Abstract
The connection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and liquid crystalline (LC) media in the form of LC-MNP composites makes it possible to exceed the limits of both systems. However, since MNPs represent foreign elements in the anisotropic partially ordered LC structure, the functionalization of their surface with small organic molecules (ligands) is a suitable way to promote the compatibility of both systems. As the use of simple commercial ligands such as oleic acid faces substantial drawbacks, the involvement of specifically prepared (pro)mesogenic ligands seems necessary. While previous studies were attracted exclusively to classical nematogens, the aim of this project is to design ligands with molecular structure strongly complementary to up-to-date liquid crystals based on benzoic acid esters, such as common monomers for the preparation of LC elastomers or ferroelectric nematics. These ligands could pave the way to multi-stimuli responsive materials, for example to 3D-printable soft materials with magneto-optical response or to nematics with coupled magnetoelectric properties.