Sequential and combinational logic realized with asymmetric porphyrin covalently connected to mesoporous silica films

Here, an asymmetric porphyrin derivative of 5-(4-aminophenyl)-10, 15, 20-triphenyl-porphyrin (H2ATPP) has been successfully covalently connected to photo-permeable mesoporous silica thin films as a unit to mimic logic function. This hybrid mesoporous structure is not only advantageous to the interaction between inputs and response materials, but also to separation of the response materials and inputs without information lost. Then several molecular logics with the function of memory, based on its characteristic of being sensitive to acid and base, are achieved. With different initial states, it could be handily described as feedback loop and RS-latch for sequential logic.