Dual AIEgen-synergized multistimuli-responsive hydrogels for programmable optical information storage

As advanced optical storage materials, fluorescent hydrogels still face significant challenges in achieving multi-stimulus responsiveness and broad spectral tunability. This study presents a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active hydrogel system with dual fluorescence emission characteristics, synthesized via a facile one-pot approach. Through controlled freeze–thaw processing cycles, tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene (TPE-4OH) and tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)ethylene (TPE-4NH 2 ) were successfully incorporated into the three-dimensional polymer matrix. The developed system demonstrates programmable fluorescence modulation through three distinct stimulus–response mechanisms: solvent composition (DMSO/H 2 O), pH variation (HCl/NaOH), and ion coordination (Fe 3 ⁺/EDTA). Notably, these stimuli enable precise individual or synergistic control over both fluorescence intensity and chromatic characteristics of the hydrogel system. Furthermore, fluorescence modulation precision was enhanced through proportional control of the dual fluorophores, enabling tunable ion recognition sensitivity and a spectral shift from blue to green emission. The integrated multi-stimulus responsiveness and reversible emission characteristics confer dual functionality to this hydrogel system: serving as a patterned substrate fabrication platform while demonstrating promising applicability in multidimensional encryption technologies, analyte-specific sensing probes, and smart optical devices. Graphical abstract Multistimuli-responsive hydrogel system with color changing capabilities.