Fluorescent liquid-crystal gels with electrically switchable photoluminescence

Fluorescent self-assembled liquid gels have been prepared for the first time through the use of a gelator showing aggregation-induced enhanced emission. The photoluminescence, arising from the fibrous aggregates of the gelator, can be repeatedly switched by an electric field. Modulating the excitation light through electric-field-induced liquid-crystal orientation offers new ways to achieve and explore electrically controllable photoluminescence.