Dresden 2026 – scientific programme
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 31: Responsive and Adaptive Systems
CPP 31.4: Talk
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10:30–10:45, ZEU/0255
Reversible Photoswitching of Arylazopyrazole-functionalized Polyacrylamide Thin Films under Water Vapor — •David P. Kosbahn1, Morgan P. Le Dû1, Simon A. Wegener1, Feifei Zheng2, Robert Cubitt3, René Steinbrecher4, André Laschewsky4,5, Christine M. Papadakis2, and Peter Müller-Buschbaum1 — 1TUM School of Natural Sciences, Chair for Functional Materials, Garching, Germany — 2TUM School of Natural Sciences, Soft Matter Physics Group, Garching, Germany — 3Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France — 4Institut für Chemie, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany — 5Fraunhofer Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
This study investigates the swelling behavior of p(AAPEAm-co-DMAm) films in both isomeric states of the novel photoswitchable molecule arylazopyrazole (AAP). The impact of reversible switching using two different wavelengths on swelling of the polymer in water vapor is examined, with the aim of controlling water uptake, expansion, and nanoscale morphology. This material shows potential for applications in reversible light sensors, photo-actuators, and drug delivery systems. We use time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy to monitor group vibrations during switching, gaining insights into molecular interactions throughout the isomerization processes. Additionally, in situ time-of-flight neutron reflectometry on a thin film provides time- and depth-resolved data on the water distribution along the surface normal. The results shed light on the influence of arylazopyrazole moieties on the polymer's microscopic properties.
Keywords: Azobenzene; Thermoresponsive; Light-responsive