Organophosphorus avenues toward self-assembled conjugated soft materials

Abstract

Self-assembly is nature's most powerful tool for constructing the physical world. Self-assembly has also become an important theme in organic materials research. Within our research program on π-conjugated organophosphorus materials, we have recently aimed to combine the unique optoelectronic properties of organophosphorus building blocks with self-assembly features. Our novel organophosphorus-based chromophore mesogens self-assemble into complex structures, such as liquid crystals and organogels. More importantly, intriguing optoelectronic properties not present in the original building blocks are also produced as a result. These results have opened up a rich chemistry toward smart functional materials that is currently being further exploited in our group.

Keywords: gels; liquid crystals; phosphorus heterocycles; photophysics; self-assembly.