Nonlinear Optical Molecular Switches as Selective Cation Sensors

Abstract

This work demonstrates that the recognition of cations by molecular switches can give rise to large contrasts of the second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, which can therefore be used as a powerful and multi-usage detection tool. The proof of concept is given by evidencing, by means of ab initio calculations, the ability of spiropyran/merocyanine systems to selectively detect alkali, alkaline earth, and transition-metal cations.

Temperature-Triggered Reversible Dielectric and Nonlinear Optical Switch Based on the One-Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Phase Transition Compound [C6H11NH3]2CdCl4

“…Hence, these results clearly show that 1 should be treated as a potential high-temperature NLO switch. 2,12 ■ CONCLUSION In summary, we have presented the one-dimensional organic− inorganic hybrid compound [C 6 H 11 NH 3 ] 2 CdCl 4 with hightemperature switchable dielectric and NLO properties, which displays two structural phase transitions at 215 and 367 K. The origin of the phase transition at 215 K is attributable to the disorder−order transition of the cyclohexylammonium cations, while that of the phase transition at 367 K is associated with the changes in the relative location of Cd atoms. In addition, the dielectric and SHG switching activities at around 367 K reveal that this compound is a potential high-temperature-switchable dielectric and NLO material.…”

Role of Excess Electrons in Nonlinear Optical Response

“…To further enhance the β 0 of compounds with pushed excess electrons, we considered strategies including the effect of shape, size, flexibility of the complexants, alkali atomic number, and combination of lithium salt/electride. First, three electride molecules referred to three-petal-shaped Li-[9]aneN 3 , fourpetal-shaped Li- [12]aneN 4 , and five-petal-shaped Li- [15]aneN 5 were considered as prototype models. 57 Results show that the β 0 value increases with increasing petal number (n).…”

Reversible Phase Transition Triggered by Order–Disorder Transformation of Carboxyl Oxygen Atoms Coupled with Distinct Reorientations in [HN(C4H9)3](fumrate)0.5·(fumaric acid)0.5

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Engineering of solid-to-solid temperature-dependent reversible phase change materials are not only significant for the searching of technologically potential materials, but also helpful for the investigation of structure-property relationship. [7][8][9] Recently, breakthroughs in this field have been made by the discovery of a correlation between the order-disorder transformation of moieties and switchable dielectric/ferroelectric properties.…”