Responsive Liquid Crystal Network Microstructures with Customized Shapes and Predetermined Morphing for Adaptive Soft Micro-Optics

Cheng, Ming1,2,3,4,5; Cai, Wenfeng1,2,3; Wang, Zhenming1,2,3; Chen, Lei1,2,3; Yuan, Dandan6; Ma, Zongjun1,2,3; Bai, Ziyan1,2,3; Kong, Delai1,2,3; Cen, Mengjia1,2,3; Xu, Shaolin6; Srivastava, Abhishek Kumar4,5; Liu, Yan Jun1,2,3

2024-06-11

10.1021/acsami.4c04275

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES   影响因子和分区

1944-8244

1944-8252

Stimuli-responsive materials have garnered substantial interest in recent years, particularly liquid crystal networks (LCNs) with sophisticatedly designed structures and morphing capabilities. Extensive efforts have been devoted to LCN structural designs spanning from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) configurations and their intricate morphing behaviors through designed alignment. However, achieving microscale structures and large-area preparation necessitates the development of novel techniques capable of facilely fabricating LCN microstructures with precise control over both overall shape and alignment, enabling a 3D-to-3D shape change. Herein, a simple and cost-effective in-cell soft lithography (ICSL) technique is proposed to create LCN microstructures with customized shapes and predesigned morphing. The ICSL technique involves two sequential steps: fabricating the desired microstructure as the template by using the photopolymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) method and reproducing the LCN microstructures through templating. Meanwhile, surface anchoring is employed to design and achieve molecular alignment, accommodating different deformation modes. With the proposed ICSL technique, cylindrical and spherical microlens arrays (CMLAs and SMLAs) have been successfully fabricated with stimulus-driven polarization-dependent focusing effects. This technique offers distinct advantages including high customizability, large-area production, and cost-effectiveness, which pave a new avenue for extensive applications in different fields, exemplified by adaptive soft micro-optics and photonics.

liquid crystal network microstructure photopolymerization soft lithography microlensarray soft optics

SCI ; EI

英语

第一 ; 通讯

Guangdong Provincial Introduction of Innovative Research and Development Team[2022YFA1203702] ; National Key R&D Program of China["62075093","62211530039"] ; National Natural Science Foundation of China[2017ZT07C071] ; Guangdong Innovative and Entrepreneurial Research Team Program[JCYJ20220818100413030] ; Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission[XMHT20220114005] ; Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission["G030230001","G03034K004"]

Science & Technology - Other Topics ; Materials Science

Nanoscience & Nanotechnology ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:001245147400001

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

Web of Science

1.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Elect & Elect Engn, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Shenzhen Engn Res Ctr High Resolut Light Field Dis, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
3.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, State Key Lab Opt Fiber & Cable Manufacture Techno, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
4.Hong Kong Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Elect & Comp Engn, State Key Lab Adv Displays & Optoelect Technol, Hong Kong 999077, Peoples R China
5.Hong Kong Univ Sci & Technol, Ctr Display Res, Dept Elect & Comp Engn, Hong Kong 999077, Peoples R China
6.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Mech & Energy Engn, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China

Cheng, Ming,Cai, Wenfeng,Wang, Zhenming,et al. Responsive Liquid Crystal Network Microstructures with Customized Shapes and Predetermined Morphing for Adaptive Soft Micro-Optics[J]. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES,2024,16(24).

Cheng, Ming.,Cai, Wenfeng.,Wang, Zhenming.,Chen, Lei.,Yuan, Dandan.,...&Liu, Yan Jun.(2024).Responsive Liquid Crystal Network Microstructures with Customized Shapes and Predetermined Morphing for Adaptive Soft Micro-Optics.ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES,16(24).

Cheng, Ming,et al."Responsive Liquid Crystal Network Microstructures with Customized Shapes and Predetermined Morphing for Adaptive Soft Micro-Optics".ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 16.24(2024).