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Ink-Free Reversible Optical Writing in Monolayers by Polymerization of a Trifunctional Monomer: Toward Rewritable
Vivian Müller1, Tim Hungerland1, Milos Baljozovic2
1Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|May 10, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed "molecular paper" using a novel monomer that can be written on with UV light and erased with heat. This reversible polymerization process allows for nanoscale writing and erasing, opening new possibilities for data storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Langmuir-Blodgett films offer precise control over molecular organization.
- 1,8-diazaanthracene units can undergo [4+4]-cycloaddition polymerization.
- Excimer fluorescence is sensitive to molecular packing and can be quenched upon polymerization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the polymerization of trifunctional monomers bearing 1,8-diazaanthracene units at the air/water interface and on solid substrates.
- To explore the potential of this polymerization for creating a "molecular paper" with writing and erasing capabilities.
- To characterize the underlying chemistry and reversibility of the polymerization process.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Langmuir-Blodgett films from trifunctional monomers.
- Polymerization induced by UV irradiation using a confocal microscope laser.
- Characterization of film properties, including excimer fluorescence and structural integrity.
- Reversal of polymerization via thermal treatment.
Main Results:
- Monomer packing with face-to-face stacked 1,8-diazaanthracene units was retained after transfer, enabling polymerization.
- UV irradiation induced [4+4]-cycloaddition polymerization, leading to fluorescence quenching in irradiated areas.
- Writing and erasing on the monolayer were achieved at the micrometer scale, demonstrating the "molecular paper" concept.
- Thermal treatment reversed the polymerization, restoring fluorescence and erasing the written information.
Conclusions:
- The developed trifunctional monomer system enables reversible, light-induced polymerization for nanoscale writing and erasing.
- The "molecular paper" exhibits potential for applications in data storage and microfabrication.
- Control experiments confirmed the proposed [4+4]-cycloaddition mechanism and ruled out alternative pathways.
