Preparation of Electrochromic Hydrogels Based on Anderson-Type POMs-Viologen Compounds with Photochromic and Thermochromic Properties

Currently, color-changing materials with multiple responses have emerged as a prominent research focus. In this work, two Anderson-type POMs-viologen compounds were successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions, namely, (1,3-bcby)·[AlMo6(OH)6O18]·(en)0.5·H2O (1) and (1,3-bcby)·[Co2(H2O)6TeMo6O24]·2H2O (2) (1,3-bcby = 1,1'-bis(3-cyanobenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridine dichloride, en = ethylenediamine). Compound 1 shows a two-dimensional supramolecular lattice structure through the hydrogen bonding of dissociated water molecules. In compound 2, by utilizing the connection of Co atoms, a two-dimensional layered framework is constructed. Owing to the widespread application of viologen compounds in color-changing materials, an investigation was performed for exploration of the photochromic and thermochromic responses of 1 and 2 upon exposure to light and heat. The study reveals that compound 1 exhibits an exceptional reversible photochromic property, while compound 2 demonstrated equally impressive thermochromic behavior. The filter paper prepared by compound 1 was successfully applied to ink-free, erasable printing. Furthermore, ECH-1 and ECH-2 (two types of electrochromic hydrogels), were prepared through varying concentrations of compounds 1 and 2. Notably, ECH-1 exhibits a rapid response time and substantial coloring efficiency. ECH-1 and ECH-2 have been integrated into smart windows, demonstrating their capacity to modulate indoor temperatures effectively.

Tunable photo/thermochromic properties of Cd(II)-viologen coordination polymers modulated by coordination modes for flexible imaging films and anti-counterfeiting

Two photochromic Cd(II)-CPs were obtained based on the viologen ligand using different synthetic routes, named {[Cd4(p-BDC)4(CPB)2(H2O)2]·2H2O·EtOH}n (1) and {[Cd(p-BDC)(CPB)(H2O)]·(L)·DMF}n (2) (p-H2BDC = 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylate, HCPB·Cl = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium·Cl, L = 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), respectively. Due to different coordination modes, the two Cd(II)-CPs show different structures. Compound 1 exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) framework with bimetallic nodes, while compound 2 displays a 2-fold interpenetrated (4,4) net topology. Notably, the two Cd(II)-CPs exhibit substantial disparities in photo/thermochromism, which can be attributed to variations in donor-acceptor (D-A) distances arising from structural differences. Compound 1 showed visually sensitive photo- and thermochromic behavior due to multi-pathway electron transfer and short D-A distances, which is relatively rare in electron-transfer type photochromic systems. In contrast, 2 only demonstrates insensitive photochromic behavior, with a slight deepening of the color observed after 2 hours of UV light, which is due to the mono-pathway electron transfer and long D-A distance. Moreover, we first combined Cd(II)-viologen CPs with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to prepare a 1@PDMS flexible UV imaging film. 1@PDMS exhibits excellent bendability and stretchability and maintains good photochromic properties after 100 bending cycles. To demonstrate the rapid color response and distinct color contrast of 1, its application in anti-counterfeiting is also demonstrated.

Enhancement of Long-Lived Persistent Room-Temperature Phosphorescence and Anion Exchange with I- and SCN- via Metal-Organic Hybrid Formation

An in-depth understanding of structure-property relationships and the construction of multifunctional stimuli-responsive materials are still difficult challenges. Herein, we discovered a 4,4'-bipyridinium derivative with both photochromism and dynamic afterglow at 77 K for the first time. A one-dimensional (1D) Cd(II) coordination polymer (1) assembled by only a 4,4'-bipyridinium derivative and cadmium chloride showed photochromism, room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and electrochromism. Interestingly, we found that 1 underwent single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation during the anion exchange process, and the color of the crystal changed from colorless to yellow (1-SCN^-) within 10 min. Complex 1 exhibited photochromism, whereas 1-SCN^- did not. The difference in the photochromic behavior between the two complexes was ascribed to the electron transfer pathway between the carboxylate groups and viologen. The DFT calculation based on the crystal structure of 1-SCN^- indicated that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were mainly located on bipyridine and cadmium atoms, eliminating the possibility of electron transfer, whereas for complex 1, electron transfer was probable from O and Cl atoms to pyridinium N atoms in viologen as demonstrated by density of states (DOS) calculations. In addition, complex 1 was successfully made into test paper for the rapid detection of I^- and SCN^- and displayed potential applications in inkless printing, multiple encryption, and anticounterfeiting.

