Light-Responsive Shape-Changing Polymers

Shape-changing polymers are an emerging class of smart stimuli-responsive materials. Among the different stimuli that could be used for polymer actuation, light has several especially attractive features, including precise spatial and temporal remote control, easily tunable properties, and on-demand pausing and resuming of the actuation. Consequently, light-responsive polymers offer potential solutions to many pressing technological problems, especially where a noncontact form of stimulation and control is desired. In this review, state-of-the-art advancements in the field of light-responsive shape-changing polymers are highlighted. The systems are classified according to the material type and the underlying light-driven actuation/shape-change mechanism. Finally, the most promising applications for light-driven polymeric actuators are outlined, followed by challenges in the area and outlook on future promising directions.