Unlocking Chemically Encrypted Information Using Three Types of External Stimuli

Abstract

Encryption is critical to information security; however, existing chemical-based information encryption strategies are still in their infancy. We report here a new approach to chemical encryption involving a supramolecular gel QR (quick response) code with multiple encryption functions. Three color “turn-on” supramolecular polymer gels, G1–G3, were prepared that produce pink, purple, and yellow colors when subject to treatment with acetic acid vapor, UV light, and methanolic FeCl3, respectively. As the result of hydrogen-bonding interactions at the gel interfaces, the three gels can be assembled to produce gel G4. Engraving a QR code pattern onto G4 then gave gel G5. When one or two stimuli are applied to the individual pieces corresponding to the QR engraved versions of the gels G1–G3 making up G5, a complete scannable pattern is not displayed, and the stored information cannot be recognized. Only when three different stimuli are applied at the same time does G5 give a complete recognizable pattern allowing the stored information to be retrieved. This strategy was applied to the decryption-based opening of a coded lock.

Information Storage Based on Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescent 3D Code Materials

“…This multi-regulation capability endows the luminescent materials with versatility, especially showing bright prospects in information storage and anti-counterfeiting. [51,[135][136][137][138][139] Hence, integrating multiple stimuli responsiveness into one 3D code system can be a key direction for the development of variable 3D code systems. Multiple responsiveness means that the pattern of 3D codes can be transformed via diverse methods.…”

Multi-level encryption of information in morphing hydrogels with patterned fluorescence

“…Such tunable fluorescence is utilized to create patterned information that is concealed in daylight. 46–48…”

Cyclodextrin‐Confined Supramolecular Lanthanide Photoswitch

“…Recently, considerable endeavors have been dedicated to developing stimulus‐responsive luminescent materials, due to their great potentials in biosensing/imaging, [ 1–5 ] and multi‐informational display. [ 6–9 ] The conventional approach to construct such materials is to incorporate functional sites into a multicomponent system that can precisely respond to the external stimuli. [ 10–13 ] To this end, photochromic compounds, featuring the light‐triggered reversible interconversion with distinct structural changes, have been frequently utilized as the building blocks to attain photo‐responsive supramolecular assemblies.…”

“…Recently, considerable endeavors have been dedicated to developing stimulus-responsive luminescent materials, due to their great potentials in biosensing/imaging, [1][2][3][4][5] and multiinformational display. [6][7][8][9] The conventional approach to develop a simple and feasible strategy to reversibly tune the photo luminescent behaviors of common azobenzenes.…”