Liquid crystalline polymers as tools for the formation of nanohybrids

Abstract

This chapter reviews the results obtained for the use of liquid crystalline polymers for the stabilization or the in situ synthesis of nanoparticles. It aims at giving the reader an insight into incorporating different types of nanoparticles, e.g. metallic or metal oxides, in various types of liquid crystalline polymers. In particular, this review highlights the importance of the nanoparticles-liquid crystalline polymers interaction in order to access new materials exhibiting synergetic properties. Of special interest is the case of liquid crystalline materials embedding magnetic or photoluminescent nanoparticles.