Synthesis and Characterization of Biowaste-Based Porous Carbon Nanoparticle-Polymer Dispersed Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Composites

Herein, porous carbon nanoparticles (PCNPs) were synthesized using magnolia champaca seed pods and studied their doping effect on the polymer-dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal (PDFLC) properties. The effect of PCNPs concentration (<= 0.75 wt.%) on the morphology of PDFLC, polarization, and permittivity are investigated in thin sample cells. Field emission scanning electron microscope image results indicate the spherical shape of PCNPs of particle size similar to 27 nm diameter. Temperature-dependent electro-optic and dielectric properties are also investigated in the wide SmC* phase and near transition temperature of SmC*-SmA*. Polarising optical microscope textures confirm the non-homogeneity of FLC molecules in the polymer matrix as a function of PCNPs concentration. The spontaneous polarization and anchoring energy coefficients increase with increasing the doping amount of PCNPs. The phase transition temperature is found unaffected by PCNP doping in all prepared samples. In PDFLC and PCNPs doped PDFLC composites, usual behaviour of permittivity as a function of temperature is observed. Fluorescence spectra show an enhanced two-fold increase in emission intensity peak at 412 nm wavelength for 0.5 wt.% PCNPs doped PDFLC while concentration-dependent quenching and slight redshift have been observed for the 0.75 wt.% PCNPs doped PDFLC. The enhanced electro-optic and dielectric properties observed in the composites suggest potential applications in displays, sensors, and optical devices. The findings open doors for further exploration and utilization of these functional materials in advanced electronic and photonic technologies.