New composite films based on MoO3-x nanowires aligned in a liquid single crystal elastomer matrix

In this study, we report the preparation, structure characterization, and application of new MoO3-x nanowires, promising candidates for lithium intercalation, hydrogen sensing, and smart windows due to their photochromic property. These nanowires are a mixture of MoO3 and conductive Mo5O14 phase and have been used to prepare composite films based on liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCE). The structure, morphology, and thermomechanic behavior of these films are discussed. In particular, we show that the particular combination of molybdenum-based nanowires and LSCEs allows for doping of liquid single crystal elastomers, preserving the pristine mechanical and optical properties of the host matrix.