Photo-induced reversible topographical changes of photochromic dithienylethene microcrystalline surfaces

Abstract

Upon alternating UV and visible light irradiation, the surface of a coated film of 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-phenylthien-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene showed reversible surface topographical changes between a lumpy surface with small structures (∼1.0 µm) and a smoother surface with larger structures (5∼10 µm), accompanied by changes in the water droplet contact angle.