A color-tunable single-component luminescent molecule with multiple emission centers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Developing single-component systems for smart materials with tunable emissions is challenging.
• Multicomponent systems often lack the desired durability and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a single-component luminescent molecule (3-SPhF) with colorful emissions.
• To explore the mechanisms behind its tunable luminescence and stability.

Main Methods:

• Time-resolved spectroscopy to analyze luminescence decay times.
• Investigation of crystal structures and molecular stacking.
• Steady-state emission measurements under varying excitation conditions.

Main Results:

• Confirmed delayed fluorescence (τ = 282.5 μs), monomeric phosphorescence (τ = 497.7 ms), and aggregated-state phosphorescence (τ = 230.0 ms) in 3-SPhF.
• Observed time-dependent afterglow and excitation-dependent emissions.
• Established a correlation between ultra-long luminescence and dibenzofuran group stacking in single crystals.

Conclusions:

• 3-SPhF is a promising single-component system for color-tunable smart materials.
• Multiple emission centers in single-component compounds can be regular and influenced by molecular structure.
• The study provides insights into designing stable, durable luminescent materials.