Photoresponsive Diarylethene‐Containing Polymers: Recent Advances and Future Challenges

Abstract Photoresponsive polymers have attracted increasing interest owing to their potential applications in anticounterfeiting, information encryption, adhesives, etc. Among them, diarylethene (DAE)‐containing polymers are one of the most promising photoresponsive polymers and have unique thermal stability and fatigue resistance compared to azobenzene‐ and spiropyran‐containing polymers. Herein, the design of DAE‐containing polymers based on different types of structures, including main chain polymers, side‐chain polymers, and crosslinked polymers, is introduced. The mechanism and applications of DAE‐containing polymers in anti‐counterfeiting, information encryption, light‐controllable adhesives, and photoinduced healable materials are reviewed. In addition, the remaining challenges of DAE‐containing polymers are also discussed.