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Time-resolved Photophysical Characterization of Triplet-harvesting Organic Compounds at an Oxygen-free Environment Using an iCCD Camera
Published on: December 27, 2018
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Photo-thermo-induced room-temperature phosphorescence through solid-state molecular motion.
Xing Wang Liu1, Weijun Zhao2, Yue Wu3
1College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, China.
Nature Communications
|July 6, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed novel molecular rotors that exhibit rapid, non-invasive phosphorescence. These smart materials convert light into heat, triggering phosphorescence for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Smart-responsive materials with rapid, non-invasive phosphorescence are highly desirable but underexplored.
- Existing phosphorescent materials often lack efficient external stimuli-responsive mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize novel molecular rotors capable of photo-thermo-phosphorescence conversion.
- To investigate the relationship between intramolecular rotation, photothermal effect, and phosphorescence emission.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of molecular rotors featuring a triazine core and bromobiphenyl units (o-Br-TRZ, m-Br-TRZ, p-Br-TRZ).
- Characterization of photophysical properties under ultraviolet irradiation.
- Analysis of intramolecular rotation dynamics and resulting photothermal effects.
Main Results:
- The synthesized molecular rotors demonstrated increasing intramolecular rotation upon UV irradiation.
- A significant photothermal effect was observed, with p-Br-TRZ reaching 102°C.
- This photothermal effect triggered ordered molecular arrangements, leading to synchronous phosphorescence emission.
Conclusions:
- A novel sequential photo-thermo-phosphorescence conversion mechanism was established.
- These materials offer a promising platform for chemical-free, stimulus-responsive phosphorescence.
- The findings open new avenues for developing advanced smart materials for sensing and imaging.
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