Shaping Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks: From Molecular Design and Processing to Multifunctional Materials

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Abstract
Liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) are soft, anisotropic materials that combine the order and responsiveness of liquid crystals (LCs) with the mechanical stability of polymer matrices. By polymerizing mesogenic monomers within their LC phase, LCNs retain orientational order while gaining robustness and stimuli‐responsiveness. Advances in molecular design, alignment techniques, and crosslinking chemistry have enabled precise control over structure and function across multiple length scales. In addition, emerging approaches such as additive manufacturing, “click” chemistry, and dynamic covalent bonding further expand the design space toward reconfigurable and sustainable materials. These materials exhibit programmable and reversible responses to heat, light, and electric or magnetic fields, enabling applications in soft actuation, adaptive optics, and dynamic surfaces. Cholesteric LCNs offer tunable optical properties via pitch modulation, which are exploited in sensors, smart windows, and mirrorless lasers. Nanoporous LCNs provide well‐defined nanoscale pathways for separation and electrochemical applications. This review highlights how molecular alignment, network formation, and processing strategies converge to define material performance and multifunctionality. Key challenges remain in achieving scalable fabrication, long‐term operational stability, and integration into real‐world devices. Nevertheless, LCNs are positioned as a versatile platform for next‐generation technologies in soft robotics, adaptive optics, and advanced membrane systems.
Funding Information
  • Fundación Ramón Areces
  • Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PID2023‐146811NA‐I00)
  • Agencia Estatal de Investigación (RYC2021‐031154‐I)

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