Synthesis and Studying the Optical Properties of Novel Zinc Oxide/a symmetric dimer Liquid Crystal Nanohybrid

INTRODUCTION  
In the recent ten years, there has been a lot of interest in the creation of liquid crystal materials (LCs), which are substances whose physical characteristics fall between those of normal liquids and those of solid crystals. This has been a subject of great interest in a variety of fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, telecommunications, and others, due to the significant achievements made in these areas [1, 2]. As model compounds for semi-flexible main-chain liquid crystal polymers, linear liquid crystal oligomers attracted interest. Dimeric liquid crystals exhibit significantly different mesosphere behavior than low molar mass liquid crystals [3-9]. Dimeric compounds are a class of liquid crystal compounds that have been widely studied in the literature. Researchers have focused on, for example, the synthesis of laterally connected dimers, rod- and disc-shaped systems, hydrogen-bonded dimers, light emitting dimers, cholesteryl-based dimers, thermotropic LCs-based-dimers, dimers containing triazole, non-symmetric dimers, flexible linear oligomers, and the twist-bend nematic phase [10-14]. However, the molecular engineering of compounds’ architecture and functionalization significantly affect mesophase’s physical properties like dielectric anisotropy, optical anisotropy, and thermal stability. The advancement of new technologies necessitated using smaller, more efficient, and greater power-density electrical equipment. To combat the heat created per unit volume, these clever electrical gadgets must properly drain the collected heat [15].
In recent years, using of metal oxide nanoparticles has found more attention [16-18].  These nanomaterials have thermal and chemical stability, large surface area, and excellent optical properties [19, 20]. Among metal oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles showsuperior optical properties such as color absorption in the visible range and UV absorption [21, 22]. These nanoparticles have a wide range of applications, from catalysis and photocatalysis to drug delivery, environmental remediation, and electronics [23-25]. The structural and morphological features of produced ZnO nanoparticles determine the nanoparticles’ ultimate properties [26-28]. The morphological and structural properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were determined via synthesis route. Till now, various synthesis procedures was applied for preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles [29-31]. Despite their potential benefits, metal oxide nanoparticles also present potential health and environmental risks [32-34]. The small size of these particles allows them to penetrate cells and tissues, potentially leading to toxicity and adverse health effects. Therefore, it is vital to understand and control the risks associated with metal oxide nanoparticle exposure to ensure their safe and sustainable use in various applications [35, 36]. The linking of metal oxide nanoparticles to organic compounds is an important ongoing research field in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology [37]. These materials benefit from the attractive features of both groups. Metal oxide nanoparticles/liquid crystals nanohybrids can act as response time elevator, with modified driving voltage and higher contrasts that are vital in the display industrial [38-40]. However, the synthesis of these nanoparticles has been faced with various challenges that limit their scale-up application. In this work, we introduce the novel nanohybrid zinc oxide nanoparticles/liquid crystals. The zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared via a simple and novel chemical route. Several methods were used to characterize the produced samples, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and PL analyses. Finally, a thorough characterization of the optical characteristics of the produced samples was performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
All reagents were purchased from commercial sources and used as received. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde from TCI, alkylbromides and 2-Amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole from sigma-Aldrich, p-hydroxyacetophenone, and Zinc chloride (ZnCl2.4H2O), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as precursors were purchased from Merck. Aluminum-backed silica-gel plates (Merk 60 F254) were used for the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, with examination under UV light. Also, all materials were applied in tests without further purification.

