Dynamic Boronic Ester-Based Photonic Elastomers for Mechanochromic Information Encoding

Abstract

Stimulus-responsive photonic materials that dynamically modulate optical properties in response to external stimuli have attracted extensive interest, among which mechanochromic systems, capable of converting mechanical deformation into optical signals, are particularly promising for intuitive signal transduction. However, conventional mechanochromic cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) often suffer from limited functionality and lack intrinsic damage repairability. Herein, we report a multifunctional self-healing photonic elastomer (CLCEred) featuring angle-dependent selective Bragg reflection and pronounced mechanochromism, enabled by dynamic boronic ester bonds. The material demonstrates continuous and reversible color tunability under mechanical deformation while maintaining excellent self-healing performance. By integrating mechanochromic responsiveness with intrinsic self-healing capability, the material functions as a programmable information encryption platform, enabling mechanical encoding/decoding and recovery of optical performance after damage. This work provides a versatile strategy for the design of intelligent photonic materials through the integration of multiple responsive functionalities, with enhanced security, multifunctionality, and durability.