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Sn-TiO2/PTA Nanocomposite Films for High-Contrast Rewritable Media with Visible-Light-Driven Black Coloration
  • Yao Dou,   
  • Dongliang Wei,   
  • Yongli Qin,   
  • Zhen Zhang,   
  • Yun Zhang *,   
  • Wenshou Wang *

Received: 19 Mar 2025 | Revised: 21 Apr 2025 | Accepted: 23 Apr 2025 | Published: 15 May 2025

Abstract

Photochromic materials are pivotal for rewritable smart media, yet conventional systems suffer from sluggish kinetics, UV dependency, and low optical contrast. Herein, we present a visible-light-responsive Sn-TiO2/phosphotungstic acid (PTA) nanocomposite film mediated by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that addresses these challenges through interfacial engineering and bandgap modulation. Sn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, synthesized hydrothermally, are covalently linked to phosphotungstic acid (PTA) clusters via PVP-assisted dispersion, enabling efficient charge separation under 450 nm illumination. The Sn-TiO2/PTA/PVP nanocomposite film achieves ultrafast coloration within 10 s, attributed to the reduction of W6⁺ to W5⁺ in PTA. The colored state exhibits remarkable air stability (48 h) and rapid recovery (<30 min) via H2O2 vapor, sustaining >80 reversible cycles without degradation. With a narrowed bandgap (2.23 eV) and broadband intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) absorption (600–800 nm), the film demonstrates high-contrast black-state coloration and 2-day legibility as a rewritable medium. This work overcomes the limitations of organic dyes and UV-dependent systems, offering an inorganic, eco-friendly platform for smart displays, anti-counterfeiting labels, and energy-efficient photochromic technologies.

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DOI
10.53941/mi.2025.100012
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Volume 2, Issue 2
How to Cite
Dou, Y.; Wei, D.; Qin, Y.; Zhang, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, W. Sn-TiO2/PTA Nanocomposite Films for High-Contrast Rewritable Media with Visible-Light-Driven Black Coloration. Materials and Interfaces 2025, 2 (2), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.53941/mi.2025.100012.
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