Scalable, Fast Light-Responsive, and Excellent Color-Retention Fiber-Based Photochromic Wearables for Sustainable Photo-Patterning and Information Security Encryption

Fiber-based photochromic wearables have attracted growing attention in sustainable photo-patterning information displays, information security encryption, and optical data recording/storage. Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is one of the key photochromic materials that possesses good photochromic performance, nevertheless, it faces considerable challenges in preparing photochromic textiles with stable, scalable, and long color-retention properties. In this work, a new kind of fiber-based photochromic wearables is designed and developed by combining cotton fabric with a MoO₃-based self-adhesive polymer network and long chain silyl group. The prepared photochromic wearable has exhibited excellent fatigue resistance and favorable reversibility (> 40 cycles), rapid light response (reach color saturation with a UV dose of 60 kJ m⁻²), outstanding color retention capability (> 90 days), and desirable biocompatibility (cell viability > 100%). In addition, the prepared photochromic textiles could maintain a fast light response and excellent color retention even after experiencing repeated washing (20 cycles). Moreover, the photo-patterning photochromic wearables are verified by resisting the deterioration of acid solution, alkali solution, and sweat (pH 2.0–9.0) as well as keeping clear patterns under sunlight irradiation. As a demonstration of the application, fiber-based photochromic wearables are made and employed for the sustainable applications of rewritable photo-patterning and information security encryption.