Photoinduced Liquefaction of Azobenzene‐Containing Polymers

Abstract

Light can liquefy some solid azobenzene-containing polymers (azopolymers) by photoisomerization. Two types of photoinduced liquefaction of azopolymers have been reported: (1) polarized light can guide solid azopolymers "flow" along the polarization direction, which is called directional photofluidization and has been used for inscription of surface relief gratings (SRGs); (2) recently, some of us found that light can switch the glass transition temperatures (T ) of azopolymers and induce reversible solid-to-liquid transitions of these azopolymers. This Minireview demonstrates and compares directional photofluidization and photoinduced reversible solid-to-liquid transitions of azopolymers. Potential applications based on photoinduced liquefaction of azopolymers are highlighted and some remaining challenges in the field of photoinduced liquefaction of azopolymers are discussed.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of an Electrochromic Azobenzene and 3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene‐based Electrochemically Formed Polymeric Semiconductor

“…[24][25][26] According to our l calculations, the energies of reorganization for holes/electrons carriers were estimated to be 343/360 meV for the monomeric and 235/245 meV for dimeric DAE molecules, respectively. [27] To test these photo-isomerization related properties, we irradiated the pDAE layer with three different photodiodes, which emitted the radiation with wavelength maxima at 365 nm, 420 nm and 455 nm. Moreover, well-balanced charge carrier properties of the hole and electron carrier mobilities for pDAE were predicted, indicating an ambipolar semiconductor.…”

Semicrystalline poly(vinyl ether)s with high and phototunable glass transition temperature: application for thermally stable and reworkable adhesives

“…It can be focused on specific surface areas without being in direct contact with the target. The intensity, wavelength, and polarization of light facilitate precise control of the reactivity, selectivity, geometry, and other properties . Diverse applications for photoinduced solid–liquid phase transition materials have been proposed, for example, photopatterning, photoactuators, transfer printing, self‐healing materials, remote shutters, energy storage materials, and phototunable adhesives …”

Laser ablation of block copolymers with hydrogen-bonded azobenzene derivatives

“…The interaction of high energy lasers with polymers can result in ablation of polymers at irradiated areas [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Laser ablation is a quick and efficient method to fabricate microstructures and devices on polymers because structures can be generated by a single laser pulse at a time scale of nanosecond or even shorter [1,[3][4][5]10,11].…”

“…Although laser ablation of polymers is extensively studied and shows many applications, studies on laser ablation of block copolymers (BCPs) are rare [9]. BCPs can form various microphase separated nanostructures [12].…”