光致变色液晶聚合物的光致再取向性能研究进展

光致变色分子经掺杂或键合作用嵌在液晶聚合物中可形成光致变色液晶聚合物,在线性偏振光或非偏振光的照射下,此物质中光致变色分子的构型变化会引起整个液晶分子的二维或三维光致再取向的形成,本文综述了光致变色液晶聚合物的光致再取向的近期研究进展.     

Fabrication of self-assembled ultrathin photochromic films containing mixed-addenda polyoxometalates H5[PMo10V2O40] and 1,10-decanediamine

A layered phosphovanadomolybdate/1,10-decanediamine (1,10-DAD) self-assembled ultrathin film was fabricated by means of alternating adsorption of mixed-addenda polyoxometalates (POMs) (phosphovanadomolybdate, H₅[PMo₁₀V₂O₄₀]) and 1,10-DAD, and its photochromic properties were investigated. It is found that the self-assembled multilayer (SAM) film shows high-photochromic response, excellent photochromic stability and reversibility. The photochromic behavior of the SAM is closely related to the reduction potentials of addenda atoms in mixed-addenda POMs. In the case of photo-reduced mixed-addenda POMs, the electron is localized on the more reducible atom, and the addenda atoms with higher reduction potentials show prior photochromism compared with those with lower reduction potentials. The coloration speed is improved after introduction of V into molybdenum POM. The well-ordered lamellar structure of the film was well maintained during the coloration.     

Photoinitiators with functional groups. VI. Chemically bound sensitizers

Several benzophenone‐ and thioxanthone‐based photosensitizers (PSs) were covalently bonded to hydroxyalkylphenone‐ and aminoalkylphenone‐based photoinitiators (PIs) to enhance the rate of the excitation‐transfer effect due to the close vicinity of the PS to the PI. The properties of these new systems were investigated with UV spectroscopy and photo‐differential scanning calorimetry. Broadband irradiation experiments and selective excitation of the PS were carried out for the physical mixtures and covalently bonded PI/PS combinations to investigate the effect of excitation transfer. Selective excitation of the PS chromophore revealed that the energy transfer was significantly increased in covalently bonded initiators in comparison with the physical mixtures. This effect was most pronounced for the hydroxyalkylphenones that were sensitized by suitable benzophenone derivatives, especially at low PI concentrations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2285–2301, 2004     

Polyoxometalates covalently bonded with terpyridine ligands

A terpyridine ligand is covalently linked to a hexamolybdate cluster through the Mo-N imido bond, paving the way for the preparation of hybrids containing covalently bonded transition metal complexes and polyoxometalate clusters.     

Fluorescence and morphology modulation in a photochromic diarylethene self-assembly system

Switchable supramolecular self-assemblies on the basis of interaction between melamine group containing photochromic diarylethene unit (DTE) and naphthalimide derivate (1) were designed and fabricated. 1 can gelate several aprotic solvents with different morphologies. The gel turned into partial gel in ethyl acetate with the addition of DTE as a guest molecule. Both the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the assembly can be reversibly switched by alternating UV/visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, the morphology of the coassembly of 1(2)·DTE changed to film from original pieces of gel 1 in ethyl acetate. When 1(2)·DTE was irradiated by UV light, the film morphology was converted into aggregated flakes. Moreover, the surface wettability of the complex can also be switched by light irradiation. The photochromic diarylethene unit is able to modulate the fluorescence and morphology of the assembled system only by virtue of light irradiation. Therefore, these results provide further insights into fluorescence and morphology controlling, especially application in upscale smart responsive materials.     

