Using solid-state 15N NMR spectroscopy, the cis/trans isomerization in a 2-D array of surface-mounted azobenzene-based switches was detected for the first time. In order to achieve this, a new class of rod-shaped molecular switches, suitable for formation of two-dimensional regular arrays on large facets of tris(o-phenylenedioxy)cyclotriphosphazene (TPP) nanocrystals, was synthesized. A mechanochemical