Photoresponsive thin films containing an azobenzene derivative intercalated with a layered double hydroxide

Abstract

Two kinds of optically transparent thin films with photochromic properties have been fabricated based on co-intercalation of 4-(4-anilinophenylazo)benzenesulfonate (AO5) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDS) into the galleries of a ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) by two synthetic methods: solvent evaporation and in situ crystallization. The two films possess LDH crystallites in different orientations relative to the substrates depending on their fabrication method: horizontal and vertical. The relationship between the photochromic behavior of the interlayer chromophore and the orientation of the LDH crystallites is studied thoroughly. The orientation of the LDH crystallite influences the photochromic behavior of the films. The films exhibited different absorption and wettability characteristics, providing the potential for application of dye-LDH films as photochromic materials and light sensitive switches. layered double hydroxides, photochromism, oriented film, wettability Citation: Wang X R, Lu J, Wei M, et al. Photoresponsive thin films containing an azobenzene derivative intercalated with a layered double hydroxide.