Unique Visualization Growth Process of Long-Lived Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Polymer System

Recently, embedding organic phosphors into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix has emerged as a convenient strategy to obtain efficient long-lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) via forming strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with organic phosphors to minimize nonradiative relaxations. Regrettably, it is discovered that PVA is unable to trigger RTP emission when a novel functional phosphor THBE containing six extended biphenyl formaldehyde arms is doped into PVA matrix. Surprisingly, the excellent long-lived RTP emission can be easily obtained by doping THBE into PVA analogs, poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE). The unique visualization growth process (i.e., white streak generation) of long-lived RTP is observed by UV light-driven aggregation of functional molecules THBE in PVA-co-PE matrix. The phosphorescent intensity of the luminescent film is enhanced by 55 times, from 729 to 40,785 a.u., and its phosphorescence lifetime is increased by 38 times, from 37.08 to 1415.41 ms. Due to the dynamically reversible RTP performance, as well as the permeability, flexibility, and wrinkle-free properties of the luminescent film, it can be utilized to create cutting-edge information storage devices. The unique visualization growth process of long-lived RTP is first observed by UV light-driven aggregation of functional THBE molecules in PVA-co-PE matrix. The phosphorescence intensity and lifetime of THBE@PVA27PE after irradiation by UV light increase by 55-fold and 38-fold, respectively.image

Automated summary

Recently, embedding organic phosphors into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix has been found to achieve efficient long-lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP). However, a novel functional phosphor THBE doped into PVA matrix is unable to trigger RTP emission. Surprisingly, excellent long-lived RTP emission can be easily obtained by doping THBE into PVA analogs, poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE).