Chen Yi-Fan, Lee Lin-Ruei, Chang Ming-Hsuan, Lin Huan-Wei, Liu Yu-Chun, Chang Chun-Ting, Kuo Kai-Chuan, Chang Chun-Chi, Lin Che-Tseng, Chen Jiun-Tai
Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan.
Department of Performance Materials Synthesis & Application Division of Polymer Research Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan.
Small. 2025 Sep;21(36):e03829. doi: 10.1002/smll.202503829. Epub 2025 Jul 22.
Plastics are integral to modern life but contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their durability and low recycling rates. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is particularly problematic, representing a substantial portion of global plastic waste. Addressing this issue, this work presents a sustainable approach to upcycle PET into thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) films, integrated with orthogonal wavelength-controlled spiropyran derivatives, SP-COOH and MC-SO. These upcycled TPEE films exhibit dynamic anticounterfeiting and photoswitchable conductivity properties. The spiropyran derivatives demonstrate reversible structural changes and color variations under different light conditions, enhancing their mechanical properties and solvent resistance. Inspired by the color changing of Hibiscus mutabilis, this work also demonstrates the artificial light-induced color on the petals of moth orchids. The incorporation of conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) further enables photoswitchable conductivity, offering a dual-layered security feature. This work not only advances polymer upcycling but also introduces innovative applications in anticounterfeiting and wearable technology, aligning with global sustainability goals and demonstrating the potential for high-value product development from waste materials.
塑料是现代生活不可或缺的一部分，但由于其耐用性和低回收率，对环境污染有重大影响。聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯（PET）问题尤为突出，占全球塑料垃圾的很大一部分。为解决这一问题，本研究提出了一种可持续方法，将PET升级回收为热塑性聚酯弹性体（TPEE）薄膜，并与正交波长控制的螺吡喃衍生物SP-COOH和MC-SO相结合。这些升级回收的TPEE薄膜具有动态防伪和光开关导电性。螺吡喃衍生物在不同光照条件下表现出可逆的结构变化和颜色变化，增强了其机械性能和耐溶剂性。受木芙蓉颜色变化的启发，本研究还展示了人工光诱导蝴蝶兰花瓣变色。导电聚（3,4-乙撑二氧噻吩）聚苯乙烯磺酸盐（PEDOT:PSS）的加入进一步实现了光开关导电性，提供了双层安全特性。本研究不仅推动了聚合物升级回收，还在防伪和可穿戴技术方面引入了创新应用，符合全球可持续发展目标，并展示了从废料开发高价值产品的潜力。
