Light-Responsive (Supra)Molecular Architectures: Recent Advances

The development and investigation of (supra)molecular-based architectures characterized by light-activated functionalities is a highly relevant topic of chemical research. The interest on photo-controlled systems arises not only from their potential applications in different fields of technology but also from their scientific significance related to the understanding of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Indeed, light is a peculiar and unique tool as it can be conveniently applied to supply the energy required to affect and operate a system and, at the same time, to probe its state and investigate its transformations. Some basic aspects of light-induced processes in (supra)molecular architectures are discussed here in the frame of their use to implement novel functionalities in nanostructured systems and materials. In this perspective, a few recent examples from our own work will be illustrated which are meant to provide an overview of the current directions in this highly cross-disciplinary field of research.