Photochromic Conjugated Microporous Polymer Manifesting Bio-inspired pcFRET and Logic Gate Functioning.

Design and synthesis of solid-state photochromic materials remain a challenge due to high structural constrain. However, this can be mitigated in attaining structural flexibility by introducing permanent porosity into the system. Here, we report for the first-time design and synthesis of a photochromic conjugated microporous polymer (pcCMP) by assembling photochromic dithienylethene (DTE) aldehyde and benzene-1,3,5-tricarbohydrazide. The yellow photo-isomer pcCMP-O converts to deep green photo-isomer pcCMP-C by UV-light irradiation which can be reverted to pcCMP-O by visible light or the thermal treatment. Owing to thermo irreversible nature, pcCMP is found to be suitable for designing an INH functioning logic gate. pcCMP-C shows highly enhanced conductivity (92 times) due to enhanced conjugation compared to pcCMP-O. Further, we demonstrate bio-inspired photo-switchable pcFRET process by encapsulation of a red emissive green fluorescent protein (gfp) chromophore analogue into pcCMP. This material shows high processibility and have been exploited further for secret writing.