Highly sensitive INHIBIT and XOR logic gates based on ICT and ACQ emission switching of a porphyrin derivative.

Fluorescence-switch-based logic devices are very sensitive compared with most of the reported devices based on UV/Vis absorption systems. Herein, we demonstrate that a simple molecule, 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP), shows protonation-induced multiple emission switches through intramolecular charge transfer and/or aggregation-caused quenching. Highly sensitive INHIBIT and XOR logic gates can be achieved by combining the intermolecular assembly with the intramolecular photoswitching of diprotonated TAPP (TAPPH2(2+)). In addition, molecular simulations have been performed by DFT for a better understanding of the emission-switching processes.