One-Dimensional Chain Viologen-Based Lanthanide Multistimulus-Responsive Materials with Photochromism, Photoluminescence, Photomagnetism, and Ammonia/Amine Vapor Sensing

In this work, a series of novel multistimulus-responsive lanthanide coordination polymers {[LnL(H₂O)₄]Cl₃·3H₂O}_n (Ln = Dy, Tb, Eu) constructed using a dicarboxylic acid viologen derivative L (L = N,N'-4,4'-bipyridiniodipropionate) and LnCl₃·6H₂O were prepared. All materials showed positive responses to UV light, and the photochromic phenomena accompanied by significant photoquenching of photoluminescence could be observed through a photoelectron transfer mechanism. Strikingly, the Dy analogue displayed photomagnetic behavior, as well as responded positively to small molecules of inorganic ammonia/organic amines. Furthermore, the good photoresponsive and ammonia/amine vapor-responsive properties of the Dy-based material were further fulfilled in dual-function papers involving erasable inkless printing and visual amine detection applications. This work aims to advance the development of multistimulus-responsive multifunctional materials incorporating viologen derivates and versatile lanthanide ions and further enriches the research in this field.

Photo-sensitive hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal-thiocyanates: photo-induced structure and property transformations

New hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal thiocyanates have been prepared, and their photo-induced structural transformations and corresponding color/fluorescence/magnetism variations have been investigated.

A Multistimuli Responsive Crystalline Cd(II)-Viologen Coordination Polymer with Single-Crystal-Single-Crystal Transformation

It is necessary to develop stable and fast multistimuli responsive materials due to the growing demand in our daily life. In this work, a new viologen-based Cd-complex (1) exhibits multiple thermochromic and photochromic behaviors through 10 states with 7 colors. For example, it responds to both Cu Kα/Mo Kα X-ray sources and UV dual light quickly with a color change from colorless to dark blue (1X) (Cu Kα/Mo Kα X-ray sources) and cyan (1-UV) (UV light), respectively. Interestingly, it exhibits a three-step coloration phenomenon when heated, which is unprecedented in viologen compounds. Crystal 1 undergoes a color change to pink, blue, and brown under 130, 180, and 240 °C, respectively. In addition, upon fumigation, both 1P and 1Q undergo a decoloration process to colorless (1K) and yellow (1T), respectively. Four more states (1P, 1K, 1T, and 1O) obtained via dehydration-hydration treatment are all photochromic. More importantly, via single-crystal-single-crystal transformation (SC-SC), the photochromic and thermochromic behaviors of 1 were investigated from the molecular level, which is also rather rare for thermochromic species. The detailed electron donor and the pathways for electron transfer were clearly given according to the results of crystal structure. The colorful states upon external stimuli may be attributed to the multiple pathways for electron transfer.

Reversible room-temperature phosphorescence in response to light stimulation based on a photochromic copolymer

In the field of intelligent luminescence materials, it is a great challenge to regulate organic room-temperature phosphorescence by light irradiation. Herein, benzothiadiazole was modified with viologen derivatives and copolymerized to achieve amorphous RTP emission. The photo-stimulated color change in both emission and absorption has a good reversibility after cycles of light irradiation.

Open-Framework Zn Compound with Cationic-π Interaction: Photochromism and Benzene Series Detection

Photochromic open-framework compounds are of potential application in detection/sensors. The issue of improving the detection limits has received much attention. We synthesized a new open-framework Zn compound, namely, compound 1 ([Zn(MQ)(IPA)Cl]·5H₂O) (MQ = N-methyl-4,4'-bipyridinium, IPA = m-phthalic acid), which showed a 1D channel structure by a cationic-π interaction. It is noteworthy that this compound is an effective detector for aniline though luminescence emission, which exhibited unprecedented detection limits in photochromic open-framework compounds.

Viologen-derived material showing photochromic, visually oxygen responsive, and photomodulated luminescence behaviors

A new 2D viologen-derived Zn(ii) photochromic material exhibits photochromic, visually oxygen responsive, and photomodulated luminescent behaviors.

Construction of a viologen-derived 2D material with photochromism, photoswitchable luminescence and inkless and erasable prints via sunlight irradiation

A Zn(ii) material based on thiophenedicarboxylate and viologen derivative mixed ligands is synthesized. Thanks to pyridinium unit embedded in its structure, the material exhibits a rapid photochromic response via sunlight irradiation.

A smart sensing Zn(ii) coordination polymer based on a new viologen ligand exhibiting photochromic and thermochromic and multiple solid detection properties

A multi-functional one-dimensional chain coordination polymer synthesized from Zn(ii), m-phthalic acid and a novel viologen ligand.

