Mechanical Effects of Elastic Crystals Driven by Natural Sunlight and Force

Flexible crystals that can capture solar energy and convert it into mechanical energy are promising for a wide range of applications such as information storage and actuators, but obtaining them remains a challenge. Herein, an elastic crystal of a barbiturate derivative was found to be an excellent candidate, demonstrating plastic bending behavior under natural sunlight irradiation. 1H NMR and high-resolution mass spectrum data of microcrystals before and after light irradiation demonstrated that light-induced [2+2] cycloaddition was the driving force for the photomechanical effects. Interestingly, the crystals retained elastic bending even after light irradiation. This is the first report of flexible crystals that can be driven by natural sunlight and that have both photomechanical properties and elasticity. Furthermore, regulation of the passive light output direction of the crystals and transport of objects by applying mechanical forces and light was demonstrated. A barbiturate-derived elastic crystal (BPDT) driven by nature sunlight and mechanical forces was constructed. The crystal showed backlight plastic bending properties under natural sunlight irradiation. Moreover, the crystal has great potential for application in robotic arms.image

Automated summary

A flexible crystal that can undergo elastic bending under natural sunlight irradiation has been discovered. It exhibits photomechanical properties and retains its elasticity even after light irradiation. The crystal also has the potential for applications in directing light output and transporting objects using mechanical forces and light.