Synthesis of Poly (methyl methacrylate)/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite with Core-Shell Morphology by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

A method to prepare zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with a covalently bonded poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) shell by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was reported. First, the initiator for ATRP was covalently bonded onto the surface of zinc oxide nanoparticles through our novel method. Firstly, the surface of ZnO nanoparticle was treated with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, a silane coupling agent, and then this functionalization nanoparticle was reacted with α-chloro phenyl acetyl chloride to prepare atom transfer radical polymerization macroinitiator. The metal-catalyzed radical polymerization of MMA with ZnOmacroinitiator was performed using a copper catalyst system to give the ZnO-based nanoparticles hybrids linking PMMA segments (poly (methyl methacrylate)/zinc oxide nanocomposite). These hybrid nanoparticles had an exceptionally good dispersability in organic solvents and were subjected to detailed characterization using FTIR, TEM and TGA and DSC analyzed.     

Unraveling Dual Aggregation-Induced Emission Behavior in Steric-Hindrance Photochromic System for Super Resolution Imaging

Unprecedented dual aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior based on a steric-hindrance photochromic system is presented, with incorporation one or two bulky aryl groups, resulting in different flexibleness. The dual AIE behavior of open and closed isomers can be explained by restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR), restriction of intramolecular vibration (RIV), and intermolecular stacking. The large bulky benzothiophene causes restricted rotation, enhancing the emission of open form in solution and weak π–π molecular packing, thereby efficiently enhancing the luminescence performance in the solid state. With incorporation of two large bulky benzothiophene groups, BBTE possesses the most outstanding AIE activity, undergoing highly efficient and reversible off-to-on fluorescence in film upon alternating UV and visible light irradiation along with excellent fatigue resistance. The off-to-on fluorescent photoswitch is successfully established in super resolution imaging.     

Fluorescence modulation with photochromic switches

Photochromic compounds change their color under illumination. In most instances, a colorless state switches to a colored one upon ultraviolet irradiation. The photogenerated species reverts to the original one either by thermal means or upon visible irradiation. These reversible transformations are accompanied by pronounced structural and electronic modifications, which often alter the ability of the photochromic compound to emit light. Under these conditions, the photoinduced and reversible interconversion of the colorless and colored states results in the modulation of the fluorescence intensity. Alternatively, fluorescence modulation can be implemented by attaching covalently a fluorescent group to a photochromic compound. Photoinduced changes in the dipole moment or conjugation of the photochromic component can then be designed to alter the emissive behavior of the fluorescent appendage. Similarly, photoinduced shifts in the redox potential or absorption wavelength of the photochromic fragment can be engineered to activate electron or energy, respectively, transfer pathways. Both processes can efficiently quench the fluorescence of the emissive component. Furthermore, the reversible absorption changes of a photochromic compound can effectively filter the emission of a compatible, but separate, fluorophore as long as the emission bands of the latter overlap the absorption bands of one of the two states of the former. When this design requirement is satisfied, fluorescence modulation can be achieved even if the two functional components are operated in distinct environments. Thus, either one of these ingenious mechanisms can be exploited to regulate the emissive behavior of collections of molecules in solution or even in rigid matrixes. In fact, the investigation of these fascinating systems can eventually lead to novel photoresponsive materials for photonic applications, while contributing to advance our basic understanding of the photochemical and photophysical properties of organic compounds.     

Unraveling Dual Aggregation‐Induced Emission Behavior in Steric‐Hindrance Photochromic System for Super Resolution Imaging

Unprecedented dual aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior based on a steric‐hindrance photochromic system is presented, with incorporation one or two bulky aryl groups, resulting in different flexibleness. The dual AIE behavior of open and closed isomers can be explained by restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR), restriction of intramolecular vibration (RIV), and intermolecular stacking. The large bulky benzothiophene causes restricted rotation, enhancing the emission of open form in solution and weak π–π molecular packing, thereby efficiently enhancing the luminescence performance in the solid state. With incorporation of two large bulky benzothiophene groups, BBTE possesses the most outstanding AIE activity, undergoing highly efficient and reversible off‐to‐on fluorescence in film upon alternating UV and visible light irradiation along with excellent fatigue resistance. The off‐to‐on fluorescent photoswitch is successfully established in super resolution imaging.     

Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization from halogen-terminated Si(111) (Si-X, X = Cl, Br) surfaces for the preparation of well-defined polymer-Si hybrids

The halogen-terminated Si(111) (Si-X, X = Cl, Br) surfaces contain effective initiators for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Well-defined polymer-Si hybrids, consisting of covalently tethered (Si-C bonded) functional polymer brushes, can be prepared directly from the Si-X surfaces.     

Aromatic Sulfonium Polyoxomolybdates: Solid‐State Photochromic Materials with Tunable Properties

A new aromatic sulfonium counter‐ion motif for polyoxometalate (POM) clusters with potential for structural and electronic fine‐tuning has been designed. Its two derivatives 4‐hydroxyphenyl dimethylsulfonium triflate (HPDST) and 4‐(allyloxy)phenyl dimethylsulfonium triflate (APDST) exhibit ionic liquid behaviors under ambient conditions. HPDST and APDST are used to develop a series of aromatic sulfonium POM hybrids (HPDS/APDS)_n[XMo₁₂O₄₀] (HPDS and APDS are the cations of HPDST and APDST, respectively; X=P or Si; n=3 or 4), which are tested for photochromic behavior. On exposure to UV light, these POM hybrids undergo color change from yellow to green/blue. The coloration kinetics half lives (t_1/2) are less for APDS‐based hybrids than for HPDS‐based hybrids, suggesting that alkyl substitution on the phenolic group helps to fine‐tune the electron availability on the sulfonium moiety and hence to control the photochromic behavior of the POM hybrids. The t_1/2 values of these hybrids are considerably lower than those of the reported aliphatic sulfonium POM hybrids. We have also demonstrated the application of photoreduced POM hybrids as catalysts for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol.     

Development of Photochromic Coatings on Polycarbonate

New photochromic materials based on heteropolyoxometallates (HPOM) incorporated into a hybrid organic-inorganic binder were prepared and coated onto polycarbonate (PC) substrates. The hybrid binder was formed through the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and bisphenol A (BPA) by the sol–gel technique. The photochromic behavior of the materials was investigated by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and color index values. The results indicated that the films were reduced photochemically to yield a blue species under UV irradiation, with the film color changing to deep blue with increasing time, and HPOM and BPA content. The photosensitivity of several films with molybdenum HPOM showed faster coloration and much slower bleaching than the tungsten HPOM. A photochromic mechanism involving electron transfer between the GPTMS matrix with BPA, and PWO is proposed. After UV irradiation, the O–H and bonds decomposed gradually and W^{6 +} was reduced gradually with increasing time. The photochromic coatings on PC substrate showed reversible transmittance change before and after UV irradiation, making then efficient light protectors under UV irradiation.     

Enhanced Photochromism of Diarylethene Induced by Excitation of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance on Regular Arrays of Gold Nanoparticles

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation on the photochromic reaction of a diarylethene derivative (DE) was studied by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). UV and visible light irradiations transform reversibly DE between open-form (OF) and closed-form (CF) isomers, respectively. A mixture of PMMA and DE (either OF or CF isomer) was spin-coated onto gold nanorods (GNRs) arrays, designed by electron beam lithography, with two localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) at distinct wavelengths, due to their anisotropy. The photochromic reaction rates from CF to OF isomers, under LSPR excitation, were monitored from SERS spectral changes under different polarizations, on the same GNR substrate to compare the effect of LSPR field strength. It appears that the photoisomerization rate was faster when LSPR was excited with the polarization parallel to the GNR long axis. The present results highlight a potential genuine mechanism, from near field LSPR excitation, involved in the photochromic enhancement of diarylethene photochromes.     

