DFG-Temporary Position: Visible-Light-Responsive Molecular Materials

The central objective of this project is to use visible light as a fuel or control element to activate advanced functions and harness macroscopic responses in tailor designed molecular materials via the structural modification of incorporated optimized photochromic units. The advantages of visible- vs. UV-light in the context of materials science are numerous (improved photostability, better penetration depth, biocompatibility, sunlight harvesting) and will be leveraged for the preparation of photodynamic smart materials, consisting in 3D networks displaying various mechanical strength. Two main themes will be developed: first, the optically controlled removal, separation, and release of small molecules with microporous materials, and second, the light-induced stiffness modulation and actuation of soft materials (chemical gels and liquid crystalline networks). A constant concern will be to exploit sunlight as an economical trigger, e.g. to photoinduce the release of stored gas molecules such as CO2 within metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or convert photons into mechanical energy with self-oscillating photoactuators. This project overall aims at addressing a couple of fundamental questions related to optically-controlled materials, which in turn will allow to both optimize existing systems and create unprecedented new functions within.