Characterizations
The IR spectra were recorded on a Bruker spectrometer as KBr pellets, and the 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on an ultra-shield 400 MHz Bruker FT-NMR spectrometer in CDCl3 and DMSO solution using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard. Using a PerkinElmer Thermal Analyzer with a minimum heating rate, a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to analyze the transition temperatures and enthalpies. The thermal behavior and optical texture of several compounds were investigated using the Leica DM 2500P polarizing optical microscope (POM) equipped with an HCS302 heating stage. The crystalline structure was investigated via XRD patterns were obtained via Philips-X’pert pro-X-ray diffractometer using Ni-filtered Cu K𝛼 radiation. LEO-1455VP instrument was applied for providing SEM analysis to study morphological properties. JEOL-2100F was used for providing TEM images for further morphological investigations. Shimadzu UV-2450 was applied for recording UV-DRS absorbance spectra and fluorescence spectra were recorded in a quartz cell (light path: 10 mm).

Synthesis of asymmetrical dimer liquid crystal
Williamson’s ether synthetic reaction technique was used to create compound 1a-1h by reacting 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde with a range of (C1-C7, C12) bromoalkane compounds [41]. By using the Claisen-Schmidt condensation process to combine 4-hydroxyacetophenone with compounds 1a-1h, chalcones (compounds 2a-2h) were created [42]. Through a condensation process between 2-Amimo-6-methoxybenzothiazole and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, compound 3 was created [43]. Williamson etherification of compound 2a-2h with 1,2-dibromoethane produced the intermediate compounds 4a-4h [44]. Similar to how compounds 3 and other compounds 4a–4h were produced, compounds 5a–5h with minor modifications were likewise created using etherification condensation synthesis [45] (Fig. 1). Target compounds underwent FT-IR analysis, and 1H and 13C-NMR assignments were made. The measurements for the targeted substances are described and given information.
 
Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles
0.3 g of ZnCl2.4H2O was added to 25 mL of distilled water and stirred for 15 minutes. Then, PVP solution (0.1 g/mL) was added to a zinc-containing solution. The 2 M NaOH solution was added to the obtained solution drop by drop. The solution was changed to the milky phase and started to settled down. The mixture was transferred to a stainless autoclave and kept it at 140 ˚C for 8 h. Then, the white precipitate was separated via centrifuge at 12000 rpm for 15 min. The solid was washed three times with ethanol and deionized water. Finally, the product was dried overnight at 55 ˚C.

Liquid crystal / ZnO nanohybrid
The 0.05 g of prepared liquid crystal was dispersed in 25 mL of deionized water under mild stirring. After, 0.1 g of ZnCl2.4H2O was solubilized in a liquid crystal mixture. The product was synthesized through a hydrothermal route (140 ˚C for 8 h). The as-obtained precipitate was separated via centrifuge at 6000 rpm for 15 min. The solid was washed with deionized water. Finally, the product was dried overnight at 55 ˚C.

