Scientists Unveil New Controllable Crystal Compounds, Melt with Light

A new class of crystal compounds has been discovered by researchers from Osaka University, with potential applications in a range of fields, including adhesives and thermal energy storage.

This groundbreaking discovery in materials science is significant because these crystals can be melted by ultraviolet (UV) light rather than heat.

Turning Crystals Into Liquid

The research team published their findings on April 20 in Chemical Science, unveiling a newly discovered class of "heteroaromatic 1,2-diketones" that exhibit a fascinating phenomenon known as a photo-induced crystal-to-liquid transition (PCLT).

When these crystals are irradiated with UV light, they melt and undergo changes in their luminescent properties, opening up exciting possibilities for future applications.

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One member of this class, diketone SO, exhibited changes in luminescence during the PCLT process. Its intensity and color changed from green to yellow, indicating molecular-level changes in shape.

The researchers used techniques, including single-crystal X-ray analysis, thermodynamic property analysis, and theoretical calculations, to investigate these changes and understand the underlying mechanisms.

This discovery is a major breakthrough in materials science and offers new opportunities for creating advanced materials that can be manipulated using light rather than heat. With further research, these novel photo-responsive crystals could revolutionize a range of industries and pave the way for new technological innovations.

More Interesting Findings

The team, led by senior author Yosuke Tani, found that these materials exhibit changes in luminescence due to sequential processes of crystal loosening and conformational changes before melting.

This groundbreaking discovery provides a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that govern crystal melting at the molecular level.

The implications of this discovery are vast and promising. One potential application of these materials is in photolithography, where they could create precise patterns on surfaces using UV light. They could also be used in thermal energy storage, where materials that can store and release heat are required.

Another exciting possibility is the development of light-controlled adhesives. Researchers could create a reversible adhesive that can be turned on and off with UV light by using a material that can be melted and solidified with light.

This could be particularly useful in the manufacturing industry, where adhesives that can be easily removed and replaced are in high demand.

Similar Studies

This is not the first time that scientists have done the amazing feat of turning a crystal into a liquid.

This study is about a compound called azo compound, which contains certain molecules called azobenzene chromophores and long alkyl chains.

When this compound is exposed to light, the molecules change their shape, which causes the crystal to melt. They also found that the melting process starts at the surface of the crystal and spreads inward. They observed this process by analyzing the changes in the X-ray pattern over time. T

Exploring Material Science

The researchers believe that there is much more to discover about these new materials. They could develop new materials with even more exciting applications by continuing to investigate the mechanisms governing crystal melting.

This discovery is a significant step forward in materials science and opens up a whole new world of possibilities for researchers and engineers alike.

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