Photochromism of diarylethene: Effect of polymer environment and effects on surfaces

A diarylethene (DAE) study using thermodynamical physical chemistry, elemental fractal analysis, and quantum chemistry is presented. Attention is focused on the ways the polymer environment affects DAE photochromism and on the ways that DAE photochromism affects surfaces. Non-constant quantum yields in single-molecule measurements, selective metal deposition, and a super-water-repellent fractal surface are discussed after a short summary of the latest experimental results concerning photochromism in DAE molecules.

► Photochromic diarylethene shows non-constant quantum yields, as a result of polymer environmental effect. ► It generates an interesting surface. We call it as fractal surface. This is an active environmental effect by diarylethene. ► It generates another interesting surface. This is an active environmental effect which enables selective metal deposition.