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Light‐Switchable Azobenzene‐Containing Macromolecules: From UV to Near Infrared
Author(s) -
Weis Philipp,
Wu Si
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201700220
Subject(s) - macromolecule , azobenzene , photoisomerization , materials science , ultraviolet , photochemistry , polymer , infrared , chemistry , organic chemistry , optics , optoelectronics , isomerization , physics , catalysis , biochemistry , composite material
Azobenzene‐containing macromolecules (azo‐macromolecules) such as azobenzene‐containing polymers (azopolymers) and azobenzene‐functionalized biomacromolecules are photoswitchable macromolecules. Trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization in conventional azo‐macromolecules is induced by ultraviolet (UV) light. However, UV light cannot penetrate deeply into issue and has a very small fraction in sunlight. Therefore, conventional azo‐macromolecules are problematic for biomedical and solar‐energy‐related applications. In this Feature Article, the strategies for constructing visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive azo‐macromolecules are reviewed, and the potential applications of visible‐ and NIR‐light‐responsive azo‐macromolecules in biomedicine and solar energy conversion are highlighted. The remaining challenges in the field of photoswitchable azo‐macromolecules are discussed.