General procedure for the synthesis of compounds (5a-5h)
6-Methoxy-2-(4-hydroxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazole (1.0 mmol), was dissolved in a minimum amount of DMF, then 30 mL of acetonitrile was added with potassium carbonate (2.0 mmol) was stirred for 1 h, and 1.0 mmol of appropriate compound 4a. The reaction mixture was refluxed at 76 ͦ C for  16 h. After completion of the reaction, the reaction system was poured into ice-cold water(120mL), and left with stirring until a yellow precipitate is obtained. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed and dried and purify via column chromatography on silica gel with a mixture of DCM / methanol =6: 0.05 (v/v) to obtain the compound’s 5a-h (85%-90%) yield.
The analytical data of FT-IR,1 H and 13C NMR for title compounds 5a-h are summarised as follows:
5a. A greenish yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3039(C-H), 2927 and 2850(C-H aliphatic), 1674(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1585-1419(C=C Ar), 1261(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz, CDCl3,ppm): 9.94(s,1H,CH=N), 8.12-8.06(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.93-7.87(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.85-7.80(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.66-7.65(d,2H, Ar-H), 6.63-6.61(d,2H,Ar-H),7.49-7.44(d,1H,OlefinicHα),7.13-7.04(m,7H,Ar-H),4.48(s,4H,CH2CH2), 3.89(s,6H,OCH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,CDCl3):55.45,66.41,66.63,114.40,114.43,114.92, 114.97,119.46,127.76,130.18,130.39,130.77,131.91,132.05,144.07,161.02,161.61,162.08,163.50,190.80.
5b. A yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3039(C-H), 2974 and 2893(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1570-1423(C=C Ar), 1257(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz, DMSO-d6,ppm): 9.90(s,1H,CH=N), 8.20-8.17(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.93-7.90(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.89-7.86(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.84-7.81(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.72-7.67(d,1H,OlefinicHα),7.24-7.00(m,7H,Ar-H),4.50(s,4H,CH2CH2),4.14-4.07(q,2H,OCH2) 3.44(s,3H,OCH3),1.38-1.34(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,DMSO-d6):15.03,55.82,63.81 ,67.00,67.22114.41,114.97,115.26,115.51,119.83,127.76,130.33,131.20,131.31,131.40,132.34,143.75,161.02,162.54,163.71,191.87.
5c. A yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3070(C-H),2954 and 2866(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O),1651(CH=N),1600(C=C Olifine), 1570-1423(C=C Ar), 1253(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum(400MHz,CDCl3,ppm):9.94(s,1H,CH=N),8.11-8.08(d,2H,Ar-H),7.92-7.91(d,2H,Ar-H),7.85-7.61(d,1H,OlefinicHβ),7.50-7.45(d,1H,OlefinicHα),7.11-6.94(m,7H,Ar-H),4.48(s,4H,CH2CH2),4.06(t,2H,OCH2),3.89(s,3H,OCH3), 1.53(m,2H,CH2),1.05-0.92(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,CDCl3):14.16,22.73,55.82, 66.40,66.50,66.63,114.39,114.41,114.92,115.96,119.25,127.52,130.18,130.38,130.76,131.94,132.05,144.16,144.20,161.24,161.25, 162.06,162.14,163.50,190.81.
5d. A greenish yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3062(C-H), 2954 and 2870(C-H aliphatic), 1685(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1570-1423(C=C Ar), 1253(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz,CDCl3,ppm): 9.90(s,1H,CH=N), 8.20-8.16(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.93-7.91(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.90-7.89(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.86-7.81(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.72-7.69(d,1H, Olefinic Hα), 7.24-7.00(m,7H, Ar-H), 4.44(s,4H,CH2CH2), 4.02-3.99(t,2H,OCH2) 3.80(s,3H,OCH3),1.80-1.76(q,2H,CH2) 1.47-1.41(q,2H,OCH2), 1.00-0.96(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,CDCl3): 13.87,19.25,31.96,55.41,66.39,66.50,66.63,114.10,114.39114.92,115.96,119.25,119.29,123.50,127.52,127.51,130.18,130.38, 130.77,131.94,139.31,144.19,144.23,161.24,161.26,162.06,162.13,163.50,190.81.
5e. A greenish yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3070(C-H), 2931 and 2854(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1566-1423(C=C Ar), 1253(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz,DMSO-d6,ppm): 9.91(s,1H,CH=N), 8.21-8.17(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.93-7.90(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.89-7.87(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.84-7.82(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.73-7.67(d,1H, Olefinic Hα), 7.24-6.94(m,7H, Ar-H), 4.51(s,4H,CH2CH2), 4.07-4.03(t,2H,OCH2) 3.41(s,3H,OCH3),1.77-1.70(q,2H,CH2) 1.43-1.21(m,4H,2CH2), 0.94-0.90(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,DMSO,d6): 14.41,22.37,28.16,28.78,55.81,67.00,67.23,68.15,114.41,114.97,115.29,115.52,119.82,127.77,130.34,131.19,131.31,131.41,139.34, 143.44,143.74,161.02,161.16,162.54,163.72,191.85.
