Abstract:
The creation of stimuli-responsive materials offers considerable challenges in the area of material science. The use of light as all external stimulus has particular advantages because it can bring about rapid transformations in remote regions in a very precise manner. Naturally occurring photoresponsive systems provide the motivation for developing corresponding artificial systems using molecular self-assembly to address issues Such as quantum efficiency, selectivity, and amplification. A practical strategy for developing photoresponsive materials is to utilize molecules that call undergo considerable change in shape on photoisomerization. Although the photoisomerization of polyenes between their linear all-trans isomer and bent cis isomers has been extensively investigated in solution and ill organized media because Of its relevance to naturally occurring photoresponsive systems, its use in developing artificial photoresponsive systems has not been well explored. This feature article provides all overview of photoresponsive soft materials such as liquid crystals and gels with special emphasis on Our recent studies related to the use of the butadiene chromophore for the design of such materials. The role of molecular self-assembly ill controlling the photochemical and photophysical properties of these molecules is also discussed.
