3D Printable Materials with Visible Light Triggered Photochromism and Room Temperature Phosphorescence

Abstract

Light-responsive organic functional materials, especially photochromic materials and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, have emerged as key players recently for driving advancements in various cutting-edge optical applications. Most of them exhibit a single functional property upon ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, while visible light triggered functional materials are still scarce. Herein, we have designed three triphenylethylene materials with visible light triggered photochromism and RTP dual-functional properties via a local rigidity design strategy and host–guest strategy and successfully fabricated 3D structures through digital light processing 3D printing methods. The extended π-conjugation structure of triphenylethylene derivatives in the ring-closed forms by introducing dibenzothiophene into the triphenylethylene skeleton influenced the redshift of the absorption peaks and excitation spectra. The halogens and twisted molecules create abundant intermolecular interactions that stabilize the triplet exciton and reduce energy, leading to visible light triggered photochromism and RTP. Taking advantage of the great convenience of excitation light in the visible range, these dual-functional 3D printed materials can be used to create individualized structures. This study not only opens up a strategy for developing functional photosensitive materials that combine photochromism and RTP properties but also provides our insight into optical multichannel information storage with high resolution.