Martensitic transition in molecular crystals for dynamic functional materials

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry
• Materials science
• Crystallography

Background:

• Molecular martensitic materials are a new class of smart materials.
• Their properties arise from tailored molecular and crystal structures.
• They exhibit ultrafast, reversible structural transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics, transition mechanisms, and applications of molecular martensitic materials.
• To collect and analyze cases with similar transition principles.
• To provide insights for the advancement of molecular martensitic materials.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on molecular martensitic materials.
• Analysis of transition characteristics and mechanisms.
• Compilation of diverse examples to illustrate transition principles.

Main Results:

• Molecular martensitic materials display thermoelasticity, superelasticity, ferroelasticity, and shape memory effects.
• These materials undergo significant shape changes and retain functions across polymorphic phases.
• Potential applications include light-weight actuators, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.

Conclusions:

• Molecular martensitic materials represent a new frontier in solid-state chemistry.
• They offer promising applications in various technological domains.
• These materials are emerging as next-generation smart materials with broad potential.