The authors introduce variable liquid crystal (LC) properties via ion beam (IB) irradiation on the ZrO2 layers. A uniform LC alignment characteristic was achieved on the ZrO2 thin film, and the pretilt angle was about 1.2 degrees. We have shown that the pretilt angle can be controlled by changing ion beam parameters, such as the ion beam energy, the angle of incidence, and the irradiation time. The low pretilt angle for the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) on the ZrO2 thin film treated by ion beam irradiation could be adopted in planer alignment LCD liquid crystal display (LCD) applications as in-plane switching and fringe-field switching modes. The thermal stability of the ZrO2 thin film was sustained until 210 degrees C. We also have shown that a liquid crystal cell aligned homogeneously by the ion beam irradiation exhibits the voltage-transmittance curve similar to that of a rubbed polyimide cell.