A novel viologen-based coordination polymer with multi-stimuli responsive chromic properties: photochromism, thermochromism, chemochromism and electrochromism

Increasing interest in chromic materials is due to the growing demand. However, most chromic materials exhibit color changes in response to only one stimulus, but there are multiple stimuli in nature. Therefore, the construction of multistimuli responsive chromic materials still faces great challenges. Herein, a new multi-stimuli responsive coordination polymer [Zn₂(2,3-PDC)₂CV·(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (1) (2,3-PDC = 2,3-pyridine dicarboxylic acid, CV = N,N'-4,4'-bipyridiniodipropionate) has been successfully synthesized, which exhibits photochromism under 300 W xenon lamp irradiation accompanied by an obvious color change from colorless to light blue. Meanwhile, compound 1 displays excellent thermochromic properties with a color change from colorless to light yellow when heated at 106 °C. The product of thermochromism is named 1T and the loss of free water improves the photoresponsive properties of 1T. Moreover, the compound can show differentiable detection of amines because of the electron-deficient nature of the viologen. Finally, 1 shows excellent electrochromic properties and turns from colorless to purple at E = -3 V. In conclusion, compound 1 exhibits multi-chromic behaviors in response to light, heat, amines and electricity, which are prominent in viologen based coordination polymers.

Metal-dependent photosensitivity of three isostructural 1D CPs based on the 1,1′-bis(3-carboxylatobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium moiety

The comparison of the photochromic behaviors of three CPs indicates that metal ions play an important role in regulating their photochromic properties.

Sun, UV and X-ray triple photochromic properties of three coordination polymers based on 1,1′-bis(3-carboxylatobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium ligand

Reversible color changes for three compounds can be observed in the air upon sunlight, UV-light and X-ray irradiation.

The photochromic behaviour of two viologen salts modulated by the distances between the halide anions and the cationic N atoms of viologen

In recent years, viologens and their derivatives have received much attention due to their various potential applications, ranging from electro- or photochromic devices to clean energy. Generally, viologen compounds exhibit a colour change upon being subjected to an external stimulus. However, the chromic mechanism is still ambiguous, because there are many electron-transfer pathways for a chromic compound that need to be considered. Thus, exploring new chromic viologen-based compounds with one pathway should be important and meaningful. In this article, two new viologen-based derivatives, namely 1-(2-cyanobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium chloride (o-CBbpy·Cl), C18H14N3 +·Cl− (1), and 1-(2-cyanobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium bromide (o-CBbpy·Br), C18H14N3 +·Br− (2), have been synthesized and characterized. Interestingly, both isomorphic compounds possess only one electron-transfer pathway, in which 1-(2-cyanobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium cations (o-CBbpy) and halide anions are employed as electron donors and acceptors, respectively. Salts 1 and 2 consist of o-CBbpy cations involved in π–π interactions and hydrogen-bond interactions, and halide anions weakly hydrogen bonded to the viologen cations. The salts show different photoresponsive characteristics under identical conditions, which should be mainly related to the distances between the halide cations and the cationic N atoms of o-CBbpy but not the electronegativities of the halogen atoms. These results should not only help in understanding that the distance of the electron-transfer pathway plays an important role in viologen-based photochromism, but should also guide the design and synthesis of additional photochromic materials.

Photochromic properties of three 2D MOFs based on 1-carboxyethyl-4,4'-bipyridinine

Viologen units have been widely used to impart metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with photochromic properties. However, construction of a stable photochromic system in viologen MOFs has not been fully explored. Herein, we report three examples of MOFs, namely, {[Cd(CEbpy)(m-BDC)(DMF)]·2H2O} n (1), {[Cd(CEbpy)(p-BDC)(H2O)]·H2O} n (2), and {[Zn(CEbpy)(p-HBDC)(p-BDC)0.5]·H2O} n (3) based on benzenedicarboxylic acids (m-H2BDC = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, p-H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) and a viologen-derived ligand 1-carboxyethyl-4,4'-bipyridine (L = CEbpy). As expected, the incorporation of the viologen unit into the frameworks results in the predefined photochromism upon both sunlight and UV-light. Compounds 1-3 feature a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure and are all photochromic due to the formation of CEbpy radicals by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The aggregates build an interesting stable crystalline framework that exhibits long-lived color constancy in the solid state.

Three viologen-derived Zn-organic materials: photochromism, photomodulated fluorescence, and inkless and erasable prints

Three zinc–viologen materials exhibit reversible photochromism, photomodulated fluorescence and the capability as inkless and erasable print media.

