Issue 31, 2024

Photo-responsive Diels–Alder based azobenzene-functionalized main-chain liquid crystal networks

Abstract

Light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer networks (LCNs) have received significant interest due to their potential application in soft robotics and shape-morphing devices. Here, we present a systematic examination of light-responsive LCNs prepared using a catalyst-free Diels–Alder cycloaddition and a new azobenzene functionalized monomer for main-chain incorporation. The networks have robust mechanical stiffness that can be reversibly modulated by 1 GPa by turning the UV light on and off. This study highlights the contribution of photothermal softening to reversibly control rheological properties of the newly developed LCNs and demonstrates the ability to tune the modulus on demand. We believe this work will guide future developments of light-responsive LCNs based on the newly developed Diels–Alder cycloaddition.

Graphical abstract: Photo-responsive Diels–Alder based azobenzene-functionalized main-chain liquid crystal networks

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Mar 2024
Accepted
28 Jun 2024
First published
10 Jul 2024

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024,12, 11976-11981

Photo-responsive Diels–Alder based azobenzene-functionalized main-chain liquid crystal networks

M. Park, J. Guillen Campos, F. Stricker and J. Read de Alaniz, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024, 12, 11976 DOI: 10.1039/D4TC01281J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements