This review focuses on redox-induced molecular actuation in macromolecular and self-assembled systems. Effective amplifications of conformational changes of unit molecular part are explored on the basis of three categories: polymeric system; molecular interactions; and self-assembled system. The importance of highly ordered structures is suggested to effectively amplify conformational change of small molecular unit into macroscopic deformation of bulk materials. Finally, future outlook toward electrochemical soft actuators and tips to prepare stimuli-responsive molecular assemblies, which undergo amplification in conformational change of constituent molecules, are provided.
- Toshihiro Ohtake
- Hideki Tanaka