5f. A yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3074(C-H), 2935 and 2866(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1566-1423(C=C Ar), 1257(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz,DMSO-d6,ppm): 9.91(s,1H,CH=N), 8.20-8.18(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.94-7.92(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.91-7.90(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.87-7.82(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.73-7.68(d,1H, Olefinic Hα), 7.24-7.01(m,7H, Ar-H), 4.51(s,4H,CH2CH2), 4.07-4.03(t,2H,OCH2) 3.39(s,3H,OCH3),1.79-1.70(q,2H,CH2) 1.46-1.25(m,6H,3CH2), 0.92-0.88(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,DMSO-d6): 14.40,22.56,25.64,29.06,31.48,55.45,67.01,67.23,68.17,114.97,115.29,115.52,119.82,127.77,130.35,131.19,131.30,131.42,132.34, 143.75,161.02,161.19,162.54,163.72,191.85.
5g. A greenish yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3070(C-H), 2935 and 2850(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1566-1423(C=C Ar), 1253(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz,CDCl3,ppm): 9.82(s,1H,CH=N), 7.98-7.95(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.79-7.73(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.70-7.68(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.52-7.44(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.37-7.31(d,1H, Olefinic Hα), 7.00-6.85(m,7H, Ar-H), 4.36(s,4H,CH2CH2), 3.93-3.91(t,2H,OCH2) 3.40(s,3H,OCH3),1.74-1.70(q,2H,CH2) 1.34-1.29(q,2H,CH2), 1.26-1.17(m,6H,3CH2),0.84-0.82(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,CDCl3): 14.16,22.73,26.00,28.94,29.11,31.96,55.81,66.40,66.63,68.22,114.10,114.39,114.89.115.96,119.24,119.26,123.50,127.50,127.51, 130.18,130.38,130.77,131.93,139.30,144.19,144.22,161.24,161.27,162.07,162.13,163.51,190.80.
5h. A yellow solid; IR (Nujol) νmax in cm-1: 3070(C-H), 2916 and 2850(C-H aliphatic), 1689(C=O), 1651(CH=N), 1600(C=C Olifine), 1573-1423(C=C Ar), 1257(C-O). 1H-NMR spectrum (400MHz,DMSO-d6,ppm): 9.91(s,1H,CH=N), 8.20-8.18(d,2H,Ar-H), 7.94-7.91(d,2H, Ar-H), 7.90-7.87(d,1H, Olefinic Hβ), 7.84-7.82(d,4H, Ar-H), 7.73-7.68(d,1H, Olefinic Hα), 7.24-7.01(m,7H, Ar-H), 4.51(s,4H,CH2CH2), 4.07-4.03(t,2H,OCH2) 3.39(s,3H,OCH3),1.74-1.70(q,2H,CH2) 1.46-1.41(q,2H,CH2), 1.39-1.29(m,16H,8CH2),0.94-0.90(t,3H,CH3).13C-NMR(100MHz,DMSO-d6): 14.13,22.76,26.31,29.38,29.40,29.52,29.56,29.62,29.66,29.71,31.64,55.81,68.04,67.93,67.83,114.10,114.39,114.92.115.96,119.24, 119.26,123.50,127.50,127.51,130.18,130.38,130.74,131.93,139.30,144.19,144.22,161.24,161.27,162.05,162.13,163.51,191.56.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  
FT-IR, NMR spectral studies
In the FTIR spectrum of compound 5a (Fig. 2a). The absorption in the region 3039 cm-1 refers to the C-H (sp2) stretching, while the bands at 2916 and 2839 cm-1 are assigned for the symmetrical and asymmetrical C-H (sp3) stretching and the carbonyl group also shifted 1674 cm-1characteristic for conjugated carbonyl vibration [46]. The C=N bond of the Schiff base can be used to explain the band with a strong intensity seen at 1651 cm-1. This absorption band crossed across with the band originating from the benzothiazole ring’s C=N, creating a distinct and potent absorption band [47]. The product also showed absorption peaks at 1600 cm-1 (C=C Olifinic) and a very strong band occurred at 1261 cm-1 can be ascribed to the stretching of the ether (C–O–C) bond. Fig. 2b shows the FTIR spectrum of the prepared ZnO/ liquid crystal nanohybrid. As well as shown, the peak at 520 cm-1 is attributed to the Zn-O bond in nanohybrid. The liquid crystal-related FTIR peaks are observable in the FTIR spectrum of nanohybrid (Fig. 2b).
In the 1H-NMR  spectrum of compound 5a will be used as an example (Fig.3), the singlet  observed at the most downfield region, δ=9.94 ppm, supported the presence of the imine linking group[48].  Fifteen aromatic protons are observed within the chemical shift range of δ=8.12-6.95ppm. The Olefinic protons showa characteristic doublet at δ=7.85,7.80,7.49 and 7.44ppm respectively, singlet at δ=3.89 ppm to the methyl protons that directly connected to an oxygen atom (-OCH3). Another methylene proton (-O-CH2CH2-O-) gave a singlet signal at δ=4.48ppm.
The 13C-NMR spectrum (Fig. 4) of compound 5a showed the presence of 27 carbons-two methyl, two methylene, eleven aromatic, eleven quaternary and one azomethine carbons.

