Achieve Phosphorescence Activation Through the Modulation of Intermolecular Forces within the Matrix.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photophysics

Background:

• Carbon dots (CDs) are gaining attention for applications in anti-counterfeiting, bioimaging, and optoelectronics.
• Developing high-efficiency phosphorescent CDs and understanding their emission mechanisms are significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To activate phosphorescence in CDs by modulating intermolecular forces.
• To elucidate the mechanism of phosphorescence generation in crystalline CDs.
• To establish a novel strategy for designing high-performance phosphorescent CD materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing CDs within a crystalline matrix.
• Introducing silica to regulate matrix-driven interactions and control spatial matching.
• Characterizing phosphorescence properties and quantum yield.

Main Results:

• Phosphorescence in CDs was successfully activated by modulating intermolecular forces.
• Precise spatial matching between matrix vacancies and guest CDs, regulated by silica, is critical.
• A high phosphorescence quantum yield of 8.79% was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Modulating intermolecular forces via matrix-silica interactions is key to activating CD phosphorescence.
• This study provides mechanistic insights into phosphorescence in crystalline CDs.
• A novel strategy for high-performance phosphorescent CD material design has been established.