Exploring various nanomaterials in enhancing the performance of chiral nematic liquid crystal for blue phase display

This study aims to develop composite liquid crystal (LC) materials for energy-efficient blue phase (BP) display applications with enhanced luminescent and dielectric properties. Chiral nematic liquid crystal (CNLC) was systematically doped with nanomaterials, including nickel zinc ferrite (NZFO), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), gold nanoparticles (GNPs), and strontium titanate (SrTiO3). Optimal doping concentrations (0.05 wt% for NZFO and SWCNT; 0.1 wt% for GNPs) enhanced photoluminescence, while SrTiO3 served as a luminescence quencher. Dielectric studies revealed a substantial reduction in the Freedericksz transition threshold voltage, particularly with NZFO (0.05 wt%), which halved the voltage. Optical texture and structural analysis confirmed that the CNLC structure remain intact while maintaining the BP temperature window (12 °C). The reduced splay elastic constant in all doped CNLC revealed that the optimum quantity of nanomaterials is occupied in the disclination site of BP, resulting in a reduction of volume and associated free energy around the disclinations to reduce threshold voltage. These findings highlight the potential of nanomaterial-doped CNLCs, especially magnetic NZFO NPs, in enabling high-performance, low-power BP-based LC displays for advanced applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.