Download photochromic switches converting light into macroscopic helical

MRP Conference in Nantes, April 25 – 28, 2016
PHOTOCHROMIC SWITCHES CONVERTING LIGHT
INTO MACROSCOPIC HELICAL MOTION
KATSONIS Nathalie
Bio-inspired and Smart Materials
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology (BNT), University of Twente, The Netherlands.
Email: [email protected]
Designing and synthesising molecular machines capable of converting movement into macroscopic
work remains a challenge for nanotechnology. While molecular switches and motors have been
developed and conversion of light into molecular shape change has been reported, harnessing the
work of individual molecules to design functional materials remains elusive. Our approach to
address this challenge involves the use of liquid crystals, where molecular switching is amplified
from the nanoscale up to the macroscopic level.
In this presentation I will describe the design, synthesis and operation of functional helix-based
materials where molecular movement is amplified up to the level of the macroscale. In particular, I
will demonstrate biomimetic spring-like materials that are formed by light-responsive liquid crystal
elastomers, and display versatile photomechanical responses. How to optimize the power
produced by the motion of these devices will be addressed also.
These results suggest exciting opportunities towards soft robotics and in terms of shaping matter
with light.
KEYWORDS: liquid crystals, soft matter, self-assembly, azobenzenes