Highly stable ultralong organic phosphorescence from a 3D organic supramolecule constructed by halogen bonding and π–π interactions

Abstract

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials have offered new exciting possibilities in the fields of photoelectric device, scintillators, anti-counterfeiting and bioprobe. However, pure organic phosphorescent materials inevitably suffer from rapid nonradiative transitions under oxygen, humidity, and high temperature, rending their phosphorescence is significantly quenched. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) organic supramolecule (named SFIz) featuring UOP property was constructed successfully. Impressively, benefiting from the unique halogen bonding and π–π interactions, dual phosphorescent emission route of high energy state T1 (Br···O interaction predominates) and low energy state T1* (π–π interaction predominates) was simultaneously realized. Furthermore, owing to the robust supramolecular structural characteristic, SFIz shows highly stable UOP property with remarkably thermal, force stimulus and water-resistant stabilities that can be applied directly in extreme environments such as high temperatures 453 K (180 °C), high pressure and humidity. This work not only provides a much needed solution for achieving highly stable UOP materials and promoting their applications in extreme environments, but also gives in-depth understanding of both UOP and dual phosphorescent emission mechanisms in a non-metallic organic molecule.