Multi-stimuli responsive Pt(II) complexes for information storage and anti-counterfeiting

[Display omitted] •Distinct molecular packing fashions.•Multi-stimuli responsive luminescent behaviors.•Thermo- and mechano-response confidential materials. Information encryption plays a crucial role, and various optical materials based on intricate chromophores have been investigated for anti-counterfeiting purposes. In this study, we designed and synthesized two luminescent Pt(II) complexes by concisely introducing different spatial steric hindrances. The complexes adopt distinct head-to-tail and head-to-head dimeric subunits, respectively, which further stack into one-dimensional (1D) chains and three-dimensional (3D) networks in turns. By doping into polymers, we have developed high-performance optical encryption and anti-counterfeiting materials. The authenticity of documents or products can now be verified through changes in luminescence induced by external stimuli, providing an enhanced level of security owing to the complexity of the chromophores and their unique response to various stimuli. The responsiveness of these materials to different types of external stimuli enables the creation of advanced security features that can be utilized in a variety of applications. The use of luminescent Pt(II) complexes in anti-counterfeiting materials offers a novel approach to verifying the authenticity of documents or products.