Microscopic look at mesogen interactions with two-dimensional nanosheets

Recent interest surrounding the combination of liquid crystals (LC) and two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets has shown when 2D nanosheets are utilized liquid crystal-optical refractors obtain faster response times, smaller device dimensions, and the replacement of mechanical components that suffer from deterioration. Additionally, 2D materials can operate as an electrode and alignment agent simultaneously. In this talk, we use density functional theory to focus on the microscopic origins of recent observations where liquid crystals are combined with two-dimensional nanosheets. We highlight the origins of critical interactions between 5CB and graphene, boron nitride, and phosphorene. We demonstrate qualitatively different band structures among the substrates, and, in particular, boron nitride shows an alignment dependence for 5CB. The effect associated with the 5CB orientations on boron nitride will be discussed in more detail, where the possibility of edge modes form. Finally, we discuss the influence of point defects in the crystal lattice of each substrate.