Phase transition and mesomorphic behaviour in compounds 5a-5h 
According to the method described in the literature, the desired non-symmetric dimeric liquid crystalline molecules have been produced. The synthesis approach is shown in Fig. 1. The phase transition temperatures and mesomorphic properties were investigated using a powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Related enthalpy shifts and phase behavior as a function of temperature are displayed in Table 1. Liquid crystal characteristics may be seen in the targeted compounds 5a–5.
Textures such as the nematic phase, Droplet, Schlieren, Thread-like, and Marble, are seen in Fig. 5. Compound 5a displays nematic behavior. DSC experiment heating scans revealed a Cr phase at 148.72°C (∆H = 111.586), with the transition state as Cr -N-Iso. The following heating shows the Cr-N transition and the mesophase region at 4.61°C. As of 153.33°C, the liquid begins to clarify. In a thermal scan, POM showed a texture similar to thread. Heat alters the texture of Nematic, as shown in Fig. 5a, from the DSC experiment, Fig. 6. When compound 5b is heated, the same thing happens to it. The DSC thermogram further verifies that the liquid crystalline phase has formed in compound 5b.
The DSC thermogram showed the onset of the crystal phase at 143.92 °C (∆H=18.65), and the isotropic transition temperature was located at 150.73 °C. Interestingly, the emergence of the nematic phase was confirmed by optical microscope observation following heating and cooling cycles of 5c-5h compounds. Compound 5c, for instance, exhibits a transition on the heating scan between the Cr-N-Iso phases at 113.09 °C (∆H= 23.88) and 172.42 °C(∆H= 10.82). Compound 5c was observed under an optical microscope, and cooling scans revealed that the droplet nematic phase had changed into the Thread-like texture (Fig. 5b). Similar results were seen with compounds 5d-5g. Fig. 5 (c), (d), and (e) show the POM textures of compounds 5e, 5f, and 5g after several chilling cycles.
The DSC thermogram further verifies that component 5h has entered the liquid crystalline phase (Fig. 6). Cr-SmA-N-Iso transitions were detected during the scanning of compound 5h. The crystallization transition from Sm to SmA occurs at 101.43 °C (∆H = 13.429), the Sm to N transition is confirmed at 122.80 °C (∆H = 8.324), and the N to Iso transition is confirmed at 157.04 °C (∆H = 16.835). POM scans taken after cooling revealed the threadlike texture. The texture of cooled Nematic is seen in Fig. 5f.
DSC analysis was also used to investigate the thermal characteristics of LCs-nanocomposites. The composites’ dynamic scan is depicted at 10 °C/min in Fig. 7. The crystalline phases were clearly changed to lower temperatures by adding ZnO nanoparticles. By filling the gaps between molecules, the addition of ZnO and nanoparticles decreased the free volume inside the composites. As a result, the LCs’ mobility is decreased. Additionally, nanoparticles function as crystallization nucleation sites. As a result, the creation of a network of nanoparticles lowers the overall mobility of composites. This was consistent with the earlier finding that nematic liquid crystals’ phase transition temperature decreases when graphene oxide (GO) is added [49].

