Highly efficient elastomeric fluorescence sensors for force detection

Carbazole-containing nematic liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCEs) alter their luminescence upon the application of an external mechanical force. Therefore, they are valuable flexible materials for detecting mechanical events with simple fluorescent measurements. In this work, we have focused our...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Heras, Daniel, Reig Canyelles, Marta, Llorca i Isern, Núria, Garcia Amorós, Jaume, Velasco Castrillo, Dolores
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/150449
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/150449
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Elastòmers
Fluorescència
Cristalls líquids
Materials intel·ligents
Elastomers
Fluorescence
Liquid crystals
Smart materials
Descripción
Sumario:Carbazole-containing nematic liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCEs) alter their luminescence upon the application of an external mechanical force. Therefore, they are valuable flexible materials for detecting mechanical events with simple fluorescent measurements. In this work, we have focused our attention on the main principles underlying the operation of these materials and the development of novel design schemes to produce efficient elastomeric fluorescence sensors for force detection. In this context, comprehending and controlling the interactions established between the distinct components of the active material, i.e., mesogens and fluorophores, is essential to achieving force-sensitive materials with improved performances. With this purpose in mind, we have explored the role of two structural features on such phenomenon, namely, the type of connection (end-on or side-on) of the carbazole fluorophores to the elastomeric network and the length of the alkyl chain that binds them to the main polysiloxane backbone. As a whole, end-on carbazole fluorophores with short or medium flexible spacers enable a much better approximation to the mesogenic moieties upon deformation, promoting quenching and resulting in more efficient force sensors.