction in threshold voltage, response time as well as ionic conductivity as compared to the pure NLC host. Dielectric permittivity measurements indicate nanoparticle induces short range order in isotropic phase. Dielectric measurements also show increase in order parameter in nanocomposites with 1D nanoparticles whereas negligible change is observed in nanocomposites with spherical nanoparticles in NLC in deep nematic range. The ATR-FTIR measurements support the enhancement in parallel correlation of dipole moments in ZnO nanocomposites as compared to pure NLC.