Optical properties and zeta potential of polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped gold nanoparticles dispersed nematic liquid crystal mixture E7

The effect of dispersion of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) capped gold nanoparticles in nematic mixture E7 on the optical properties (absorbance and photoluminescence, fluorescence life time and Raman imaging) and zeta potential is studied. The gold nanoparticles of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 wt% concentrations are dispersed into E7. It has been found that the absorbance and photoluminescence intensity of dispersed systems are increased and depend on the GNPs concentration. These increase correspond to the coupling between the radiation field (electromagnetic waves of the light source) and the GNPs low-energy phonons and constructive coupling of emissions between the E7 and GNPs, respectively. The change in the fluorescence lifetime of pristine and GNPs dispersed E7 systems has confirmed the energy transfer between E7 and GNPs molecules. The study of Raman spectrum shows the variations in the intensity of the Raman peaks with different orientations. Due to dispersion of GNPs in E7 the values of zeta potential are increased. This ensures the good stability of the dispersed systems. The conductivity of dispersed system has increased drastically. In conclusion, the dispersion of GNPs in host nematic mixture E7 has influenced significantly its properties, thereby making the dispersed material more promising for the potential applications. [Display omitted] •The role of GNPs dispersed in nematic Liquid crystals E7 mixture has been studied.•Dispersion of GNPs in the host nematic matrix has a significant effect on the photoluminescence and UV–Vis absorbance.•Changes in the lifetime of nematic E7 have been observed in the presence of GNPs.•Zeta potential provided useful information about the stability and aggregation of dispersed nematic systems.•The study of Raman spectrum shows the variations in the intensity of the Raman peaks with different orientations.