The morphology and structure of LCs and LC-nanocomposites
The shape and size of prepared nanoparticles were characterized via SEM and TEM analysis. Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b present the scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) of as-obtained zinc oxide nanoparticles.  The SEM images reveals that prepared zinc oxide has a uniform shape and size with an average of 58 nm in diameter. Fig. 8c and Fig. 8d present the SEM image of the prepared zinc oxide/liquid crystal nanohybrid. It is found that the morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles changes to cubic. This can be related to the effect of liquid crystals that link on the surface of nanoparticles and control the morphology and size of particles. The composite materials’ performance was boosted by the incorporation of uniformly dispersed inorganic nanoparticles [50]. TEM images of prepared nanohybrid are presented in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b. It can be seen that the TEM images confirm the formation of uniform zinc oxide nanoparticles in agreement with SEM results. 
XRD patterns were used for tracking the phase formation and crystal structure of prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles. Fig. 10 shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of prepared ZnO nanoparticles. As shown, (100), (1002), (101), (102), (110), (103), and (112) planes are compatible with JCPDS No. 01-080-0075. On the other side, the mean crystal sizes (L) for ZnO nanoparticles  were calculated by utilizing Scherer’s equations[51, 52].

Where k = 0.9 is the constant crystal lattice, λ,β and θ are indicated to shape constant, the wavelength of the radiation, Bragg diffraction angle, and full width at half maximum intensity (FWHM).  
The result indicates that it has a nano-size equal to 19.8 nm.
The FTIR, DSC, POM, SEM, TEM and XRD analysis revealed that the applied synthesis route prepared zinc oxide/liquid crystal nanohybrid successfully.

Photoluminescence (PL) study
The absorbance and PL spectra of the prepared compounds were recorded in methanol as a solvent, at a wavelength λ = 250–700 nm. The spectra of representative compounds 5a and as-obtained zinc oxide/liquid crystal nanohybrid are shown in Fig. 11 (a) and (b) which were selected as an example because the PL spectra of compounds 5a–5h are analogous. However, the varied terminal alkyl chain length has an insignificant influence on their emission bands [53]. As well as observable, the emission  appears in the blue region located at 𝜆max = 380 nm. These emission bands can be attributed to π–π* electronic transition involving the whole electronic system of the compound. Fig. 11b shows the Pl analysis of the as-obtained zinc oxide/liquid crystal nanohybrid. As well as shown, the introduction of ZnO nanoparticle reduces the intensity of Pl slightly, but does not quench it. Also, this confirms the attached liquid crystal on the surface of zinc oxide nanoparticles. It can be concluded that prepared zinc oxide/liquid crystal nanohybrid can be applied in the optoelectronic field successfully. The material features blue light emission capabilities that might be used in applications including OLED materials, fluorescent probes for biological applications, and biotags for biological sensing applications, as shown by the emission in the blue region λ = 420–500 nm [54, 55].

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the synthesis and characterization of novel nonsymmetrical Dimeric compounds, combined with the use of liquid crystal and zinc oxide nanoparticles, have been successfully demonstrated. The comprehensive analysis of the prepared products using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and PL techniques provided significant insights into the structure and properties of the materials. The SEM and TEM images confirmed the formation of pure zinc oxide nanoparticles, while the successful linking of the liquid crystal to the surface of the zinc oxide nanoparticles was demonstrated. Furthermore, the PL analysis suggested that the resulting zinc oxide/ liquid crystal nanohybrid could have great potential in optoelectronic fields. Overall, this study presents a promising direction for the development of new materials with interesting properties for various technological applications.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this manuscript.