Lyotropic Nematic Phases of Isotropic Nanoparticles via Semiflexible Polymer Ligands

Front Cover: Article 2200951 by Linda Reven and co‐workers demonstrates that metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with poly(hexyl isocyanate), a semiflexible, helical polymer, form linear NP arrays and lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs). Splaying of the ligand shell transforms the spherical NPs to rod‐like shapes. Anisotropic (nematic) LC phases thus assemble from isotropic NPs, providing a route to create anisotropic assemblies of spherical or cubic nanoparticles to enhance their plasmonic, optical or magnetic properties.