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Electrooxidation-induced reverse switching in azobenzene-based photoswitches

Photoswitches, which reversibly switch between isomeric forms upon light exposure, offer promising applications in optical computing, photoresponsive materials, and molecular energy storage. Efficient and controllable back-isomerization is essential for practical applications and can be achieved ele...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hussain, Zarah (Author) , Schatz, Dominic (Author) , Oberhof, Nils (Author) , Franz, Evanie (Author) , Schauermann, Daniel (Author) , Dreuw, Andreas (Author) , Wegner, Hermann A. (Author) , Brummel, Olaf (Author) , Libuda, Jörg (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 11 December 2025
In: The journal of physical chemistry. C, Energy, materials, and catalysis
Year: 2025, Volume: 129, Issue: 49, Pages: 21560-21570
ISSN:1932-7455
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c06149
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c06149
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Author Notes:Zarah Hussain, Dominic Schatz, Nils Oberhof, Evanie Franz, Daniel Schauermann, Andreas Dreuw, Hermann A. Wegner, Olaf Brummel, and Jörg Libuda
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Summary:Photoswitches, which reversibly switch between isomeric forms upon light exposure, offer promising applications in optical computing, photoresponsive materials, and molecular energy storage. Efficient and controllable back-isomerization is essential for practical applications and can be achieved electrochemically. In this study, we explore how electrochemical oxidation governs the back-conversion of the azobenzene-based photoswitch 4,4′-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(N,N′-diethylaniline) (A-AZO). Combining in situ photoelectrochemical infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we show that A-AZO undergoes reversible two-step oxidation, forming singly and doubly oxidized species (A-AZO1+ and A-AZO2+), with the positive charge primarily localized on the nitrogen atoms of the amino groups. Photochemically, (E)-A-AZO isomerizes to its (Z)-form. Upon electrochemical triggering, the oxidized (Z)-A-AZOx+ species act as catalytic intermediates that accelerate the back-conversion to the (E)-isomer. This autocatalytic reaction proceeds with high selectivity and requires minimal external energy input, making it particularly attractive for energy-efficient switching in molecular systems.
Item Description:Online veröffentlicht: 24. November 2025
Gesehen am 26.01.2026
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1932-7455
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c06149

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