What breakthrough did Adam J. Matzger’s laboratory demonstrate regarding explosive sensitivity?

Adam J. Matzger’s laboratory at the University of Michigan demonstrated that an explosive’s sensitivity can be altered in real time using light—specifically by switching neutral molecules into their disruptive zwitterionic isomers (and back) with light exposure, as reported in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2026 (DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6c09505).

Why is light-controlled sensitivity switching significant for energetic materials?

Light-controlled sensitivity switching is significant because it addresses the fundamental challenge of balancing stability and reactivity in energetic materials: the material must be stable enough for safe handling yet responsive enough to initiate reliably when needed—and this method enables real-time, on-demand adjustment of sensitivity, a capability previously considered aspirational.

Light-Controlled Explosive Sensitivity Switching Demonstrated

Aug 13, 2026

University of Michigan researchers demonstrated a method to control explosive sensitivity using light-induced zwitterionic isomerization. Published in JACS, this technique enables real-time adjustment of energetic material stability.

cen

2026-08-13

Light-Controlled Explosive Sensitivity Switching Demonstrated

Light-Controlled Explosive Sensitivity Switching Demonstrated

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