Photochromic organic cage-encapsulated Au nanoparticles: light-regulated cavities for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

A diarylethene-based photochromic cage (DPC) with an adjustable cavity upon irradiation with UV and visible light has been designed and synthesized. Au nanoparticles encapsulated in the organic cage with open and closed states (Au@o-DPC and Au@c-DPC) showed different catalytic activities for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.