Rueangsuwan J.Theerasilp M.Crespy D.Traiphol N.Traiphol R.Mahidol University2023-05-192023-05-192023-01-05Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Vol.656 (2023)09277757https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/81757Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are stimuli-responsive polymers that have shown potential for colorimetric detection of various stimuli. Commercially available PDAs often exhibit irreversible blue-to-red thermochromism, limiting their applications. In this study, we develop a facile method, involving the co-assembly of zinc (Zn2+) ions and PDAs in an aqueous medium, for creating reversible thermochromic materials. We have found that the Zn2+ precursors play a crucial role on achieving a reversible thermochromism. The PDA/Zn2+ assemblies prepared from Zn(CN)2 and Zn(CH3COO)2 exhibit reversible thermochromism whereas other Zn2+ precursors such as ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2 and ZnSO4 do not yield reversibility. The reversible thermochromic PDA/Zn2+ assemblies can be synthesized via the solution mixing method in ambient conditions, making them suitable for large-scale production. The color-transition temperature can be tuned from 60 to 120 °C by changing PDA side chains. The synthesis of reversible thermochromic PDA/Zn(CN)2 assemblies in the liquid phase allows the fabrication of smart inks, sprayed coatings, and nanofibers, extending their fields of applications.ChemistryArticleSCOPUS10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.1304902-s2.0-8514126107318734359