Photo- and pH-Responsive Hybrid Colloidal Particles

Mutlutürk E., TAMER U., Caykara T.

ChemistrySelect, vol.8, no.6, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 8 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/slct.202204497
  • Journal Name: ChemistrySelect
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier
  • Keywords: colloidal particles, photochromic materials, RAFT polymerization, spiropyran
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Materials that respond to environmental changes in a predictable manner are called “smart”. Here, smart dual-responsive hybrid colloidal particles were prepared using the interface-mediated reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization method. The structure and morphology of the prepared poly(methacrylated-spiropyran) (p(MMASP)) colloids were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and GPC spectroscopies, and SEM. The molecular weight and polydispersity were determined as 7877 g mol−1 and 1.16, respectively. Heterocyclic ring cleavage of the spiropyran (SP) pendant group enables the pH- and light-responsive behavior with a reversible conversion between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic states. The isomerization from SP to merocyanine (MC) form proceeds in 7 min, while the reverse action takes 9 min. The pronounced photochromic effect and high fatigue resistance make these colloids suitable for smart applications.