Imagine a crystal that changes color just by coming into contact with a pollutant, almost instantly revealing its presence. Scientists at Japan’s Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) have developed a crystal that can achieve this.
By designing a novel molecule called a pyrazinacene derivative, the team developed a crystal that shifts its color from greenish-blue to red-violet when exposed to naphthalene, a well-known air and water pollutant.
What makes this even more remarkable is that the change is reversible, meaning the crystal can return to its original color and be reused. This research could lead to the development of next-generation chemical sensors that help protect human health and the environment.
“This crystal is capable of reacting with…