Liquid Crystal Nose (Lc-Nose): Case Of Chiral Networks

Liquid crystalline networks based on compositions of cholesteric siloxanes and low molar mass compounds are studied as components of a liquid crystal nose (LC-nose) that is able to detect a number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs): ethanol, toluene, pyridine, and acetic acid. Selectivity to different VOCs is improved by means of copolymerisation with acrylic acid and blending with low molar mass compound (pentylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid). This modifies the properties of the liquid crystalline matrix by introducing hydrogen donors/acceptors and increases the matrix affinity to certain VOCs.