Soft Materials Driven by Photothermal Effect and Their Applications

摘要

This chapter presents the developments on soft materials driven by photothermal effect of various photothermal agents. It discusses the combination of well-known soft materials such as liquid crystals, polymers, and gels with inorganic nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, and organic dyes. Soft nanotechnology, soft robotics, and soft lithography are examples that reflect the far-reaching implications of soft materials in biology and engineering. Soft materials constitute one of the most stimulating interdisciplinary frontiers of modern science and are built on diverse experimental and theoretical foundations. Smart and adaptive systems have been realized by dispersing photothermal agents into soft matter matrices. Synergy between the properties of soft materials and photothermal agents has been found to enhance the functionalities of the stimuli-responsive composites. The work accomplished in driving soft materials by photothermal effect and the applications demonstrated have laid the groundwork for further exploration.