Water-Resistant Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescence from Block Copolymers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Luminescence

Background:

• Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) polymers offer unique luminescent properties but are often susceptible to water-induced quenching.
• Moisture disrupts polymer hydrogen bonding and accelerates non-radiative decay, diminishing RTP efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize water-resistant RTP polymers.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional RTP materials in aqueous environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of amphiphilic block copolymers with microphase-separated structures.
• Utilizing a rigid hydrophilic phase rich in carboxyl groups for hydrogen bonding and a hydrophobic phase for water exclusion.

Main Results:

• The designed copolymers exhibit robust room-temperature phosphorescence.
• Materials maintained green afterglow with a 629 ms lifetime after one month of water immersion.
• Demonstrated potential in water-resistant afterglow displays and anti-counterfeiting applications.

Conclusions:

• Amphiphilic block copolymers provide a universal strategy for creating water-resistant RTP polymers.
• The microphase-separated structure effectively protects the phosphorescent core from water degradation.
• This work advances the development of stable luminescent materials for diverse applications in aqueous settings.