Photothermal Diol for NIR-Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Near-infrared-responsive liquid crystal elastomers are very interesting intelligent deformable materials, which have been intensively studied in many fields such as bionics, actuators, and microrobots. However, the organic near-infrared substances used in liquid crystal elastomers are still limited. Herein, we have synthesized a near-infrared light-absorbing diol, which has a strong absorption in the range of 700-900 nm and excellent photo-thermal stability under near-infrared irradiation (808 nm). Subsequently, a polyurethane-based liquid crystal elastomer has been developed. The obtained elastomer has displayed excellent deformation ability while responding to the near-infrared stimulus. Our study expands on the NIR-responsive substances that can be used to prepare near-infrared-responsive liquid crystal elastomers.

Automated summary

Near-infrared-responsive liquid crystal elastomers are interesting intelligent deformable materials that have been extensively studied in various fields. However, the availability of organic near-infrared substances for use in these elastomers is still limited. In this study, a near-infrared light-absorbing diol was synthesized, and a polyurethane-based liquid crystal elastomer was successfully developed, demonstrating excellent deformation ability.