Cu(ii)/Ni(ii)–organic frameworks constructed from the homometallic clusters by 5-(2-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalic acid and N-ligand: synthesis, structures and visible light-driven photocatalytic properties

Four new complexes, namely, Cu₂(O-cpia)(btb)_0.5·(OH) (1), Cu₃(O-cpia)₂(bpy)₂ (2), [Ni₂(O-cpia)(phen)·(OH)·H₂O]·2H₂O (3) and [Ni₃(O-cpia)₂(bpy)₃·2H₂O]·2H₂O (4) (O-cpia = 5-(2-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalic acid, btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane, bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were successfully isolated under hydrothermal conditions. The four complexes exhibit different architectures constructed from different homometallic clusters varying from mononuclear, binuclear to tetranuclear metal(ii) polyhedra as Second Building Blocks (SBUs). 1 features a 3D framework constructed from the tetranuclear clusters [Cu₄(μ₃-OH)₂] as SBUs, linked with Cu(1)O₄N and Cu(2)O₅ polyhedra by O-cpia/btb mixed linkers. 2 also exhibits a 3D structure based on trinuclear clusters [Cu₃(COO)₄] SBUs, bridged with Cu(1)O₃N₂ and Cu(2)O₄ polyhedra via O-cpia/bpy mixed ligands. 3 shows a 2D network consisting of tetranuclear clusters [Ni₄(μ₃-OH)₂] SBUs, which are bridged with Ni(1)O₄N₂ and Ni(2)O₆ through O-cpia ligands. It is worth noting that 4, with a 3D structure, is generated from the binuclear clusters [Ni₂(COO)₄] (Ni(1)O₄N) and mononuclear metal Ni(2) cores (Ni(2)O₄N₂) as SBUs, and bridged by O-cpia/bpy mixed ligands. Meanwhile, the degradation of dyes (RhB) by the complexes under visible light irradiation was studied. 1–4 are semiconducting in nature, with E_g of 1.30 eV (1), 1.78 eV (2), 2.85 eV (3) and 2.14 eV (4). Cu(ii) complexes 1 and 2 are highly efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation.

Four Cu(ii)/Ni(ii)-metal–organic frameworks were constructed from different homometallic clusters by O-cpia/N-ligands. Cu(ii)-complexes show highly efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation.

A novel photochromic coordination polymer based on a robust viologen ligand exhibiting multiple detection properties in the solid state

A new photochromic and porous Cd(ii) coordination polymer (CP) exhibiting multiple detection properties for amines and benzenes in the solid state.

Photochromism of supramolecular assemblies based on benzenecarboxylate donors and viologen acceptors

Similar viologen acceptors, a regular change in donor moieties and photochromism provide an ideal model for elucidating D–A matching rules.

Effect of counter cations on the photochromic behaviors of three Zn–viologen complexes

Similar viologen cations, regular change in acceptor moieties and photochromism provide an ideal model for elucidating D–A matching rules.

A photochromic zinc-based coordination polymer for a Li-ion battery anode with high capacity and stable cycling stability

A zinc-based coordination polymer with photochromic 4,4′-bipyridinium derivatives as redox active building units is demonstrated as an anode material for Li-ion batteries.

Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed by a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand

Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed using a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand are reported.

Second-order nonlinear optical switching with a record-high contrast for a photochromic and thermochromic bistable crystal

Nonlinear optical (NLO) switchable materials are important for photonic and optoelectronic technologies. One important issue for NLO photoswitching, the most studied physical switching approach, is how to improve the switching contrast of second harmonic generation (SHG) in crystals, because the known values are generally below 3 times. Thermoswitching, as another approach, has shown impressive high SHG-switching contrasts (4-∞ times), but the fast decay of thermally induced states demands constant heat sources to maintain specific SHG intensities. We have synthesized a photochromic and thermochromic bistable acentric compound, β-[(MQ)ZnCl3] (MQ+ = N-methyl-4,4'-bipyridinium), which represents the first crystalline compound with both photo- and heat-induced SHG-switching behavior and the first example of a thermoswitchable NLO crystal that can maintain its expected second-order NLO intensity without any heat source. The SHG-switching contrast can reach about 8 times after laser irradiation or 2 times after thermal annealing. The former value is the highest recorded for photoswitchable NLO crystals. This work also indicates that higher SHG-switching contrasts may be obtained through increasing electron-transfer efficiency, variation of permanent dipole moment, and self-absorption.

