Endowing Light-Inert Aqueous Surfactant Two-Phase System with Photo Responsiveness by Introducing a Trojan Horse

摘要： The ability to modulate the phase behavior of aqueous surfactant two-phase (ASTP) system reversibly with light is of great importance in both fundamental and applied science. Thus far, most of the light-responsive ASTP systems are based on covalent-modification of the component molecules. In this article, we for the first time achieve photo-responsiveness in a light-inert ASTP system by physically introducing a photo-trigger with the aid of an Trojan Horse. The ATPS system formed with sodium laurate (SL) and dodecyl tributyl amomium (DBAB) doesn’t show light responsiveness by physically mixing a light responsive azobenzene compound, 2-(4-(phenyldiazenyl)phenoxy)actate sodium (Azo). However, in the presence of the host-guest complex SL@β-CD formed with β-CD and sodium laurate (SL), the ASTP turns quickly into a homogenous suspension under visible light, which recovers to the original ASTP state again under 365 nm UV irradiation. Because the SL@β-CD complex exists harmonically with the ASTP, it can be viewed as a “Trojan horse” that becomes fatal only when the encapsulated SL is triggered to release. In the presence of the Trojan horse, the photo-responsiveness of the ASTP can be manipulated reversibly by alternatively exerting UV and visible light. Using this strategy, we are able to collect trace amount of oily components from water. The current strategy points out that it is possible to achieve light-responsiveness in light-inert systems with physical method, which may have profound impact both on the fundamental and applied science.