Abstract
AbstractThis review focuses on solventâfree molecular liquid materials that exhibit changes in response to stimuli. Along with the recent development of soft functional materials, research on functional liquids possessing free deformability and ease of molding is becoming a new trend. A typical method for designing functional molecular liquids (FMLs) introduces flexible alkyl sideâchains around a Ïâconjugation unit at the center of the molecule. As a result, the aggregation between Ïâconjugated units is inhibited, and an entropyârich room temperature liquid is obtained. FMLs designed in this way can exhibit unique and exciting stimulus responses due to the high density of functional units and fluidity. Such notable features include electrochromism, phase transitions, and dynamic changes in the nanostructure. In addition, some stimulus responses are reversible and thanks to the fluidity, return to their initial state under relatively mild conditions, such as room temperature or slight heating. To elicit such effective stimulus responses, selecting an optimal Ïâcore, and modifying it with the appropriate alkyl sideâchains (length, branching, and substitution position) is essential. A deep understanding of the alkylâÏ molecular design will enable the creation of more attractive stimuliâresponsive FMLs, which are of high value in advanced fields such as healthcare, security, sensors, soft electronics, and robotics.
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