Abstract: A low current d.c. operated liquid crystal display comprises a liquid crystal material composition having impurities therein to effect a current density at 25.degree. C in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 .mu.a/cm.sup.2. In one aspect of the invention, the liquid crystal composition is provided by purifying the material to 99.95 percent or greater and then adding controlled amounts of preselected impurities so that the total amount of impurities in the liquid crystalline composition comprises 1/2 to 2 percent by weight. In another aspect of the invention, the liquid crystalline material is initially prepared so that it has a purity in the range of 98.0 to 99.5 percent by weight. An adsorbed layer may be formed on the electrodes to enhance electrical charge injection. In one specific embodiment, the liquid crystalline composition is utilized to form a display panel that is directly compatible with 12 volts d.c., which is typically available in automotive vehicles.