Photoisomerizable azobenzene dyes incorporated into polymers and dendrimers. Influence of the molecular aggregation on the nonlinear optical properties

In this feature article, an overview of azobenzene containing dyes, polymers and dendrimers is presented. The main focus is on the results obtained in our research group during the last 15 years. Azobenzene dyes with large dipole moments that present interesting optical and nonlinear optical properties have been studied in solution and in cast films. The formation of H- and J-aggregates was observed in polar solvents as well as in films. Moreover, azobenzene dyes have been incorporated into polymers such as polythiophene, polyethylene using several polymerization methodologies such as radical polymerization, radiation grafting using gamma-ray source and frontal polymerization. Additionally, the formation of highly structured dendrimers containing azobenzene units leads to the formation of materials with liquid crystalline behavior.

Automated summary

The article provides an overview of azobenzene containing dyes, polymers, and dendrimers, focusing on research results from the past 15 years. It discusses the optical and nonlinear optical properties of azobenzene dyes with large dipole moments, as well as their incorporation into polymers using various polymerization methodologies. The formation of highly structured dendrimers containing azobenzene units leads to materials with liquid crystalline behavior.