• • Triplet sensitization via Dexter-type TET enables red-shifted activation of azobenzenes and diarylethenes, with PbS quantum dots achieving near-infrared light-activated Z-to-E isomerization (Chem Sci, 2025, 16: 16151–16157), reducing photodamage in biological media by avoiding UV excitation.
• • Semiconductor nanocrystals (e.g., CdSe) facilitate distance-dependent TET to surface-bound anthracene (J Phys Chem Lett, 2016, 7: 1955–1959), providing a tunable platform for all-visible-light switching of diarylethenes with improved fatigue resistance (J Mater Chem C, 2022, 10: 15833–15842).
• • Thermo-bistable red and sensitized near-infrared photoswitches have been demonstrated with high thermal stability (J Am Chem Soc, 2026, 148: 6474–6484), enabling long-wavelength operation critical for in vivo applications where tissue penetration depth is paramount.
• • Triplet-sensitized molecular motors powered by quantum dots across the visible spectrum (J Am Chem Soc, 2025, 147: 35255–35263) achieve directional rotary motion, overcoming the UV requirement that limits conventional overcrowded-alkene motors and opening avenues for light-driven nanomachinery.