Modulating Light-Induced Interactions with 2D materials
Dirk Guldi a
a Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Cauerstr. 3, Department Werkstoffwissenschaften, Erlangen, Germany
Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2026 Conference (MATSUSSpring26)
D5 2D Layered Materials for Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage
Barcelona, Spain, 2026 March 23rd - 27th
Organizers: Teresa Gatti, Paolo Giusto and Oleksandr Savatieiev
Invited Speaker, Dirk Guldi, presentation 211
Publication date: 15th December 2025

Light-driven modulation of supramolecular interactions underpins many biological functions and has inspired the development of artificial molecular machines and adaptive materials. Rather than using light to toggle between two ground-state species, we instead generate an excited state whose binding affinity differs markedly from that of the ground state, enabling transient and reversible manipulation of host–guest interactions. To accomplish this, we employed one of several euco dyes that undergoes twisted intramolecular charge separation upon photoexcitation. Our findings show that this excited-state process induces significant electronic and structural reorganization, reducing the dye’s affinity for 2D materials and ultimately promoting light-triggered desorption from their surfaces in water. Excited-state control offers distinct advantages over ground-state strategies by allowing reversible and short-lived tuning of molecular binding with 2D materials. This mechanism outlines a new design principle for dynamic, adaptive systems operating under physiological conditions, with potential applications in sensing, drug delivery, and materials science.

© FUNDACIO DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA SCITO
We use our own and third party cookies for analysing and measuring usage of our website to improve our services. If you continue browsing, we consider accepting its use. You can check our Cookies Policy in which you will also find how to configure your web browser for the use of cookies. More info