Volume 131, Issue 43 pp. 15575-15580
Forschungsartikel

Crystal-to-Gel Transformation Stimulated by a Solid-State E→Z Photoisomerization

Dr. Fei Tong

Dr. Fei Tong

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 501 Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Dr. Shaolong Chen

Dr. Shaolong Chen

Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Zhiwei Li

Zhiwei Li

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 501 Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Mingyue Liu

Mingyue Liu

Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Prof. Rabih O. Al-Kaysi

Corresponding Author

Prof. Rabih O. Al-Kaysi

College of Science and Health Professions-3124, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, 11426 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Prof. Umar Mohideen

Prof. Umar Mohideen

Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Prof. Yadong Yin

Prof. Yadong Yin

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 501 Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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Prof. Christopher J. Bardeen

Corresponding Author

Prof. Christopher J. Bardeen

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 501 Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA, 92521 USA

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First published: 09 August 2019
Citations: 9

Abstract

The molecule (E)-(5-(3-anthracen-9-yl-allylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-[1,3] dioxane-4,6-dione) (E-AYAD) undergoes EZ photoisomerization. In the solid state, this photoisomerization process can initiate a physical transformation of the crystal that is accompanied by a large volume expansion (ca. 10 times), loss of crystallinity, and growth of large pores. This physical change requires approximately 10 % conversion of the E isomer to the Z isomer and results in a gel-like solid with decreased stiffness that still retains its mechanical integrity. The induced porosity allows the expanding gel to engulf superparamagnetic nanoparticles from the surrounding liquid. The trapped superparamagnetic nanoparticles impart a magnetic susceptibility to the gel, allowing it to be moved by a magnetic field. The photoinduced phase transition, starting with a compact crystalline solid instead of a dilute solution, provides a new route for in situ production of functional porous materials.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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