Citation: Xiaonan LI, Jingqi ZHANG, Jiaxin LEI, Yuxin JIANG, Xin ZHAO, Tingting GUO, Juanzhi YAN. A viologen-based zinc framework: Photochromism, photoluminescence, ink-free erasable printing, and multiple optical switching properties[J]. Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, ;2026, 42(6): 1337-1344. doi: 10.11862/CJIC.20250325 shu

A viologen-based zinc framework: Photochromism, photoluminescence, ink-free erasable printing, and multiple optical switching properties

Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan University, Taiyuan 030000, China

Corresponding author: Xiaonan LI, 2023504006@tyu.edu.cn Juanzhi YAN, 1998011003@tyu.edu.cn
Received Date: 23 October 2025
Revised Date: 10 March 2026

Figures(7)

A novel viologen-based photochromic coordination polymer, namely [Zn(CV)_0.5(BDC)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (1), has been successfully constructed via solvothermal self-assembly of Zn²⁺ ions with the 1, 1′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-4, 4′-bipyridinium ((H₂CV)²⁺) as a photo-responsive functional unit and terephthalic acid (H₂BDC) as an auxiliary bridging ligand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 features a 1D chain-like framework. Upon light irradiation, complex 1 exhibited a distinct photo-responsive color-changing behavior, transforming from colorless to blue. The blue-colored sample gradually faded and reverted to its original colorless state upon being placed in a dark environment at room temperature, demonstrating excellent reversible photochromic properties. On the basis of its photochromic performance, the application of this complex in ink-free printing has been explored. Furthermore, complex 1 emitted blue light under UV irradiation in a dark environment, revealing favorable photoluminescent characteristics. In addition, complex 1 possessed multiple photoswitchable properties.
- viologen,
- photochromism,
- photoluminescence,
- ink-free printing
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