Phase Contraction, fluorescence quenching and formation of topological defects in chiral smectic C matrix by Cd_0.15Zn_0.85S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots dispersion: Faster electro-optic response for gadget displays

Cd_0.15Zn_0.85S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (CSQDs) of size 7.54 ± 0.99 nm in diameter were prepared via gram-scale one-pot synthesis method and dispersed in a ferroelectric liquid crystalline (FLC) material into two different concentrations. Spectroscopic, electro-optical (E-O) and morphological characterisations of aforementioned composites have been carried out. CSQDs cause a significant contraction in the width of chiral smectic C (SmC*) mesophase that has also been theoretically verified. Diffusion–controlled processes are responsible for the fluorescence quenching in the FLC/CSQDs composites which has been explained by using the Stern–Volmer quenching equation. The mesomorphic investigation has revealed that helical deformation takes place in the FLC/CSQDs composites, due to which the temperature-dependent gradual growth of ferroelectric domains is noticed. The perturbed helical geometry evinces a new structure-property correlation having a molecular switching time of 135 μs that is 51% faster response as compared to the pristine system. Resultant spontaneous polarisation in the matrix of FLC/CSQDs composites is diminished because of the induced homeotropic and flexoelectric contributions. The faster E-O response and optical imaging are the fascinating features of the FLC/CSQDs composites that can probably be utilised in gadget displays.