Water-triggered synergistic fluorescence variation and shape deformation in a Zn-TCPP metal–organic framework-based gel

Smart materials with programmable shape deformation and synergistic shape/fluorescence variation are highly desired in various practical applications, such as bio-inspired multifunctional robots and machines. However, it is still quite challenging to construct smart surfaces with dynamic fluorescence and morphology from MOFs, which potentially introduce superior performance. Herein, we proposed to utilize Zn-TCPP MOFs and polyurethane to construct a smart hybrid gel, which could exhibit synergistic dynamic fluorescence and reconfigurable patterns upon treating with pure water. Their reversible fluorescence variation as well as the swelling of the surface could be observed even directly by the naked eye. Based on the above results, we designed a dual-response rewriting pattern and flower-like artificial actuator with simultaneous fluorescence variation and shape deformation performance. This study would be of great fundamental value in the rational design of novel smart materials and surfaces.