Ion-Conducting Composites of Polymers and Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract

In the present mini-review are discussed the findings reported in the last five years on the ion-conducting composites of polymers and molecules of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs), as well as their applications at present and in the future. Nowadays, free-standing and flexible thin films of such organic composite electrolytes synthesized from plastics and nematic soft matter are among the technically important materials and components for use in energy storage and conversion devices and in organic soft electronics, sensorics, and mechatronics. Although the physicochemical mechanisms and effects in the ionconducting polymer/NLCs composites are well understood, the possibility to find additional ways for improving their electrical conductivity and dielectric and mechanical properties is a challenge. The efforts in this research direction are important for the development of novel ion-conductor materials and further diversification of their applications. This mini-review is focused on the key characteristics of ion-conducting polymer/NLCs composites and the new trends in their fabrication. With relevant examples, the vast research opportunities, some proposed improvements, and the creative ideas associated with these advanced materials and their intelligent use are outlined.

Advancements and Applications of Liquid Crystal/Polymer Composite Films

“…Recently, the demand for high-performance materials for energy storage has been driven by the increase of high-power applications such as electric vehicles, aircraft, and pulsed power systems. Along with their excellent dielectric, thermal conductive, and ionic conductive properties, their light weight, scalability, and mechanical flexibility are also features; thus, LC/polymer composites show great potential in energy-storage-related applications such as dielectric capacitors (Figure a), − dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs, Figure b), − thermoelectric devices (Figure c), , all-organic soft-solid composite electrolytes (Figure d) for, e.g., lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, and electro-active devices.…”

Dielectric Properties of Cellulose/Graphene Nano-Platelet/Polypyrrole Composites

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Ionic polymers in composite form with a conductive medium such as metals or other conductive materials are well known to exhibit substantial dynamic deformation when chemically electrode and placed in a time-varying electric field. [10][11][12][13][14] With the selection of the metal type, particle size, particle shape, and loading level into the polymer system, these electrically-conductive compositions can be tailored to various conductivity values. As a result, electrically conducting polymeric composites and nanoparticle matrices have arisen as a new area of scientific research and industry growth.…”