Metallic-Ion Controlled Dynamic Bonds to Co-Harvest Isomerization Energy and Bond Enthalpy for High-Energy Output of Flexible Self-Heated Textile

Molecular light-harvesting capabilities and the production of low-temperature heat output are essential for flexible self-heated textiles. An effective strategy to achieve these characteristics is to introduce photoresponsive molecular interactions (photodynamic bonds) to increase the energy storage capacity and optimize the low-temperature photochromic kinetics. In this study, a series of sulfonic-grafted azobenzene-based polymers interacted with different metal ions (PAzo-M, M = Mg, Ca, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Fe) to optimize the energy level and isomerization kinetics of these polymers is designed and prepared. Photoinduced formation and dissociation of M-O dynamic bonds enlarge the energy gap ( increment E) between trans and cis isomers for high-energy storage and favor a high rate of isomerization for low-temperature heat release. The suitable binding energy and high increment E enable PAzo-M to store and release isomerization energy and bond enthalpy even in a low-temperature (-5 degrees C) environment. PAzo-Mg possesses the highest energy storage density of 408.6 J g(-1) (113.5 Wh kg(-1)). A flexible textile coated with PAzo-Mg can provide a high rise in temperature of 7.7-12.5 degrees C in a low-temperature (-5.0 to 5.0 degrees C) environment by selectively self-releasing heat indoors and outdoors. The flexible textile provides a new pathway for wearable thermal management devices.