Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

6596

Date

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Concentration

Materials Science

Committee Chair

Chenhui Peng

Committee Member

Firouzeh Sabri

Committee Member

Muhammad S. Jahan

Abstract

Studying molecular self-assembly will not only help us to gain better understanding about assembled biological systems, but also shed light to current nanotechnology about how to control the spontaneous interactions and stepwise assemblies. However, developing robust approaches to assemble molecules in predesigned manner despite thermal fluctuations remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that by photopatterning nematic liquid crystal (LC), predesigned artificial defect line network is created, triggering molecular self-assembly in those nanoscopic environments. This template assisted molecular self-assembly is simple and can be realized at arbitrary configurations, geometry and shapes. The programmable molecular assembly structures can also be reconfigured by using external stimuli such as light illumination and mechanical shear. The technique to control and program the molecular self-assembly in predesigned locations and superstructures can be of importance for the development of dynamic functional nanobiomaterials, soft active materials, microfluidic, and sensing devices.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Download

Share

COinS