Identifying Photoreaction Products in Cinnamate-Based Photoalignment Materials

A novel joint computational and experimental strategy is developed and applied for the detection and the identification of photoreaction products in cinnamate-based photoalignment materials. Based on NEXAFS, IR, and NMR spectroscopies and supported by computer simulation tools, this structural analysis method allows distinguishing the typical signatures of products resulting from UV-induced photoreactions between isomers of cinnamate-based model compounds. Besides deepening the understanding of typical photoalignment reaction products, the proposed strategy acquires technological relevance in supporting the realization of next generation materials for the LCD panel industry.