Photochromic one-dimensional nanostructures based on dithienylethene: fabrication by light-induced precipitation and reversible transformation in the nanoparticle state

A convenient protocol has been developed to fabricate one-dimensional nanostructures of a photochromic molecule cis-1,2-dicyano-1,2-bis(2,4,5-trimethyl-3-thieny1) ethene (CMTE). Light-induced self-assembled nanorods and nanowires of the colored form were obtained in situ under UV light irradiation in aqueous dispersion and redissolved under green light. Reversible and fatigue-resistant optical switching in the nanoparticle state was demonstrated.