Recent development of photoresponsive materials toward 3D printing: From materials to application

Abstract

AbstractThe rapid development of 3D printing has achieved considerable progress in architecture innovation, optical advancements, energy systems, dental care, pharmaceutical delivery, and personalized medical treatments. Nevertheless, the current technology of 3D printing is still limited to a single function. In recent years, the combination of photoresponsive materials and additive manufacturing has become a booming area for achieving intelligent photoresponsive 3D structures and stimulus‐responsive devices. By incorporating photoresponsive materials, 3D‐printed structures can change their shapes or colors under external stimuli. It is expected that the connection of photoresponsive materials and smart 3D printing will contribute to the development of adaptive camouflage, data retention, and molecular robotics. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current development of photoresponsive materials used in 3D printing, with an emphasis on photochromic materials, photodeformable materials, and photothermal materials. Additionally, the differences in the applications of these materials in 3D printing are compared. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives in the development of photoresponsive materials for additive manufacturing are also discussed.