Structure–property relationships in nematic gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Design rules for the investigation of nanoparticles covered with an organic monolayer are explored. The combination of small “spherical” particles in conjunction with nematogenic mesogens and hydrocarbon chains allows for the rational design of materials with nematic phase behaviour. The usefulness of the approach is demonstrated for two systems, where the particles have been characterised by NMR and TEM and mesomorphic properties have been identified using DSC and OPM.