Macromolecules, Vol.42, No.1, 362-367, 2009
Aggregation-Induced Reversible Thermochromism of Novel Azo Chromophore-Functionalized Polydiacetylene Cylindrical Micelles
We demonstrate a new strategy for improved stabilization of polydiacetylene micelles. They show temperature-induced color changes. which are fully reversible even at varying pH. A novel azo chromophore-functionalized amphiphilic diacetylene molecule is synthesized and used to prepare self-assembled cylindrical micelles. The micelles can be polymerized by 254 run light irradiation. The azo chromophores form H- and J-like aggregates in the polydiacetylene micelles and increase the stability of the micelles, which leads to fully reversible thermochromism of the micelles in the temperature range between 20 and 90 degrees C and the pH range between 5.6 and 9.6.