Phenolacetyl Viologen as Multifunctional Chromic Material for Fast and Reversible Sensor of Solvents, Base, Temperature, Metal Ions, NH3 Vapor, and Grind in Solution and Solid State

Electron-withdrawing/coordinating o-phenolacetyl-substituted viologen can act as a visual sensor for solvents, bases, and temperature in organic solvents. Due to chelating phenolacetyl groups, this viologen can coordinate to Fe(III), Cu(II), and ZnCl₂ in aqueous and DMF solutions. Interestingly, this viologen can respond to temperature, grind, and NH₃ vapor in its solid state. Stimuli response is visible, fast, and fully reversible in air at room temperature. The color change is attributed to the enolic and/or free radical structure. This is the most versatile chromic material that responds to chemical and physical stimuli in both solution and solid state.

Distinct Chromic and Magnetic Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Redox Ligand

An electron-deficient and potentially chromic ligand has been utilized to impart redox activity, photo- and hydrochromism, and solvotomagnetism to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). A pair of MOFs were constructed from the flexible zwitterionic viologen-tethered tetracarboxylate linker N,N'-bis(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium (L^2-): [Co₃(L)(N₃)₄] (1) and [Mn₂(L)(N₃)₂(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (2). Both compounds show three-dimensional frameworks in which mixed azido- and carboxylato-bridged chains are connected through the electron-deficient viologen moieties. The chain in 1 is built from alternating bis(azide) and (azide)bis(carboxylate) bridges, while that in 2 contains uniform (azide) (carboxylate) bridges. The MOFs shows the characteristic redox properties of the viologen moieties. The redox activity affords the MOFs with different chromic properties, owing to subtle differences in chemical environments. 1 shows reversible photochromism, which is related to the radical formation through photoinduced electron transfer from azide-carboxylate to viologen according to UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy and DFT calculations. 2 is nonphotochromic for lack of appropriate pathways for electron transfer. Unexpectedly, 2 shows a novel type of solid-state hydrochromism. Upon the removal and reabsorption of water, the compound shows remarkable color change because of reversible electron transfer accompanying a reversible structural transformation. The radical mechanism is distinct from those for traditional hydrochromic inorganic and organic materials. Magnetic studies indicate ferro- and antiferromagnetic coupling in 1 and 2, respectively. What's more, 2 shows marked magnetic response to the removal of water molecules owing to the formation of radicals. The compound illustrates a unique material exhibiting dual responses (color and magnetism) to water.

A novel generation of hybrid photochromic vinylidene-naphthofuran silica nanoparticles through fine-tuning of surface chemistry

Hybrid vinylidene-naphthofuran nanosilicas with fast and reversible photochromism under UV/sunlight were fabricated through fine-tuning of surface chemistry and a grafting process.

Photochromic and Nonphotochromic Luminescent Supramolecular Isomers Based on Carboxylate-Functionalized Bipyridinium Ligand: (4,4)-Net versus Interpenetrated (6,3)-Net

Photochromic and nonphotochromic luminescent bipyridinium-based supramolecular isomers [Cd(CPBPY)(BDC)(H2O)]n (1) and {[Cd(CPBPY)(BDC)]·H2O}n (2) (CPBPY = N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium, BDC= terephthalate) have been successfully obtained by solvothermal reactions at 100 °C via tuning stoichiometric ratios of starting reagents. Isomer 1 features (4,4)-topological layer constructed by edge-shared Cd2 SBUs and BDC linkers attached by N-pendent CPBPY groups. Isomer 2 has (6,3)-topological layers with Cd atoms as nodes and BDC and double CPBPY as linkers, which are 4-fold interpenetrated into 3D network. Although both 1 and 2 contain bipyridinium ligands, only isomer 1 possesses reversible photochromic behavior with quick-switchable luminescence in the solid state. Compound 2 does not show photochromic behavior even after exposure to UV light for more than 2 h. Photochromism process of 1 originates from photostimulated reduction of CPBPY ligands to generate CPBPY(•-) radicals after irradiation, confirmed by EPR spectra. Careful check on structure reveals that the offset π-π stacking interaction between the pyridine ring of CPBPY and benzene ring of BDC with inter-ring shortest C···C distance of 3.214 Å in 1 is responsible for electron transfer to form the CPBPY(•-) radicals. The speculation is further supported by DFT calculation of frontier orbital matching of electron donor and acceptor. HOMO and HOMO-2 orbitals of BDC involve the carbon atoms of benzene ring while LUMO and LUMO+1 orbitals of CPBPY involve the carbon atoms of pyridinium ring. Importantly, the photoinduced formed CPBPY(•-) radicals in 1 have a long-lived lifetime (at least six months in air and room temperature condition), which is mainly attributed to the close packing mode.