Self-assembly and phase segregation in functional liquid crystals

New functional liquid crystals have been prepared by self-assembly of a variety of molecules. Not only organic molecules but also inorganic components such as salts and minerals have been incorporated into liquid-crystalline materials by self-assembly. Specific molecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and phase segregation behavior from nanometer to micrometer length scale play key roles in the formation of self-organized liquid-crystalline structures exhibiting enhanced properties. Such new material design expands the applicability of liquid crystals in the field of electrooptics, electronics, separation, sensing, and nanotechnology.