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Two complexes based on phosphorescent viologen ligands have been synthesized. Complexes 1 and 2 not only possess reversible photochromic and electrochromic properties, but also exhibit fluorescence and persistent luminescence. They have potential applications in inkless print, color-changing films, data encryption, and anti-counterfeiting. [Display omitted] • Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit reversible photochromic and electrochromic behaviors. • Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit long-lived persistent phosphorescence. • Complexes show great potential in data encryption and anticounterfeiting. • Complexes have potential applications in inkless printing, color-changing films. Viologen-based complexes have garnered significant attention due to their multifunctional stimuli-responsive properties and tunable persistent luminescence. However, achieving ultralong afterglow emission and color change in these complexes remains a challenge, limiting their application in the field of persistent luminescence. Herein, two novel viologen-based complexes were successfully designed and synthesized using N,N′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride (H 2 bybpy) ligands and trimesic acid (H 3 BTC) with the transition metals Zn(II)/Cd(II). Complexes 1 and 2 display reversible photochromic and electrochromic properties. Interestingly, complexes 1 and 2 in their crystal state exhibit dual fluorescence and persistent luminescence, emitting a green and cyan afterglow when the UV lamp is turned off at 77 K. Incorporating phosphorescent molecules and changing the metal significantly extended the duration of persistent luminescence and altered the hue. The complexes were also demonstrated to have potential applications in inkless printing, color-changing films, data encryption, and anti-counterfeiting. This work enhances the application of viologen-based complexes in light-controlled persistent fluorescence and provides ideas for achieving ultra-long afterglow emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new viologen complex was successfully synthesized and characterized. • Under UV irradiation, the samples heated at 120 and 180℃showed different colors. • We construct a "AND" logic-gate strategy, different inputs lead to disparate results. Electron transfer is crucial for the rapid response of viologen-based complexes and investigating the factors that affect electron transfer has always been a major challenge. Herein, a new viologen-based complex, formulated as {[Zn 5 (cbbbc) 3 (BTC) 3 (μ 1 , 1 -OH)(H 2 O) 5 ]·22H 2 O} n , with a three-dimensional framework was successfully designed and synthesized by viologen ligand 1-(3-carboxybenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium chloride (Hcbbpy), trimesic acid (H 3 BTC) and Zn(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O. In particular, complex 1 does not exhibit photochromic properties. However, samples of complex 1 heated at 120 and 180 ℃ display tunable colors under UV light irradiation. The experimental results indicate that the compound's light response is less sensitive with higher water content in the lattice. The polarity and hydrogen bonding ability of lattice water in viologen-based complexes can interact with the donor of viologen, leading to a reduction in electron transfer. This study demonstrates the impact of lattice water on electron transfer in viologen-based complexes and offers insights for designing faster response complexes in the future. The light response of the complexes becomes less sensitive as the water content in the lattice increases. This is because the lattice water hinders the electron transfer of the complexes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An NDI-based compound (2-NDI) with 2-butyric acid attached at imide N atoms was intelligently constructed. 2-NDI exhibits 2-NDI − monomer (low concentration) and 2-NDI − excimer (high concentration) emission state in different solvents after 365 nm illumination, forming multi-color radical fluorescence. It shows dynamic free radical emission in DMF solvent with rare white light emission. Theoretical calculations show that the fluorescence is derived from the D n -D 0 vertical emission of 2-NDI − monomer and 2-NDI − excimer. Finally, 2-NDI is made into PMMA film, which is successfully applied to information anti-counterfeiting and dynamic information encryption systems. [Display omitted] • 2-NDI was synthesized and showed different free radical emission colors in different solvents. • The dynamic fluorescence of 2-NDI in DMF solution changed with the irradiation time. • 2-NDI shows different free radical fluorescence emission types at different concentrations. • DFT shows that the free radical fluorescence is the vertical emission of D n -D 0. • 2-NDI PMMA film can be used for