Kinetic Equation Modeling-Guided Luminescence Modulation in Photochemical Afterglow

Photochemical reaction-based afterglow has been widely applied in information storage, biodetection, and bioimaging. It is achieved through a cascade of photophysical processes and chemical reactions. However, comprehensive kinetic study of its complex processes remains limited. In this work, we conducted numerical simulations of the entire afterglow process based on chemical reaction kinetic equations, focusing on key kinetic processes and identifying the rate-determining step. By varying the rate constants of the key steps, we provided theoretical insights into effectively regulating the afterglow intensity and lifetime. Furthermore, we designed and synthesized several derivative molecules for experimental validation, achieving optimization of both intensity and lifetime. Through the integration of chemical kinetic analysis with experimental validation, this study develops an in-depth comprehension of complex kinetic processes and establishes a robust framework for molecular design in photochemical afterglow and related systems.