Photocontrolled Molecular Recognition for Materials Applications

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My research program is based on developing new ways to that molecules can interact reversibly with (or recognize) each other in solution and the solid state. The proposal describes the development of new molecules that change their form when specific colours (wavelengths) of visible light are used to irradiate them. The irradiation with one colour of light makes the molecules take a form where they interact strongly with each other. When attached to a connecting framework, these interactions result in a material that has the properties of a typical plastic or rubbery object/film. The irradiation of the substance with a different colour of light changes the form of the molecules so that they no longer recognize each other and do not interact strongly together. This results in a material that is either very brittle or more like a fluid depending on what type of framework was used to connect the molecules in the first place. The effect is reversible with a change in the colours of light used over many cycles and the materials can be switched back and forth over and over again between the two states. This can be further engineered to generate interesting behaviours like: plastics that heal damage to themselves upon irradiation with certain colours of light, objects or films that can be stretched and hold their stretched shape when irradiated with a particular colour of light - then returned to the original shape by irradiating with a different colour, films with surfaces that stick together only when irradiated with a certain colour of light.