Two Colors of Light Are Needed to Break Bonds and Release Small Molecules from the Surface of SiO2–Au Core–Shell Nanoparticles

The photothermal effect is not able to break bonds and release small molecules from the surface of SiO2-Au core-shell nanoparticles unless the nanosystem is first exposed to visible light. Only after this light triggers the ring-opening reaction of dithienylethene chromophores attached to the surface of the nanoparticles can the heat generated by the NIR light induce reverse Diels-Alder reactions.