The properties of polymer networks are highly dictated by how network strands are connected topologically (e.g., branch functionality, cyclic defects). Herein we reported a metal-organic-cage based polymer network (polyMOC) wherein external light trigger was used to reversibly induce the rearrangement of network topology. The system was therefore capable to interswitch between two topological states that have different branch functionality. The two states were shown to have largely different mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, relaxation, junction fluctuation, self-healing properties).

Reversible control of polymer network topology using external light

255th National Meeting (2018)

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