Tuning the emission of anti-rigidochromic fluorophore by alternating the polymer matrices for advanced data encryption

Abstract

Anti-rigidochoromic fluorophores with bathochromic emission in rigidifying polymer matrix offer advantages such as high fluorescent contrast, broadly tunable emissions, and versatile stimuli-responsive behaviors. In this work, we systematically investigated the impact of polymer chemical structure on the emission of the anti-rigidochromic fluorophore. By precisely tuning intermolecular polar-π and π-π interactions between the polymer matrix and fluorophore, a range of emission colors could be achieved, spanning from deep blue (450 nm) to the yellow-orange region (600 nm). Notably, the emission of polymer/fluorophore composites can be precisely adjusted over temperature. Leveraging the distinctive features, we showcase advanced fluorescence encryption using the non-emissive polymers as an information carrier and the fluorophore as the decryption key, which efficiently addresses issues of conventional fluorophores such as photo-bleaching and low adhesive force. This work establishes the structure-fluorescence relationship for the anti-rigidochromic system and extends its application for advanced data encryption with a high level of security.