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Light-Responsive Block Copolymer Particles with Persistent Shape Memory and Programmable Reconfiguration

delete2026-01-21
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PRE
AI
J
Jinwoo Kim
J
Jochen A. Kammerer
L
Linh Duy Thai
Y
Younghyeon Ahn
J
Jaeyoung Choi
T
Tan Ngoc‐Lan Phan
K
Kang Hee Ku
C
Christopher Barner‐Kowollik *
B
Bumjoon J. Kim *
DOI:10.1002/adma.202518445delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Light-responsive polymeric particles provide a versatile platform that can undergo precisely programmed shape and color transformations, offering opportunities for advanced multi-level memory systems. We report a block copolymer (BCP) particle system that functions as a structural memory element by reversibly switching among distinct morphologies and retaining each state with long-term stability. The incorporation of hydrazone-based photoswitches into polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) particles enables reversible and light-programmed transformations, governed by (E)/(Z) isomerization under dual-wavelength irradiation at 410 and 365 nm. The photoisomerization modulates the charge-transfer character of the N─Br interaction within P2VP domains, yielding three well-defined and distinct morphologies: lamellar ellipsoids (dark), networked lamellae (410 nm), and surface-wrapped discs (365 nm). These photoinduced morphologies can be reversibly switched over multiple cycles without detectable fatigue. Importantly, each programmed state persists as a metastable configuration over 30 days in the dark, retaining > 97% of its original morphology. Furthermore, the incorporation of domain-selective fluorescent dyes enables the system to provide real-time, color-coded visual readout of its encoded states via Förster resonance energy transfer modulation, opening new avenues for multi-level data storage with direct optical access.
Keywords:
block copolymer particles
hydrazone
light-responsive particles
photoswitch additives
shape-changing particles

Journal

Advanced Materials cover
Advanced Materials
IF:
26.8
Papers:
3.4W
Citations:
46.0W

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queensland university of technology
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Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
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ulsan national institute of science and technology
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