Controllable multicolor emission from initially non-emissive organic molecules by pressure engineering

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Photophysics

Background:

• Smart luminescent materials with switchable responsiveness are crucial for advanced applications.
• Existing monochromatic systems limit the expansion of luminescent materials.
• Developing multicolor emission capabilities is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a pressure-treated strategy for initially non-emissive isonicotinic acid (INA).
• To achieve controllable switching from a dark state to multicolor emissions (blue, white, yellow).
• To explore the modulation of intermolecular charge transfer for controlled emission color switching.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a pressure-treated strategy on isonicotinic acid (INA).
• Conducting experimental and theoretical analyses to understand emission mechanisms.
• Characterizing multicolor emissions, including white and yellow light, under ambient conditions.

Main Results:

• Controllable switching from non-emissive to blue, white, and yellow light achieved.
• Pressure-treated engineering effectively modulated intermolecular charge transfer strength.
• Stable white (CIE: 0.31, 0.37) and yellow (CIE: 0.42, 0.45) light emissions retained under ambient conditions.

Conclusions:

• The pressure-treated strategy revitalizes nonemissive organic small molecules for luminescent applications.
• This work offers a novel approach for designing smart luminescent materials with multicolor and controllable properties.
• The findings pave the way for advanced applications requiring tunable light emission.