Divinylazobenzene-Q-Cage Silyloxy-Silsesquioxane-based Reversible Photoactuatable Network Polymer Sponges

The development, analysis, characterization, and solvent preference of photo-responsive hybrid 4,4’-divinylazobenzene and octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) networks were investigated. The dynamic gel systems are formed through hydrosilylation chemistry and react to visible and UV light to expand and contract, giving them sponge-like properties. Their solvent preference and loading capabilities are analyzed and compared to an analogous system, and general characteristics are illustrated through FTIR, TGA, DMA, and SEM imaging. We find that using a shorter, more rigid azobenzene results in a comparable photo-responsive sponge with a higher initial shrinkage response.