Unveiling electron transfer in a supramolecular aggregate for adaptive and autonomous photochromic response

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102956
• Publication Date: 2021-08-08T21:20:04Z
• Authors: Xiaofei Kuang; Lingyi Meng; Can-Zhong Lu
• Keywords: materials science; Science; Q; supramolecular materials; chemistry; 01 natural sciences; supramolecular chemistry; Article; 0104 chemical sciences

Interactive and responsive materials are dynamic molecular systems that capable of modulating their behavior adapting to environment autonomously. Photochromic among the fascinating class widely used in switches optoelectronic devices. However, phototriggered color changing largely relies on conformation transformation photochromic motif, which significantly limited usage organic liquid solutions. Herein, we demonstrate a supramolecular system by using electron-rich N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) electron-deficient naphthalenediimide (NDI) as donor acceptor, respectively. In binary system, photo-induced electron transfer through lone pair···π interactions pathway leads response not only solution but also crystalline aggregated state. Furthermore, incorporating supramolecules polymer matrix, transparent polymeric film exhibits rapid response, makes it promisingly interactive adaptive material.