Light-Gated Modulation of Electronic Mobility of a Dihydropyrene-Based Photochromic Coordination Polymer

Photo-induced modulation of electronic
conductance has been achieved by employing an AgI-based
two-dimensional coordination polymer (CP) having pyridine-functionalized
photochromic dimethyldihydropyrene–cyclophanediene (DHP-CPD)
π-switch. Both the coordination polymer and the organic photochromic
core were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.
The coordination polymer displayed an excellent conductance in the
ON state of the switch in the closed form of DHP. Upon exposure to
visible light, the π-switch in the CPD form loses its planarity,
turning the switch OFF, which is reflected in the drastic reduction
of the conductance. Exposure to UV light turns the switch back ON
wherein the high electronic conductance of the polymer can be restored.