Diarylethene-Based Photoswitches in Nanomaterial Hybrids: From Molecular Architecture to Device Amalgamation

Among various photochromic organic molecules, diarylethene and its derivatives are an excellent choice due to their unique properties, including excellent thermal stability, good fatigue resistance, high photocyclization and cycloreversion rate under UV and visible light irradiation. Due to these various reasons, they are highly suitable for optoelectronic device integration, bio-imaging, and bio-sensing. The synergistic integration of numerous selective nanomaterials with this photochromic moiety exponentially enhances its properties. This review provides a critical comparison of recent advancements in molecular design to achieve efficient energy transfer, higher quantum yield, and enhanced photostability even after numerous photoswitching cycles. We have compiled molecular design strategies and the effects of nanohybrids (such as organic nanohybrids, quantum dots, metal-organic framework, etc.) upon integration with photochromic DAEs were documented keeping the idea of bridging the gap between synthesis and application in mind. Finally, the challenges and prospects of these nanohybrids for the development of next-generation optoelectronic-storage devices and smart sensors were discussed.