Enhanced bistability of a photochromic microparticle in condensed medium

Stimuli-responsive species that are interchangeable between a noncolored and a colored form is where display technologies rely. Since this modulation can be induced by application of heat, electron injection, or radiation (photochromic), the stimulus of choice to be applied defines the device architecture, and hence, the components needed for their production. For instance, thermochromic materials need thermally resistant components while photochromic compounds rely on light at specific wavelength to jump-start the color change. Meanwhile, a model photochromic system is the spiropyran (SP)-merocyanine (MC) molecular switch. This phenomenon requires thermal revision, which is the reason for restricting SP-MCs general incorporation into modern displays. As such, attempts have been conducted to inhibit this process. Nevertheless, the SP-MC system has been well-studied in solution but very little research has been conducted in the solid state. So far, there has been work that specifically studied the kinetics of thermal reversion MC → SP in a condensed media. A study has been conducted which utilized attachment of an SP to the cross-linked polystyrene Wang Resin with the aim of inhibiting the thermal reversion process and stimulating bistability of this system in a condensed atmosphere.