A new class of crystal compounds has been discovered by researchers from Osaka University, with potential applications in a range of fields, including adhesives and thermal energy storage.
This groundbreaking discovery in materials science is significant because these crystals can be melted by ultraviolet (UV) light rather than heat.
The research team published their findings on April 20 in Chemical Science, unveiling a newly discovered class of "heteroaromatic 1,2-diketones" that exhibit a fascinating phenomenon known as a photo-induced crystal-to-liquid transition (PCLT).
When these crystals are irradiated with UV light, they melt and undergo changes in their luminescent properties, opening up exciting possibilities for future applications.
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