Tuning the Molecular Order of Cholesteric Liquid Crystals for Smart Soft Materials with Tailored Photonic Functionality

Abstract Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) materials possess intrinsic anisotropic helical molecular alignment, which allows for intriguing tunable structural colors across a broad wavelength range and opens up wide perspectives for the synthesis of intelligent photonic materials with highly customized functional and structural diversity. This review provides a concise summary of recent research progress on developing CLC‐based smart photonic materials and devices by precisely engineering the molecular arrangements of liquid crystal molecules through self‐assembled approaches. First, an overview of the basic characteristics of CLC is provided in terms of the molecular helical periodic superstructures and the corresponding optical properties. This is followed by an outline of the most commonly used and versatile fabrication approaches. In particular, the color modulation of CLC materials is depicted through programming LC molecular structures and orientation order in response to external stimulation. Furthermore, the emerging and appealing potential applications are highlighted. Finally, this review Is concluded and proposed a new prospects to inspire exploration in this compelling field of advanced CLC‐based intelligent soft photonic materials.