Journal Article

PUBDB-2025-03777

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Molecular mobility and electrical conductivity of amino acid-based (DOPA) ionic liquid crystals in the bulk state and nanoconfinement

Kolmangadi, M. A. ; Raab, A. R. ; Szymoniak, P. ; Li, Z. ; Huber, P. (Corresponding author)Extern*DESY* ; Laschat, S. ; Schönhals, A.

2025
RSC Publ. Cambridge

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1039/D5CP02406D

Abstract: This study explores the molecular mobility, phase behavior, and electrical conductivity of dihydroxyphenylalanine-based ionic liquid crystals (DOPAn, with alkyl side chains n = 12, 14, 16) featuring cyclicguanidiniumchloride headgroups, in both bulk and nanoconfined states. Using broadband dielectricspectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and fast scanning calorimetry, the research uncovers acomplex interplay between molecular structure, self-assembly, and molecular mobility. In bulk, DOPAnshows a phase sequence from plastic crystalline to hexagonal columnar and isotropic phases, driven bysuperdisc formation and columnar organization. Multiple relaxation processes are identified: localized sidechaindynamics (g-relaxation), ionic headgroup or core motions (a1-relaxation), and cooperative alkyldomain fluctuations (a2-relaxation). Conductivity decreases with increasing side chain length. Undernanoconfinement in anodic aluminum oxide membranes, phase behavior changes: the Colh–Iso transitionis suppressed, and a new a3-relaxation appears, linked to dynamics in an adsorbed interfacial layer. DC conductivitydrops by up to four orders of magnitude due to confinement effects, altered molecular orientation,and phase transitions—especially the emergence of a nematic-like state in DOPA16. These findingshighlight the importance of molecular design, pore geometry, and surface chemistry in tuning ionic liquidcrystal properties for advanced applications in nanofluidics, ion transport, and responsive materials

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. CIMMS-RA Center for integr. Multiscale M (CIMMS)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)430146019 - Ionische Flüssigkristalle in Nanoporösen Festkörpern: Selbstorganisation, molekulare Mobilität und elektro-optische Funktionalitäten (430146019) (430146019)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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