Self-Assembly and Photoresponsive Behavior of Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Block Copolymers with Azobenzenes

Abstract

Microphase separation of polymer membranes has recently drawn considerable attention for industrial applications such as separation, purification, and transportation. Herein, we synthesized main-chain liquid crystalline block copolymers containing azobenzene and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blocks and fabricated photoresponsive films. In an atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase image, we observed lamellar structure with a spacing of 26 nm in the film. Upon exposure to UV light, the lamellar structure disappeared but was restored by irradiation with visible light.