Alignment technology and application of two-dimensional nano liquid crystals

Two-dimensional nano liquid crystals are soft materials which have large aspect ratios and are easy to manipulate the orientation. They have been extensively studied in the applications of electro-optic devices, liquid crystal displays, magnetic detectors, etc. The special characteristics of those liquid crystal materials stem from their layered structure and orientation distributions. Different chemical structures and orientation strategies can endow them with unique electro-optic properties. This article lists the preparation methods of several common materials represented by graphene oxide liquid crystal, with a focus on three orientation techniques: electric field, magnetic field, and shear force. We also present the achievements of those materials in display, mechanics, and biomimetic devices. Finally, the research results on the orientation manipulation and application of two-dimensional nano liquid crystals are summarized and discussed.