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Reentrant phase transition via light-heat antagonism in a single polymer system
Zhaomiao Chu1,2, Chuang Li1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China. lichuang21@ustc.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|December 23, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a single-component polymer system using light and heat to control material properties. This programmable material can switch between different responsive states, enabling advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Synthetic systems often struggle with complexity and kinetic mismatch when mimicking nature's antagonistic interactions.
- Controlling material responsiveness typically requires multiple components or complex designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-component system for programmable phase transitions using light-heat antagonism.
- To demonstrate precise control over polymer conformation and phase behavior via reversible spiropyran isomerization.
- To create a versatile platform for dynamically programmable matter.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a spiropyran-functionalized polymer system.
- Exploited light-heat antagonism to drive reversible spiropyran isomerization between SP- and MCH forms.
- Investigated modulation of intermolecular electrostatic interactions to control polymer conformation and phase transitions.
Main Results:
- Achieved programmable switching between nonthermoresponsive, UCST-type, and reentrant thermoresponsive states in a single polymer system.
- Demonstrated light-heat regulation for reentrant volumetric transitions and autonomous oscillatory deformation in hydrogels.
- Showcased the ability to tailor multimode responsiveness using noninvasive light.
Conclusions:
- Established a robust and generalizable platform for dynamically programmable matter based on light-heat antagonism.
- The single-component system offers a simplified approach to complex material responsiveness.
- Potential applications in soft robotics and biomedicine are highlighted.
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