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Closed-Loop Recyclable and Totally Renewable Liquid Crystal Networks with Room-Temperature Programmability and
Chenxuan Zhang1, Zhuoqiang Zhang1, Xiaokong Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|June 26, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel, renewable azobenzene-based dynamic covalent liquid crystal network (DCv-LCN) that can be programmed at room temperature. This material allows for complete polymer-to-monomer recycling, enabling the creation of sustainable actuators and robots.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Dynamic covalent liquid crystal networks (DCv-LCNs) offer programmability but are limited by heat-assisted processing and polymer-to-polymer recycling.
- Existing methods lead to structural degradation and performance loss after repeated treatments due to thermal decomposition and interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully renewable DCv-LCN with room-temperature programmability and chemical recyclability at the monomer level.
- To demonstrate a sustainable approach for creating advanced LCN actuators and intelligent robots.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of an azobenzene-based DCv-LCN using dynamic imine bonds formed between dibenzaldehyde and triamine monomers.
- Room-temperature programming triggered by water-activated imine bond dynamics.
- Depolymerization via acid-catalyzed imine bond hydrolysis in an acid-solvent medium.
- Recovery and regeneration of monomers for closed-loop recycling and additive reconfiguration.
Main Results:
- A novel azobenzene-based DCv-LCN was successfully synthesized and demonstrated room-temperature programmability via water-soaking.
- The material functions as a UV/Vis light-driven actuator.
- Complete depolymerization to high-purity monomers was achieved at room temperature using an acid-solvent medium.
- Recovered monomers were used to regenerate new DCv-LCNs and actuators, showcasing closed-loop recyclability and additive integration.
Conclusions:
- A renewable, room-temperature programmable DCv-LCN with polymer-to-monomer recyclability has been developed.
- This approach overcomes the limitations of thermal processing and degradation associated with traditional DCv-LCNs.
- The material enables sustainable manufacturing of sophisticated actuators and robots with reconfigurable functionalities.
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