Moving Polymers via Photoisomerization

Abstract

Photoresponsive materials, which can adapt their states and shapes upon light irradiation, have attracted worldwide attention in the past decades. The development of azobenzene‐containing polymers (azopolymers) opens up an avenue for controlling their properties and functions with light. These polymers show shape changes and mechanical responses under the stimulation of light via photoisomerization of azobenzene groups. Herein, this report focuses on the growing research on moving polymers via photoisomerization, including their moving mechanisms and various applications.