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Xiao et al. Soft Sci 2023;3:11 Soft Science
DOI: 10.20517/ss.2023.03

Review Article Open Access

Recent advances in the design, fabrication,

actuation mechanisms and applications of liquid
crystal elastomers

Yue Xiao 1,2,# , Jun Wu 1,2,# , Yihui Zhang 1,2,*

1
AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
2
Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
#
Authors contributed equally.
* Correspondence to: Prof. Yihui Zhang, AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, No. 30
Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100084, China. E-mail: yihuizhang@tsinghua.edu.cn
How to cite this article: Xiao Y, Wu J, Zhang Y. Recent advances in the design, fabrication, actuation mechanisms and
applications of liquid crystal elastomers. Soft Sci 2023;3:xx. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.03

Received: 30 Jan 2023 First Decision: 23 Feb 2023 Revised: 20 Mar 2023 Accepted: 29 Mar 2023 Published: 15 Apr 2023

Academic Editor: Dae-Hyeong Kim Copy Editor: Ke-Cui Yang Production Editor: Ke-Cui Yang

Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), as an intriguing class of soft active materials, exhibit excellent actuation
performances and biocompatible properties, as well as a high degree of design flexibility, which have been of
increasing interest in many disciplines. This review summarizes recent developments in this inspiring area,
providing an overview of fabrication methods, design schemes, actuation mechanisms, and diverse applications of
LCEs. Firstly, two-stage and one-pot synthesis methods, as well as emerging fabrication techniques (e.g., 3D/4D
printing and top-down microfabrication techniques) are introduced. Secondly, the design and actuation
mechanisms are discussed according to the different types of stimuli (e.g., heat, light, and electric/magnetic fields,
among others). Thirdly, the representative applications are summarized, including soft robotics,
temperature/strain sensors, biomedical devices, stretchable displays, and smart textiles. Finally, outlooks on the
scientific challenges and open opportunities are provided.

Keywords: Liquid crystal elastomers, fabrication, actuation, stimuli, applications

INTRODUCTION
In the recent decade, soft active materials have been a focusing topic in both the academia and industrial
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