
Molecular crystals have medium mechanical properties between inorganic alloys and organic polymers. The material category of molecular crystals has recently shown unique mechanical responses induced by external stimuli such as light, heat, and force. This review explores the superelasticity of molecular crystals, a phenomenon first discovered by Takamizawa et al. in 2014. Molecular crystals can manifest superelasticity by much smaller stresses than typical shape memory alloys, reflecting weaker intermolecular interactions of molecular crystals. A novel photo-responsive occurrence of superelastic deformation was observed in a chiral salicylideneamine crystal, exhibiting photoisomerization and phase transition. This process, involving torsional bending and superelastic deformation within a single crystal, could offer new functionalities in photo-responsive materials. Furthermore, it was found that superelasticity is prevalent across the molecular space by an informatics approach. As data accumulate, materials informatics may unveil the underlying relationship between superelasticity and the structures of molecular crystals, potentially enabling innovative material design.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
