Supramolecular Chalcogen-Bonded Shape Memory Actuators.

ABSTRACT: Supramolecular liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) incorporating chalcogen bonds (ChBs) have been synthesized and investigated for shape memory and actuation properties. LCEs featuring strong Se⋯N ChBs (-40 to -43 kJ mol^-1) exhibit both shape memory effects (SME) and reversible actuation, while those with weaker S⋯N ChBs (-32 to -34 kJ mol^-1) do not. The Se⋯N-based LCEs transition from one-way to two-way SME after three days at room temperature, enabling programmable 2D/3D shape transformations and rewritable surface patterns. They also enable the fabrication of light-powered crawling robots as well as temperature-responsive knot-like actuators. These results highlight the critical role of the ChB strength and specificity in designing functional materials. Solid-state NM

SUBMITTER: Guo H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12281081 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature