Optical and chemical control of the wettability of nanoporous photoswitchable films

Wettability is a central surface property of functional thin films. Here, we present a nanoporous film made of an azobenzene-containing metal-organic framework material where the wettability is controlled by photoswitching of the fluorinated azobenzene moieties and by reversible incorporation of guest molecules with different polarities in the pores. Using both, the optical and the chemical stimuli, the water contact angle was modified over a wide range, from 23 degrees to 97 degrees.

Automated summary

In this study, a nanoporous film with controllable wettability was developed by utilizing a metal-organic framework material containing azobenzene and reversible incorporation of guest molecules. The water contact angle could be modified over a wide range using both optical and chemical stimuli, showcasing its potential in various applications.