Liquid crystals that affected the world: discotic liquid crystals

The main applications and potential applications of discotic liquid crystals are reviewed. At present their most important application is in the manufacture of optical compensating films; films that increase the angle of view in liquid crystal displays. Their use as lubricants and lubricant additives also seems to be developing into a significant area. Progress in the development of other applications is reviewed, including field effect transistors, light-emitting devices, photovoltaic devices and the electronic nose. This is a relatively young field and, as with any new class of materials, it takes time to find applications where their unique properties present a real advantage. However, discotic liquid crystals are already having a significant impact.