Color Control of Metal-like Lustrous Films of 3-Alkoxythiophene Oligomer Dyes by Changing Subnanometer-Scale Interlamellar Distance

Abstract

Although controlling the luster color of molecules that exhibit metallic luster using organic materials is highly desirable, achieving different luster colors requires substantial changes to the original molecular structure or an external stimulus. Structural changes alter the electronic state, resulting in notable changes in the physical properties beyond color. Color change prompted by external stimuli requires energy and is subject to limitations. Therefore, altering a material's color without modifying its structure or electronic state is challenging. Herein, we report a method for regulating the gloss color by managing the interlayer distance of edge-on lamellar crystals in a metallic gloss film with 3alkoxythiophene oligomers. This method involves the use of side chains with varying lengths to control the gloss color without affecting the electronic state of the oligomer.