Optically enhanced thin films of single-wall carbon nanotubes dispersed in chiral smectic C* phase of ferroelectric liquid crystals with molecular alignment

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of chiral Smectic C* ferroelectric liquid crystals (SmC* FLCs) integrated with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in minimal concentrations were successfully fabricated. Surface pressure-area isotherm analysis confirmed the stability of these films and their effective spreading characteristics. The interaction between the nanotubes and SmC* FLC molecules within the monolayer was examined using elasticity profiling, which revealed the peak elasticity in the condensed phase. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated the formation of uniform monolayers with homogeneous deposition on the substrate. X-ray diffraction results verified the structural integrity of the smectic C* phase of the SmC* FLC, accompanied by distinct peaks corresponding to the SWCNTs. Photoluminescence spectra, measured at an excitation wavelength of 250 nm, showed additional peaks attributed to electronic transitions influenced by the SWCNTs. A higher concentration of SWCNTs within the SmC* FLC matrix led to an increase in the emission intensity. The incorporation of SWCNTs significantly improved the optoelectronic properties of SmC* FLC, highlighting their potential for innovative applications in ferroelectrics.