Azobenzene-based functional textiles have emerged as a promising platform for next-generation intelligent materials, owing to their reversible light-driven molecular switching and highly tunable chemical structures. The core functionality arises from the trans–cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene (-N=N-) moiety under UV or visible light, which induces substantial variations in molecular geometry, polarity, and electronic energy levels, thereby enabling precise modulation of macroscopic textile properties. Tailored chemical modifications—such as alkoxy and sulfonate substitution, host–guest templating with graphene or carbon nanotubes, metal ion coordination (e.g., Mg2⁺), and control over polymer structure—have significantly improved photothermal conversion efficiency, isomerization kinetics, and energy storage capacity, achieving values up to 943 kJ·mol⁻1. These dynamic molecular features have enabled diverse textile applications, particularly in thermal regulation, where alkoxy-substituted azobenzene derivatives function as integrated solar–thermal energy storage units capable of light harvesting, energy retention, and controlled heat release. Encapsulation within silica aerogels mitigates phase leakage and maintains microclimate stability in the 30–34 °C comfort range. Additionally, the reversible trans–cis switching facilitates tunable wettability, supporting applications in self-cleaning surfaces and responsive moisture management, while light-responsive surfactants such as NAAEO19 enable controllable foam stabilization via Marangoni effects. In chromogenic textiles, azobenzene–polyurethane dyes covalently grafted onto fibers exhibit rapid, reversible color changes (e.g., 410 → 520 nm) under UV irradiation, facilitating adaptive camouflage, UV-sensing garments, and interactive textile displays. Furthermore, light-activated foam dyeing offers a sustainable alternative to conventional aqueous dyeing, delivering uniform coloration and UV-triggered dye recovery with over 90% water savings through a closed-loop process. Despite these advances, challenges such as inefficient solid-state isomerization, slow coordination-driven self-assembly (typically 4–12 h), and limited long-term photostability remain. Nevertheless, azobenzene-functional textiles exemplify a multi-scale design strategy—from molecular engineering to textile integration—paving the way for sustainable, responsive, and multifunctional wearable devices.

Azobenzene-Based Molecules and Functional Fabrics

会议论文
发表日期：

2025年

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Yongsong Tan,
Yunjie Yin,
Chaoxia Wang

摘要

Azobenzene-based functional textiles have emerged as a promising platform for next-generation intelligent materials, owing to their reversible light-driven molecular switching and highly tunable chemical structures. The core functionality arises from the trans–cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene (-N=N-) moiety under UV or visible light, which induces substantial variations in molecular geometry, polarity, and electronic energy levels, thereby enabling precise modulation of macroscopic textile properties. Tailored chemical modifications—such as alkoxy and sulfonate substitution, host–guest templating with graphene or carbon nanotubes, metal ion coordination (e.g., Mg2⁺), and control over polymer structure—have significantly improved photothermal conversion efficiency, isomerization kinetics, and energy storage capacity, achieving values up to 943 kJ·mol⁻1. These dynamic molecular features have enabled diverse textile applications, particularly in thermal regulation, where alkoxy-substituted azobenzene derivatives function as integrated solar–thermal energy storage units capable of light harvesting, energy retention, and controlled heat release. Encapsulation within silica aerogels mitigates phase leakage and maintains microclimate stability in the 30–34 °C comfort range. Additionally, the reversible trans–cis switching facilitates tunable wettability, supporting applications in self-cleaning surfaces and responsive moisture management, while light-responsive surfactants such as NAAEO19 enable controllable foam stabilization via Marangoni effects. In chromogenic textiles, azobenzene–polyurethane dyes covalently grafted onto fibers exhibit rapid, reversible color changes (e.g., 410 → 520 nm) under UV irradiation, facilitating adaptive camouflage, UV-sensing garments, and interactive textile displays. Furthermore, light-activated foam dyeing offers a sustainable alternative to conventional aqueous dyeing, delivering uniform coloration and UV-triggered dye recovery with over 90% water savings through a closed-loop process. Despite these advances, challenges such as inefficient solid-state isomerization, slow coordination-driven self-assembly (typically 4–12 h), and limited long-term photostability remain. Nevertheless, azobenzene-functional textiles exemplify a multi-scale design strategy—from molecular engineering to textile integration—paving the way for sustainable, responsive, and multifunctional wearable devices.