'Smart' crystals self-repair at -320°F, could unlock new space tech

Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Jilin University, have developed a novel type of "smart" organic molecular crystal capable of self-repairing damage even at extremely low temperatures, down to -196°C (-320°F), the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. This material, detailed in Nature Materials, not only restores its structural integrity after mechanical damage in freezing conditions but also recovers its ability to transmit light, making it suitable for flexible optical and electronic devices operating in harsh environments. The self-healing property arises from the crystal’s unique molecular structure, where molecules possess permanent dipole moments that enable mutual attraction and reformation. This discovery marks the first observation of self-healing in an organic crystal across such a wide temperature range, contrasting with previous self-healing materials like gels and polymers that fail under extreme cold. The durable and lightweight nature of these smart molecular crystals holds significant promise for space technology, where materials must withstand severe conditions and impacts from high-speed space debris. Given the