From Crystals to Adhesives: Exploring Photoisomerization-Driven Phase Transitions in the Undergraduate Laboratory

Abstract

Photochemistry focuses on light-induced chemical transformations. It plays a pivotal role in energy conversion, environmental remediation, and advanced materials. This study presents a new short-term laboratory course for years 3 and 4 undergraduates, integrating molecular-scale E-Z isomerization with macroscopic crystal-to-liquid phase transitions using the photoresponsive organic crystalline material dimethyl (E)-2-(3-phenylallylidene)malonate ((E)-PADM). This course integrates interdisciplinary concepts in photochemistry, materials science, and phase transition dynamics by linking cutting-edge research with new pedagogical approaches. This course centers on intuitive experimental design and systematic practice. It aims to clarify fundamental photochemical principles and cultivate students’ core skills, such as data interpretation and scientific reasoning. It also helps students connect molecular mechanisms to macroscopic material behaviors, while fostering research literacy, interdisciplinary thinking, and innovation in chemistry education. It further provides a replicable model for modernizing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula through research-teaching integration. Implementation with 60 students across 20 groups demonstrated strong learning outcomes: all groups completed the five-week sequence, achieving final product yields of 35–64%, and a voluntary postcourse survey indicated that 93.3% of respondents expressed interest in taking additional courses on photoresponsive materials.