Endowing Hydrochromism to Fluorans via Bioinspired Alteration of Molecular Structures and Microenvironments and Expanding Their Potential for Rewritable Paper

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Abstract
Interests and efforts on new materials for rewritable paper have been increased dramatically due to the glamorous advantages for sustainable development and better nature life cycle. Inspired from how nature works within life system, herein, we have taken fluorans as a concept verification on endowing original acidochromic, basochromic or photochromic molecules with broader properties, such as switchable with solvent, water, heat, electricity, stress or other force, etc. via simplified ways (i.e., via variation of sub-molecular structure and/or microenvironments). The hydrochromic visual change and reversible behavior of selected molecules for concept verification have been explored, and primary driven mechanism at atomic and/or subatomic level has been conjectured. In addition, several newly demonstrated hydrochromic fluorans have been utilized for meaningful water-jet rewritable paper (WJRP), which exhibit great photostability, high hydrochromic contrast, fast responsive rate and can be reused at least 30 times without significant variation. The water-jet prints have good resolution, various colors and can keep legibility after a few months or years. These improved performances make a major step towards practical applications of WJRP.
Funding Information
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (51303063, 51373068, 51603085)
  • Jilin Province (20140307001G X)

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