New approach to the synthesis of an organopolymolybdate polymer in aqueous media by linkage of multicarboxylic ligands

The reaction of molybdates with multicarboxylic ligands resulted in the crystalline materials of [Na 8(Mo (VI) 10O 32EDTA)(H 2O) 35] n ( 1) and (NH 4) 8 n [Mo (VI) 10O 32PDTA] n (H 2O) 30 n ( 2) (EDTA = 1,2-diaminoethanetetraacetate; PDTA = 1,3-diaminopropanetetraacetate). In the two compounds, decamolybdate clusters are covalently linked by multicarboxylic ligands to form unusual meso-helical chains. For the first time, the synthesis of an organopolyoxometalate polymer is realized in aqueous media, which opens a green chemical approach to the fabrication of polyoxometalate-based polymers. The photochromic properties of 1 in the poly(vinyl alcohol) film displayed reddish-brown coloration upon UV irradiation, providing a new coloration material for photochromic films.     

Calix[4]arene derivative functionalized lanthanide (Eu, Tb) SBA-15 mesoporous hybrids with covalent bonds: assembly, characterization and photoluminescence

Three kinds of novel macrocylic calix[4]arene derivatives functionalized SBA-15 type of mesoporous hybrids (Calix-S15, Calix-NO(2)-S15 and Calix-NH(2)-S15) are synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and modified organic ligand (Calix-Si, Calix-NO(2)-Si and Calix-NH(2)-Si) in the presence of Pluronic P123 surfactant as a template. The structural preservation of these three parent materials is confirmed by FTIR spectra, (29)Si MAS NMR spectra, XRD pattern, and N(2) adsorption-desorption measurements. The ternary mesoporous luminescent hybrids containing Ln(3+) (Eu(3+), Tb(3+)) complexes covalently attached to the functionalized ordered mesoporous SBA-15, which are designated as Ln(Calix-S15)phen, Ln(Calix-NO(2)-S15)phen and Ln(Calix-NH(2)-S15)phen, are obtained by introducing lanthanide ions and 1,10-phenanroline into the corresponding parent material via covalent bond assembling methods. XRD pattern, TEM and N(2) adsorption-desorption measurements are employed to characterize the mesostrcture of the resulting lanthanide mesoporous hybrids. The photoluminescent behavior (luminescence, lifetime, quantum efficiency, and energy transfer) for these chemically bonded mesoporous hybrids is studied in detail. Also, their quantum efficiencies are determined, which indicates that the different mesoporous hybrid material systems derived from different functionalized calix[4]arene derivative bridges present different luminescence behavior.     

Lanthanide-centered covalently bonded hybrids through sulfide linkage: molecular assembly, physical characterization, and photoluminescence

A series of novel photoactive lanthanide (europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium) hybrid materials with organic parts covalently bonded to inorganic parts via sulfide linkage have been assembled by the sol-gel process. The organic parts as molecular bridge are obtained from the functionalized thiosalicylic acids by five silane crosslinking reagents, 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propylisocyanate. The intramolecular energy transfer process between lanthanide ions and the molecular bridges took place within these molecular-based hybrids and especially the quantum efficiency of europium hybrids were determined, suggesting that the hybrid material systems derived from different molecular bridges present different luminescence efficiencies.     

Rod-Cell-Mimetic Photochromic Layered Ion Channels with Multiple Switchable States for Controllable Ion Transport

The controllable ion transport in the photoreceptors of rod cells is essentially important for the light detection and information transduction in visual systems. Herein, inspired by the photochromism-regulated ion transport in rod cells with stacking structure, layered ion channels have been developed with a visual photochromic function induced by the alternate irradiation with visible and UV light. The layered structure is formed by stacking spiropyran-modified montmorillonite 2D nanosheets on the surface of an alumina nanoporous membrane. The visual photochromism resulting from the photoisomerization of spiropyran chromophores reversibly regulates the ion transport through layered ion channels. Furthermore, the cooperation of photochromism and pH value achieves multiple switchable states of layered ion channels for the controllable ion transport mimicking the biological process of the visual cycle. The ion transport properties of these states are explained quantitatively by a theoretical calculation based on the Poisson and Nernst–Plank (PNP) equations.     

