Organic‒inorganic semi-interpenetrating networks with orthogonal light- and magnetic-responsiveness for smart photonic gels

Minghao Wang, Chen Nie, Junbang Liu and Si Wu ()
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Minghao Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Chen Nie: University of Science and Technology of China
Junbang Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Si Wu: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Living matter has the ability to perceive multiple stimuli and respond accordingly. However, the integration of multiple stimuli-responsiveness in artificial materials usually causes mutual interference, which makes artificial materials work improperly. Herein, we design composite gels with organic‒inorganic semi-interpenetrating network structures, which are orthogonally responsive to light and magnetic fields. The composite gels are prepared by the co-assembly of a photoswitchable organogelator (Azo-Ch) and superparamagnetic inorganic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2). Azo-Ch assembles into an organogel network, which shows photoinduced reversible sol-gel transitions. In gel or sol state, Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles reversibly form photonic nanochains via magnetic control. Light and magnetic fields can orthogonally control the composite gel because Azo-Ch and Fe3O4@SiO2 form a unique semi-interpenetrating network, which allows them to work independently. The orthogonal photo- and magnetic-responsiveness enables the fabrication of smart windows, anti-counterfeiting labels, and reconfigurable materials using the composite gel. Our work presents a method to design orthogonally stimuli-responsive materials.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36706-7

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