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Photoresponsive Switches at Surfaces Based on Supramolecular Functionalization with Azobenzene–Oligoglycerol Conjugates
Author(s) -
Nachtigall Olaf,
Kördel Christian,
Urner Leonhard H.,
Haag Rainer
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201403331
Subject(s) - azobenzene , photoisomerization , isomerization , bifunctional , amphiphile , surface modification , colloidal gold , chemistry , photochemistry , supramolecular chemistry , conjugate , molecular switch , nanoparticle , combinatorial chemistry , materials science , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , polymer , catalysis , molecule , copolymer , mathematical analysis , mathematics
The synthesis, supramolecular complexation, and switching of new bifunctional azobenzene–oligoglycerol conjugates in different environments is reported. Through the formation of host–guest complexes with surface immobilized β‐cyclodextrin receptors, the bifunctional switches were coupled to gold surfaces. The isomerization of the amphiphilic azobenzene derivatives was examined in solution, on gold nanoparticles, and on planar gold surfaces. The wettability of functionalized gold surfaces can be reversibly switched under light‐illumination with two different wavelengths. Besides the photoisomerization processes and concomitant effects on functionality, the thermal cis to trans isomerization of the conjugates and their complexes was monitored. Thermal half‐lives of the cis isomers were calculated for different environments. Surprisingly, the half‐lives on gold nanoparticles were significantly smaller compared to planar gold surfaces.