Reversible piezochromic sensors based on the complex of two-dimensional layered materials and polymer

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2023-01, Vol.375, p.132862, Article 132862
• Main Authors: Liang, Kaixiang, Li, Haobing, Kong, Lingwei, Wang, Ruixing, Liu, Jing, Shi, Wenying, Lu, Chao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Free space; Layered double hydroxide; Photo-functional molecules; Pressure sensor
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2022.132862

The potential use of prominent piezochromic materials in optical recording and mechanical sensors has sparked widespread interest. However, the luminescence quenching effect caused by the aggregation of photo-functional molecules and their disordered stacking have limited the development in piezochromic field. Here, perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) was selected as the chromophore, layered double hydroxide (LDH) as the inorganic matrix, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the film-forming material to jointly construct the (PDI-LDH@PVA) film. The film shows a fluorescence sensitive response to the external pressure due to the changed interaction force between the three components. The confinement effect of LDH enables PDI molecules to form a highly ordered structure in a stretchable free space, giving pressure sensor a larger response range and good reversibility. This work provides design rules for the construction of pressure-sensitive systems, which will guide the development of advanced photo-functional materials. •LDH provides conditions for the directional arrangement of photo-functional molecules.•The synergy of PVA and LDH provides free space for PDI.•A composite luminescent PDI-LDH@PVA film is fabricated.•The obtained sensor has a high response range, good reversibility and stability.