Preparation of water-insoluble inorganic-organic photochromic hybrid compound [Ni(1,10-phen)3]3(PMo12O40)2 by simple chemical co-precipitation method

Abstract

The conventional polyoxometalate utilized in inorganic photochromic materials are noted for their exceptional stability; however, they exhibit certain deficiencies, such as difficulties during processing and elevated solubility, which hinder their application in practical scenarios. In contrast, the distinctive structural features of polypyridine ligands, coupled with their remarkable photosensitivity, serve to effectively mitigate the shortcomings encountered with polymetallic oxides. In this study, we successfully synthesized inorganic-organic photochromic hybrid compounds, specifically [Ni(1,10-phen)3]3(PMo12O40)2, utilizing a straightforward chemical co-precipitation methodology. The resultant samples were characterized in three distinct physical forms: powder, film, and solution. Notably, upon exposure to UV light, these compounds exhibited a rapid chromatic transition from bright yellow to deep green within a mere ten minutes. The swift colorimetric response properties of these hybrids indicate their substantial potential for diverse industrial applications, particularly in dynamic optical devices and smart materials.