dynamic information encryption and anti-counterfeiting. Developing innovative materials with environmentally stable 1,4,5,8-Naphthalene diimide radicals (NDI −) emissions is significant. In this work, we have successfully constructed an NDI-based material 2-NDI (N, N′-bis(2-butyric acid)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide) that emits strong fluorescence in solvents and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) upon irradiation. The radical 2-NDI − exhibits multi-color emission in different solvent systems, and the fluorescence emission is concentration-dependent. It is worth noting that it exhibits a rare dynamic fluorescence in DMF solvent, with the fluorescence color changing from yellow-green to orange and finally to white. Theoretical calculations show that the fluorescence is derived from the D n -D 0 vertical emission of 2-NDI − monomer and excimer. Owing to the outstanding free radical fluorescence emission properties, various films (PMMA systems) based on 2-NDI in different solvents have been successfully made to be applied in multiple dynamic information anti-counterfeiting and encryption. This work achieved simple and stable fluorescence emission based on NDI −, making it a potential candidate for practical applications and providing a new platform for the future design of NDI-based photochromic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Complexes 1 , 2 and 3 exhibit reversible photochromic behavior. • Complexes 1 , 2 and 3 exhibit long-lived persistent phosphorescence. • Complex 2 exhibits excitation wavelength dependent fluorescence. • Three complexes show great potential in data encryption and anticounterfeiting. • 2 was fabricated in inkless printing performance and information transmission. Long persistent luminescence materials have wide application prospects in the fields of optical communication, sensors, and anticounterfeiting. Recently, some researchers have proved the feasibility of charge transfer effect in the construction of visible light excited room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials. However, materials with electronic effects require elaborate design to exhibit long-lived phosphorescence. Herein, a series of coordination compounds based on viologen ligand HL⋅Cl (4-carboxybenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium chloride) and Zn2+ with benzoic acid derivatives (o- , m- , p- phthalic acid) were reported. They exhibit not only reversible photochromic properties, but also long-lived persistent phosphorescence. Three complexes possess different structures through different auxiliary ligands with different optical physical properties. Complex 1 exhibits dynamic phosphorescence emission at low temperatures. Interestingly, we synthesized the first viologen complex (complex 2) with excitation wavelength dependent fluorescence, and the emission color gradually changed from blue to red with the increase of excitation wavelength. In addition, the applications of three complexes in data encryption and anticounterfeiting are further demonstrated. This work not only presents coordination compounds with dynamic afterglow materials, excitation wavelength- and time-dependent emission properties, but also provides a new strategy for the charge transfer effect in visible light-excited RTP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Naphthalenediimide-based photochromic 2D MOF was successfully synthesized. After irradiation and immersion in acetonitrile solution, the single-crystal-to-single-crystal transition occurred, and 1-P and 1@MeCN were obtained, respectively. 1-P is a rare example of structural visualization during the formation of free radicals after NDI-based photochromism. 1@MeCN improves the photochromic performance of the system by introducing solvent molecules. Finally, for the first time, 1@MeCN was combined with organic glass for practical applications in ink-free printing, purple light detection/filtering, and information anti-counterfeiting. [Display omitted] • A photochromic MOF (1) based on the NDI ligand was synthesized and characterized. • Captured a rare process of structural visualization of free radical formation in 1-P. • The effect of solvent on the photochromic properties (1@MeCN) was revealed. • 1 and 1@MeCN were first used to selectively detect and filter 395 nm purple light. • The 1@MeCN glass was prepared for the first time. It is still a great challenge to understand the structural variation during the photochromic process, to rationally regulate the photochromic performance, and to expand the practical application of NDI-based photochromic materials. Herein, we found a 2D NDI-type photochromic MOF (1). When illuminated by 395 nm purple light, 1 underwent a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transition, resulting in 1-P , which is a rare structural visualization phenomenon during the formation