Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Optical Data Storage: Harnessing 1O2-Self-sensitization and Photoperoxidation for Information Encoding

Abstract

The increasing demand for data storage solutions presents a significant technological challenge, driven by the exponential growth of digital information and the need for more efficient, high-capacity, and durable storage mediums. Herein, dynamic covalent chemistry is exploited to develop a photowritable fluorescent system that enables information encoding by harnessing the reversible stimuli-induced covalent bond formation and breaking of an endoperoxide (EPO) species. Specifically, an O-doped anthracenyl derivative capable of efficient 1O2-self-sensitization and reversible EPO formation via [4 + 2] cycloaddition is investigated. The system exhibits rapid EPO generation in solution and solid-state configurations, associated with a stark colorimetric change from pink to colorless, accompanied by a quenching of the compound’s orange fluorescence. The system displays good reversibility upon thermal treatment, recovering its initial features. Integration into polymeric matrices allows the production of photowritable films without affecting the molecule’s capability to generate 1O2 and form EPO. A binary data storage system with 20.2 MB in–2 capacity is engineered, where the encoding of bits is linked to the material's UV–vis emission properties. Precise information encoding and retrieval with micrometer precision on film surfaces is demonstrated, including flexible materials.