Influence of helical twisting power on the photoswitching behavior of chiral azobenzene compounds: applications to high-performance switching devices

Five photochromic chiral azobenzene compounds and one nonphotochromic chiral compound were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Cholesteric liquid crystalline phases were induced by mixing of the nonphotochromic chiral compound and one of the photochromic chiral azobenzene compounds in a host nematic liquid crystal (E44). The helical pitch of the induced cholesteric phase was determined by Cano's wedge method and the helical twisting power (HTP) of each sample was thus determined. The helical twisting powers of azobenzene compounds were decreased upon UV irradiation, due to trans-->cis photoisomerization of azobenzene molecules. Among the azobenzene compounds synthesized in our study, Azo-5, with isomannide (radical) as chiral photochromic dopant, showed the highest HTP and contrast ratio (Tmax/Tmin). Photoswitching between compensated nematic phase and cholesteric phase was achieved through reversible trans<-->cis photoisomerization of the chiral azobenzene molecules through irradiation with UV and visible light, respectively. Transmission rates (contrast ratios) increased with decreasing helical pitch length in the induced cholesteric phase. The influence of helical twisting power on the photoswitching behavior of chiral azobenzene compounds is discussed in detail.     

The Missing Link in the Magnetism of Hybrid Cobalt Layered Hydroxides: The Odd–Even Effect of the Organic Spacer

A dramatic change in the magnetic behaviour, which solely depends on the parity of the organic linker molecules, has been found in a family of layered Co^II hydroxides covalently functionalized with dicarboxylic molecules. These layered hybrid materials have been synthesized at room temperature using a one-pot procedure through the epoxide route. While hybrids connected by odd alkyl chains exhibit coercive fields (H_c) below ca. 3500 Oe and show spontaneous magnetization at temperatures (T_M) below 20 K, hybrids functionalized with even alkyl chains behave as hard magnets with H_c>5500 Oe and display a T_M higher than 55 K. This intriguing behaviour was studied by density functional theory with the incorporation of a Hubbard term (DFT+U) calculations, unveiling the structural subtleties underlying this observation. Indeed, the different molecular orientation exhibited by the even/odd alkyl chains, and the orientation of the covalently linked carboxylic groups modify the intensity of the magnetic coupling of both octahedral and tetrahedral in-plane sublattices, thus strongly affecting the magnetic properties of the hybrid. These findings offer an outstanding level of tuning in the molecular design of hybrid magnetic materials based on layered hydroxides.     

Effect of grafting architecture on the surfactant-like behavior of clay-poly(NiPAAm) nanohybrids

A new class of clay-polymer nanohybrids was synthesized by grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) on the edge of nanoscale silicate platelets (NSPs) through covalently bonded linkers to form various architectures. The inherent ionic character of NSPs and the organic moieties of isopropyl amide in PNiPAAms impart surface active properties to the nanohybrids. Surface tension and particle size measurements were used to determine the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of the nanohybrids. It was found that PNiPAAm brushes grafted onto NSPs with the single-headed linkers are loosely packed and can expand easily in water causing inter-hybrid interactions. In contrast, PNiPAAm brushes grafted onto NSPs with the double-headed linkers may alternatively exhibit intra-hybrid interactions and the hybrids tend to exist in a dispersed state. Consequently, the latter has a higher CMC than the former. In addition, the CMC can be tailored by adjusting the grafting density of the linkers on the NSP surfaces. The densely grafted nanohybrids exhibit close inter-hybrid contact resulting in a lower CMC than that for the sparsely grafted nanohybrids. Molecular simulations were also performed to study the effects of the polymer-grafted architecture and the density of the linkers on the micellar behavior of NSP-PNiPAAm hybrids. The simulation results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations. Thus, it is possible to control the surface active properties and aggregation of the clay-PNiPAAm hybrids by manipulating the organic grafting architectures of the silicate platelets.