Modulating the chiral nematic structure of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions with electrolytes

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.073
• Publication Date: 2023-07-13T01:16:29Z
• Authors: Christine Browne; Vikram Singh Ragh...; Gil Garnier; Warren Batchelor

The iridescent optical properties of films made cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are controlled by the pitch and range chiral nematic structures. These further tuned with addition electrolyte.Electrolyte type, valency concentration were varied. bulk CNC suspension investigated combining rheology, polarised photography microscopy, while spacing between crystals was determined using SAXS.The electrolyte to a containing structures first causes increase indicating has weaker structure. Further increases in cause aggregation complete breakdown univalent species larger changes structure onset magnitude occurring at lower ionic strengths compared divalent species. Cation size influences order influence being K+ > Na+ ≈ Ca2+ Mg2+, which corresponds from largest smallest cation. This work demonstrates that both ion valency, play significant role controlling suspensions will be vital step development liquid crystals, materials sensors.