Lyotropic Chromonic Mesophases Derived from Metal–Organic Complexes

Lyotropic chromonic (LC) mesophases have received a large amount of attention, owing to the semi-stable nature of the chromonics. In these systems, the balance between the ordering forces and the thermal motion is delicate. As such, temperature changes, concentration variations, alterations to the electric and magnetic fields, and the addition of additives to the chromonic systems can be sensitively monitored. Herein, we review the general characterization methods for lyotropic chromonic mesophases, including polarized optical microscopy (POM), multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, cryo-TEM, and rheology. In recent years, lyotropic chromonic mesophases that are derived from metal-organic complexes have become established and offer the possibility of introducing the rich functionalities of the metal complexes into these systems. The chromonic properties, aggregation behaviors, and influence factors on such systems are reviewed case-by-case. Finally, preliminary attempts to utilize these systems are reviewed, which have demonstrated their potential application in optical devices, biosensing, luminescent materials, etc.