<br/>Gyroid structure is a unique cubic structure having 3D periodicity and continuity. The use of gyroid structures has a great potential to be a way for creating new functional materials with advanced and special properties. One of an advantageous strategy for creating gyroid structures with a nanometer lattice is to use self-organization of liquid crystals. Liquid-crystalline molecules forming gyroid structures are categorized as bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals. To date, we have developed a variety of bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals. Through these studies, we have constructed our original molecular design principles for bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals (Figure). One is molecular design based on amphiphilic zwitterions, which is advantageous for creating a 3D continuous gyroid minimal surface with proton conductive ability. Another is lyotropic liquid-crystalline systems containing amino acid ionic liquids as solvents, which is effective for controlling self-assembly of amphiphiles. Third is to employ atropisomers to induce helices. In the presentation, we will talk about these molecular design principles and show some specific functions of these liquid crystals forming gyroid nanostructures.

Molecular design strategies for creating liquid crystals forming gyroid nanostructures and their advanced functions

2019 Fall National Meeting

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