Zhenghan FENG (IPCMS – DMO)

Supervisor: Matteo MAURO

Abstract : An ortho-fluoroazobenzene-based ligand (Azo-F) capable of reversible visible-light photoswitching was synthesized and characterized. Its photophysical properties, computational analysis, photoisomerization quantum yield, and kinetics were investigated. Two reported solubilizing ligands (L1 and L2) were also mentioned with improved characterization. Metallopolymers from Azo-F with L1 or L2, coordinated with Zn2+, Co2+, or Eu3+, were studied in detail. Their optical behavior, gelation, and xerogel morphology were analyzed by UV–Vis, SEM, and EDS. Remarkably, one metallopolymeric gel showed a reversible gel-sol transition under visible light with fiber-like xerogel formation. Finally, a new thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based ligand was prepared, displaying solvatofluorochromism and photo/electrochromic behavior in various solvents. The related metallopolymers with Zn2+ or Co2+ exhibited distinct photochromic responses, and PMMA films showed reversible photochromism.