Construction of Functional Materials in Various Material Forms from Cellulosic Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Bio-based polymers, like cellulose, are crucial for a sustainable society due to their renewable and eco-friendly nature.
• Expanding cellulose applications requires leveraging its unique physicochemical properties for advanced functional materials.
• Cellulose derivatives and cellulose nanocrystals possess cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) properties, offering potential for next-generation materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental aspects of cellulosic cholesteric liquid crystals (ChLCs).
• To comprehensively survey research on cellulosic ChLC functional materials, categorized by their material form.
• To provide insights for designing novel cellulosic ChLC functional materials based on material form for expanded applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cellulosic ChLCs.
• Categorization of cellulosic ChLC functional materials by their diverse forms (e.g., films, gels, emulsions).
• Analysis of the relationship between material form and function in cellulosic ChLCs.

Main Results:

• Cellulosic ChLCs exhibit promising properties for advanced functional materials.
• A wide array of material forms, including films, gels, and emulsions, have been developed for cellulosic ChLCs.
• Material form is a critical determinant of function in cellulosic ChLC-based materials.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the influence of material form is key to unlocking the full potential of cellulosic ChLCs.
• This review highlights the importance of material form design in creating novel cellulosic ChLC functional materials.
• Tailoring the form of cellulosic ChLCs can lead to expanded applications in various fields, contributing to sustainability.