Spiropyran photochromic molecular switch sensor
Thanks to Dr Martin Gritsch for synthesising spiropyran & sending me a small sample so I can make these illuminating photochromic molecular switch sensors. These can be used to test their thermal & photolytic properties. Merocyanine, the blue coloured molecule is generated by the irradiation of UV or even bright white light on spiropyran (colourless). The process is infinitely reversible but can be accelerated by supplying a source of heat energy (by immersing in hot water or using a hairdryer) or even by illumination of longer wavelengths of light.
These sensors are a great application of photochromism in everyday materials such as in glass windows and sunglasses. It could also lead to further discussions in nanomechanical devices such as data storage using one wavelength to store information and a different one to erase it.
The sensors are laminated so there is no danger of leakage or leaching. They are highly reusable and will last a very long time.
Store in a dark place or inside a brown envelope.
#spiropyran
#merocyanine
#molecularswitches
#photochromism