Abstract
Photoswitches are a class of molecules that are able to undergo isomerization upon irradiation with light, going from a stable state to a metastable, higher energy state. This defining
feature of photoswitches allows for exploitation of characteristics including changes in polarity,
phase behavior, volume, and reversibility, in many different applications including optical
storage, thermal energy storage, photolithography, drug delivery, and many others. In this thesis,
I will focus on the fundamental study of photoswitches in the condensed phase as well as their
applications in thermal energy storage and integration into nanopore sensors. I summarize the
progress that has been made with photoswitches in the solid state and their various applications
in the solid state. In addition, I conducted research on two classes of photoswitches for their
condensed-phase behavior, in particular azobispyrazoles and bis-azobenzenes. What was
noteworthy of the class of azobispyrazoles studied was their ability to undergo photoliquefaction
at room temperature, despite their high melting points, as well as achieving gravimetric energy
densities that are competitive with current molecular solar thermal (MOST) systems. I also
studied a class of bis-azobenzenes for their phase change behavior and potential for a more
predictable way to tune and synthesize thermal energy storage materials. Finally, I will discuss
the integration of azobenzene into silicon nitride nanopores for their potential use in single
biomolecule detection.