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Microcrystal actuator arrays see the light

Photochromic molecular crystal arrays aligned in the micropores of a polymer membrane show high-performance actuation when stimulated by light. These soft composites might find applications in soft robotic devices.

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Fig. 1: Schematic illustration of the diarylethene crystal arrays aligned in the micropores of a microporous polymer membrane.

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Correspondence to Albert P. H. J. Schenning.

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Schenning, A.P.H.J. Microcrystal actuator arrays see the light. Nat. Mater. 22, 1053–1054 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-023-01633-x

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