Synthesis, characterisation and charge transport properties of a λ-shaped trimer nematogen

Abstract

Shape anisotropy is an inherent molecular characteristic of the unusual-shaped liquid crystals (US-LCs), revealing its mesogenic capabilities. The synthesis protocols of such compounds already exist; however, the charge transport mechanism has not been reported so far in such molecules. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and charge transport properties of a $\lambda$-shaped 4Az$\lambda$10NO$_{2}$ nematogens. This compound exhibits a wide nematic phase by displaying schlieren texture. The charge transport in 4Az$\lambda$10NO$_{2}$ is governed by the hopping mechanism exhibiting hole mobility in the order of 10$^{-2}$ cm$^{2}$V$^{-1}$s$^{-1}$ as measured using the time-of-flight (ToF) technique; however, the space-charge limited current (SCLC) technique renders the hole mobility of order 10$^{-3}$ cm$^{2}$V$^{-1}$s$^{-1}$. According to the current study, these materials can be used in optoelectronic devices as hole-transporting materials.