Post-Salting-Out Polymerization Enriching Dynamic Crosslinks for Ultralong High-Temperature Phosphorescence...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Photophysics

Background:

• Polymer hydrogels are promising for photonic applications but face challenges in achieving efficient phosphorescence due to their soft, wet nature.
• Existing room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) hydrogels have limited afterglow, and high-temperature phosphorescence (HTP) hydrogels remain unreported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polymer hydrogels with significantly enhanced RTP and ultralong HTP.
• To overcome the limitations of soft, wet hydrogel environments for efficient phosphorescence.

Main Methods:

• A post-salting-out polymerization strategy was employed to create a dynamic crosslinking network.
• Hafnium oxide fluoride (HOF)-protected luminogens were confined within the hydrogel matrix.
• Dynamic hydrogen bonds and HOF structure were utilized to restrict molecular vibrations and isolate luminogens.

Main Results:

• Achieved unprecedented RTP lifetime (∼3.3 s) and afterglow (∼45 s) in hydrogels.
• Demonstrated ultralong HTP with lifetimes >1.3 s and afterglow >30 s even at 100°C.
• Showcased multicolor RTP and HTP capabilities by varying luminogens and doping dyes.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy effectively enhances phosphorescence in hydrogels by improving confinement and reducing non-radiative decay.
• This work establishes a new platform for ultralong HTP hydrogels, expanding their potential applications.
• The findings pave the way for advanced photonic materials with tunable emission properties.