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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Preparation of Liquid Crystal Networks for Macroscopic Oscillatory Motion Induced by Light
Published on: September 20, 2017
Mechanical Effects of Elastic Crystals Driven by Natural Sunlight and Force
Jiang Peng1, Chuchu Han1, Xin Zhang2
1Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials of, Ministry of Education & School of Chemistry and Materials Science of, Shanxi Normal University, 030032, Taiyuan, China.
Abstract:
Flexible crystals that can capture solar energy and convert it into mechanical energy are promising for a wide range of applications such as information storage and actuators, but obtaining them remains a challenge. Herein, an elastic crystal of a barbiturate derivative was found to be an excellent candidate, demonstrating plastic bending behavior under natural sunlight irradiation. 1 H NMR and high-resolution mass spectrum data of microcrystals before and after light irradiation demonstrated that light-induced [2+2] cycloaddition was the driving force for the photomechanical effects. Interestingly, the crystals retained elastic bending even after light irradiation. This is the first report of flexible crystals that can be driven by natural sunlight and that have both photomechanical properties and elasticity. Furthermore, regulation of the passive light output direction of the crystals and transport of objects by applying mechanical forces and light was demonstrated.
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