Photomechanical effects based on a one-dimensional Zn coordination polymer crystal driven by [4 + 4] cycloaddition

Abstract

Photomechanical crystals are promising candidates for photo actuators due to their ability to convert light energy into mechanical energy. We synthesized a coordination polymer crystal that can undergo [4 + 4] cycloaddition reactions with mechanical motion. The inclusion of {[ZnL₂(4,4′-bipy)(CH₃OH)₂]}_∞ in a polymer membrane significantly magnified the actuation behavior.