Light-Driven Domain Switching on a Photochromic Ferroelectric

Abstract

Photochromic materials that undergo reversible structural transformations have been extensively investigated on their transition mechanism and electric and optic properties. However, switching the ferroelectric domain of such typical photochromic molecules has rarely been discussed. Here, we report a photochromic ferroelectric, namely, (E)-2,4-di-tert-butyl-(((2-fluorophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (tBu-2-FSA), crystallizing in the R3c space group at room temperature. tBu-2-FSA undergoes a structural transformation via reversible enol–keto isomerization when being subject to light irradiation of various wavelengths. The reversible switching of the polarization of tBu-2-FSA under an external electric field verifies its ferroelectricity. More importantly, the erase and write of the ferroelectric domain on the surface layers of the tBu-2-FSA thin film can be governed by non-destructive irradiation of various light wavelengths. Thus, tBu-2-FSA is a photoswitching ferroelectric that does not rely on thermal dynamic phase transition, which is unrealizable by traditional ceramic ferroelectrics. This work will pave a way for the future of light-controlled smart materials and biomechanical materials science.

The past 10 years of molecular ferroelectrics: structures, design, and properties

“…50b). 424 A light-induced reversible photoisomerization between enol and trans -keto was seen in N -salicylidene-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoroaniline shows (Fig. 50c).…”

Advances in the modulation engineering of ferroelectrics and multiferroics with non-chemical agents and factors: a review

“…In this case, it is important to consider the changes in the ferroelectric domains in these materials that occur under light illumination. Recently, Li et al presented a photochromic ferroelectric material, namely, ( E )-2,4-di- tert -butyl-(((2-fluorophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol ( t Bu-2-FSA), 163 which crystallized in the R 3 c space group at room temperature. As revealed in Fig.…”

Polymer ionogels and their application in flexible ionic devices

“…Optically driven actuators based on PIGs 150 offer the potential for wireless actuation and remote control when stimulated by light 151 . Incorporating photochromic molecules 152 into PIGs is a common approach for developing optically driven actuators. The motion of these actuators is triggered by changes in the size or polarity of the photochromic molecules, such as azobenzene, 153 spiro‐pyran, 154 diaryl ethylene, 155 and so forth.…”