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Ultralong afterglow enabled by energy relay from room-temperature phosphorescent matrixes to local dipoles

Author

Listed:
  • Chunying Zhang

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Guang Lu

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Zicheng Wang

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Ying Zhao

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Yi Man

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Jing Zhang

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Chunbo Duan

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Chunmiao Han

    (Heilongjiang University)

  • Hui Xu

    (Heilongjiang University)

Abstract

Long-persistent afterglows based on organic donor-acceptor systems feature ultra-long duration reaching hours, leading to the advantages in long-time-range display and bio/medical applications. However, the understanding of this optical phenomenon is insufficient. Herein, dibenzothiophene-phosphine oxide hybrids named nDBTxPO with different room temperature phosphorescence characteristics are used as acceptor matrixes. It shows that after doping N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as donor, afterglow intensities and durations of nDBTxPO:1% TMB are strongly correlated to the stabilized triplet state (Tn*) properties of nDBTxPO. Compared to other congeners, high-population and high-lying Tn* state of 28DBTDPO matrix supports the positive and efficient energy transfer to nCT* states of 28DBTDPO-TMB local dipoles in the doped film. This energy relay between two long-persistent Tn* and nCT* states is the key determinant resulting in the longest afterglow of 28DBTDPO:1% TMB. This work provides clear insight into energy transfer for lightly-doping donor-acceptor systems, therefore will promote the accurate system design for practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunying Zhang & Guang Lu & Zicheng Wang & Ying Zhao & Yi Man & Jing Zhang & Chunbo Duan & Chunmiao Han & Hui Xu, 2025. "Ultralong afterglow enabled by energy relay from room-temperature phosphorescent matrixes to local dipoles," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60863-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60863-6
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