Affiliation:
1. Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
Abstract
Harnessing the photoinduced phase transitions in organic crystals, especially the changes in shape and structure across various dimensions, offers a fascinating avenue for exact spatiotemporal control, which is crucial for developing future smart devices. In our study, we report a new photoactive molecular crystal made from (E)-2-(3-phenyl-allylidene)malonate ((E)-PADM). When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light at 365 nm, this compound experiences an E-to-Z photoisomerization in liquid solution and a crystal-to-liquid phase transition in solid crystals. Remarkably, nanoscopic crystalline rods boost their melting rate and degree compared to bulk crystals, indicating that miniaturization enhances the photoinduced melting effect. Our results demonstrate a simple approach to rapidly drive molecular crystals into liquids via photochemical reactions and phase transitions.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities