Photoresponsive metal–organic materials: exploiting the azobenzene switch

Abstract

Photoinduced cis–trans isomerisation of azobenzene has been an inspiration to chemists to design smart materials that respond to light. Lately, this chemistry has also made a mark in the emerging area of metal–organic materials. If one can regulate the properties of porous hybrid materials with light, their scope of applications can be expanded. The field is shown to be promising and gradually progressing from nano to mesospace. However, one needs more in-depth research to deliver materials that are truly smart and practically viable.