Title: NIR-Light-Induced Deformation of Cross-Linked Liquid-Crystal Polymers Using Upconversion Nanophosphors

Author: Wei Wu, Liming Yao, Tianshe Yang, Ruoyuan Yin, Fuyou Li*, Yanlei Yu*

Journal: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133(40), 15810-15813

Abstract:

When upconversion nanophosphors were incorporated into an azotolane-containing cross-linked liquid-crystal polymer film, the resulting composite film generated fast bending upon exposure to continuous-wave near-IR light at 980 nm. This occurs because the upconversion luminescence of the nanophosphors leads to trans–cis photoisomerization of the azotolane units and an alignment change of the mesogens. The bent film completely reverted to the initial flat state after the light source was removed.

Fulltext Link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja2043276

When upconversion nanophosphors were incorporated into an azotolane-containing cross-linked liquid-crystal polymer film, the resulting composite film generated fast bending upon exposure to continuous-wave near-IR light at 980 nm. This occurs because the UCNPs converting CW NIR light into emission at UV and visible wavelengths leads to trans-cis photoisomerization of the azotolane units and an alignment change of the mesogens. The bent film completely reverted to the initial flat state after the light source was removed. Thus, this kind of novel photodeformable CLCP system is promising for biological applications such as artificial musclelike actuators and all-optical switches.