Mechanically Elastic and Light-Induced Bending of Acylhydrazone-Based Photoswitch Crystal

Abstract

Here, we report long acicular acylhydrazone crystals (Ac) derived from 4nitro benzhydrazide and 10-chloro-9-anthraldehyde. The crystal exhibited dual mechanical responses such as stress-induced elastic and light-induced photomechanical bending. Further, the crystal exhibits excellent photoswitching and thermal reversible behavior as well. Detailed investigation revealed structure−property correlation in crystal Ac. Additionally, it has been observed that stimuli-responsive mechanical properties were unique and not interlinked with each other. With the help of the crystal engineering approach, synergistic mechanical responses can be gainfully combined toward applications in multitasking single-crystal actuators.

Linker size dependent mechanical properties of di-imine based molecular crystals

“…S4.2, Video S1, ESI †). 24,25 The normal straight crystal can be bent easily and becomes straight when the external stress is withdrawn 26 (Fig. 1h).…”

Dual control of passive light output direction by light and mechanical forces in elastic crystals

“…For example, Ghosh's group, Hao's group, and other teams discovered multi-stimulus responsive flexible crystals and our group demonstrated the photomechanical behavior of needle-like elastic crystals. 34–41…”

Mechanism of Phase Transition in dl-Methionine: Determining Cooperative and Molecule-by-Molecule Transformations

“…The solid-state phase transitions that proceed with a cooperative mechanism are often more interesting since they occur in versatile forms in molecular crystals such as bending, wriggling, self-actuating, exploding, and changes in their physical appearance. − In some cases, these changes are accompanied by a sudden release of energy that leads to a crystal jump. The crystals showing this behavior are known as jumping crystals.…”