Light-responsive organic molecules have emerged as a new tool that allows for the optical control over various properties of solid-state materials. Reversible control over the optical, thermal, phase, and mechanical properties of such organic materials enables the applications that involve optical storage, energy storage, and mechanical response. The fundamental understanding of the optically-induced molecular transformation in solids and how such transformation results in phase change, however, is currently lacking.<br/><br/>In this talk, the design and synthesis of new organic photoswitches, including azoheteroarenes, that undergo a successful structural transformation in condensed phases will be presented. Various photochromic core structures and functional groups have been explored to yield a deep understanding of the structure-property relationship. We have unraveled the molecular isomerization dynamics in a crowded environment and developed the strategies to alter the conformational freedom around the moving parts of molecular switches. The observation of optically-controlled phase transition of such photoactive molecules sheds light on the types and degree of intermolecular interactions among photoisomers in condensed phases and their applications in solar photon and thermal energy storage.

Design of organic photoswitches for optically-controlled phase transition and energy applications

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.