of free radicals. In addition, it was demonstrated for the first time that the introduction of solvent molecules into the system (1@MeCN) can modulate the photochromic ability caused by electron transfer. It was found that 1 and 1@MeCN have the most sensitive response to 395 nm purple light, and are ideal candidates for detecting and filtering purple light. Finally, a photochromic glass based on 1@MeCN was reported, which is first applied in ink-free printing, purple light detection/filtering, and information anti-counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multistimuli responsive materials based on the viologen coordination polymers have attracted much interest in the past few years due to the increasing demand for smart materials. In this paper, based on a viologen ligand 1-(3-carboxybenzyl)- 4,4′-bipyridinium chloride (Hcbbpy) and zinc(II) ion, a new crystalline complex, namely, {[Zn(cbbpy)Cl 2 ]·H 2 O} n (1) has been designed and synthesized. In complex 1 , every cbbpy ligand as a bridge links two Zn2+ ions via carboxylate O atom and pyridine N atom to extend to a 1D zigzag chain. The 1D chains are extended to 3D supramolecular structure through π···π stacking and hydrogen bonding. More importantly, 1 exhibits fast photochromic behaviors in response to UV and X-ray due to the formation of viologen radicals. Complex 1 also shows photo-modulated luminescence property in the solid state. In addition, complex 1 can be deposited on filter paper and displays the potential application as inkless print material. [Display omitted] • A new viologen complex was successfully synthesized and characterized. • Complex 1 shows fast response to UV light and X-ray irradiation. • Complex 1 can be deposited on filter paper and displays as inkless print material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic molecules and some coordination polymers that are responsive to external stimuli (such as light, electrical potential, heat, guest inclusion or pressure) often generate structural isomerization, such as ring-opening/closing, tautomerism and cis-trans isomerization. While for viologen derivatives, generally, electron transfer occurs upon the photoirradiation without a significant structural change. Herein we present a new viologen-based Zn-complex (1) which undergoes single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation to 1G upon crushing. Both 1 and 1G could change to 1Y when stored under air in the dark at ambient for one week. The colorless crystal 1 undergoes a two-step color change to pink (1P) and brown (1Z) upon irradiation with UV for 40 s and 15 min, respectively. More importantly, the complex 1G also has a two-step coloring phenomenon under UV light. The colorless crystals of 1G change into blue (1Q) after irradiation for 15 s and finally become brown (1Z′) with the increase of irradiation time. While 1Y only undergoes one coloration from colorless to cyan 1Y′ after UV irradiation. The possible pathways for electron transfer were confirmed to be through intermolecular hydrogen bonding according to the results of crystal structure and the photochromic behavior of the ground samples. 1Z and 1Z′ could change color to yellow 1H and 1H′ in the dark, respectively. Only the changes between 1 and 1P , 1Z and 1H , 1G and 1Q , 1Z′ and 1H′ , 1Y and 1Y′ are reversible, which implies that the crystal structures varied upon photoirradiation because 1Z and 1Z' can revert to neither the original crystals 1 and 1G , nor the intermediate 1P and 1Q. These findings help to understand multiple photochromism and variations of crystal structures under different external stimuli via SCSC transformations. In addition, complex 1 shows high selectivity for primary aromatic amine aniline among various amines. [Display omitted] • Complex 1 undergoes a single-crystal to single-crystal transformation to 1G upon crush with structure change. • Both 1 and 1G could undergo a two-step coloring phenomenon under UV light. • 1 and 1G change to 1Y when stored in the dark for one week. • Complex 1 shows high sensitivity to aniline. • The pathways for electron transfer of the two-step were discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bisthienylethene-dipyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole (BTE-2PBT) triad has been designed and synthesized based on our recent discovery of PBTs as atypical propeller-shaped novel AIEgens. The triad not only maintains the photochromic properties of BTE moiety in solution, film, and solid state but also exhibits remarkable AIE properties. Moreover, the fluorescence of BTE-2PBT PMMA film could be modulated with high contrast by alternate UV and visible light irradiation. Photoerasing, rewriting, and non-destructive readout of fluorescent images on BTE-2PBT PMMA film well demonstrate its potential application as optical memory media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]