Photochromic, metal-absorbing honeycomb structures.
We demonstrate the synthesis and use of a spiropyran functional polymer to form highly ordered honeycomb materials by the breath figure technique, which is based on the self-assembly of water droplets. These materials undergo rapid and intense color changes both in solution and as porous films by irradiation with light (UV or visible). We also demonstrate the metal binding ability of these polymers ultimately to create hybrid organic-inorganic porous structures. Furthermore, by reduction of the metal and calcination of the organic materials, unique palladium microrings can be prepared. The methods described are general techniques that may be applied to a range of heavy metals.
The Polymer Science Group, The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. connal@mrl.ucsb.edu
Luke A
LA
Connal
George V
GV
Franks
Greg G
GG
Qiao
D000042:Absorption; D002863:Chromogenic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000737:chemistry*; D010777:Photochemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity
D002863:Chromogenic Compounds; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011108:Polymers