Long-persistent luminescence by host-guest Förster resonance energy transfer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Photophysics

Background:

• Long-persistent luminescence (LPL) materials store and emit light after excitation.
• Stimulus-responsive luminescence is crucial for advanced material applications.
• Current LPL systems often require complex synthesis or specific activation methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel stimulus-responsive LPL system using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
• To investigate the mechanism of friction-induced LPL activation.
• To explore practical applications of the developed LPL material.

Main Methods:

• Utilized organic molecules DPSD and DPOD for LPL.
• Employed friction with α-cellulose (paper component) to activate LPL.
• Investigated host-guest interactions and energy transfer mechanisms (FRET and intersystem crossing - ISC).
• Fabricated materials via a facile grinding process.

Main Results:

• Achieved friction-activated LPL in DPSD and DPOD molecules.
• Demonstrated efficient FRET from a host (α-cellulose) to a guest molecule.
• Confirmed the role of intersystem crossing (ISC) in LPL emission.
• Showcased successful applications in anti-counterfeiting, encryption/decryption, decoration, and stimulus-responsive systems.

Conclusions:

• A facile, low-cost matrix strategy for efficient LPL material development was established.
• The FRET-based host-guest system offers tunable and responsive luminescence.
• The developed LPL materials show significant potential for commercialization in various technological fields.