Designing Molecular Photoswitches for Soft Materials Applications

Abstract In order to respond to light stimuli, materials and devices thereof must contain a photoresponsive component. Ideally, this response is reversible and can be tuned depending on the desired application. In the context of soft material development, the integration of molecular photoswitches has proven a viable strategy. This Progress Report outlines molecular design principles to successfully transfer beneficial photoswitching performance from solution to the bulk. Selected examples of the most prominently used classes of photoswitches and their use in actuating and self‐healing materials as well as optoelectronic and microfluidic devices are highlighted. The current state of the art is critically discussed with emphasis on both the scientific challenges and the future promise for light‐responsive, smart soft matter technologies.