Light-driven self-assembly of spiropyran-functionalized covalent organic framework
Gobinda Das1, Thirumurugan Prakasam1, Nour Alkhatib1
1Chemistry Program, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Nature Communications
|June 23, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using mixed linkers to control molecular switches in porous materials. This enables novel applications like inkless printing and efficient water harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Controlling molecular switches in porous materials is key for their function.
- Molecular proximity can negatively impact switch performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a covalent organic framework (COF) with controlled spiropyran linker distribution.
- To investigate the photoswitching behavior and morphological changes of the spiropyran-functionalized COF.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mixed-linker synthetic strategy to control spiropyran distribution in a COF.
- Investigated the reversible photoswitching of spiropyran to merocyanine form under UV/Vis light.
- Observed morphological transitions of the COF in solution upon UV irradiation.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled distribution of spiropyran switches within the COF pores.
- Demonstrated excellent reversible photoswitching of spiropyran in the solid state.
- Observed a morphological transformation from urchin-shaped to 2D nanosheets and vesicles.
- Merocyanine-equipped COFs showed enhanced stability, order, and photoluminescence.
Conclusions:
- The mixed-linker approach effectively modulates structural isomerization in solid-state COFs.
- Developed inkless printing media based on this photoswitching capability.
- Exploited photomediated polarity changes for water harvesting applications.
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