An unidirectionally deformable material with reversibility was achieved. The method relies on crystal crosslinking of pillared-layer metal–organic framework (PLMOF), followed by exchange of the pillar ligand to monotopic ligand. The obtained crosslinked MOF crystal exhibited reversibly unidirectional compression and expansion upon cycles of drying and immersion in good solvents. The preservation of layer structure enabled to confirm the unidirectional deformation not only macroscopically but also microscopically. Our strategy will be a promising general method for construction of anisotropic deforming materials, which can be often seen in biological systems or mechanical devices.
- Kenta Kokado
- Takumi Ishiwata
- Kazuki Sada
