The effect of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the rotational viscosity and charge carrier concentration of a nematic liquid crystal

The addition of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with a core diameter of 3.5 nm at a concentration of 10 wt % leads to a 2.5-fold increase in the dynamic rotational viscosity of a 5CB nematic liquid crystal (NLC). A comparison of the diffusion currents in NLC cells filled with pure 5CB and a suspension with QDs shows evidence of an increase in the concentration of charge carriers in the latter case.