Tunable solid-state photochromism based on proton and anion-controlled structural transformation of pyridinium-based organic small molecules

Abstract

An organic molecular system with proton and anion-tunable photochromism properties based on a pyridinium derivative was developed. Through controlling the pH value and anion nature of the self-assembled systems, the novel three compounds displayed different photochromism behaviors. This work reveals that the introduction of additional groups into the molecule increases the diversity of the property of such complexes.