Excited-state Proton Transfer Process Research Articles

Phototuning of Multi-Color Emission in PMMA Composite Films for Information Encryption Applications

A strategy centered on dynamically tunable excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) processes is proposed for the design and synthesis of luminescent compounds. An emitter based on guanidine-substituted 1,8-naphthalimide (R-1) with ESPT characteristics has been meticulously engineered. Upon incorporation into poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices, the tunable ESPT process, transitioning between blue and yellow-green emission within the composite film, can be precisely controlled through irradiation in different pH environments. Moreover, the luminescence of the R-1/PMMA composite film exhibits variations in response to environmental changes, and demonstrates excellent fatigue resistance. Exploiting this characteristic, information such as “2020” can be encoded, and this encoded information automatically manifests in response to fluctuations in external pH. Specifically, employing a designated method is essential for accurately deciphering the information. The pH-dependent nature of this feature imparts a higher level of security to the material and offers new insights into information encryption.

TDDFT elucidating the PET-Inhibition Mediated fluorescence enhancement in a Cysteine probe

TDDFT has been used to confirm the cysteine-sensing mechanism of a reported fluorescent probe (Talanta, 2020, 220, 12136). Frontier molecular orbital analysis showed that the probe underwent a PET process from quinazolinone to acryloyl, which made the fluorescence quenched together with nonplanar structure. Cysteine removed the acryloyl moiety and inhibited the PET process. The planar geometry of the probe-cysteine product enlarged the conjugated system and enhanced the green fluorescence of the fluorophore. Moreover, the charge redistribution also led to the excited-state proton transfer process, ultimately enhanced the fluorescence intensity and a notable Stocks shift.

Harvesting the tuning mechanism of strategic polychrome and white light emission in NapH dye based on excited state intermolecular proton transfer

Organic white light emitting (WLE) materials have sparked a research boom due to their promising applications in display devices, artificial lighting, and molecular sensors. However, the complex luminescence mechanism of full-spectra emitting materials has limited the development of white light materials with high stability and reproducibility. In this study, building on the full-spectra luminescent naphthimide dye (NapH) introduced by Xu et al., (Chin. Chem. Lett. 35(2024), 108348), we report the solvent-sensitive excited state proton transfer (ESPT) properties and white light emission mechanism in NapH. Our theoretical research results show that the ESPT process of NapH molecule is hindered in the low-polar solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF), so only the blue fluorescence from the Enol* is observed in the experiment. In contrast, in polar solvents such as water (H2O) and methanol (MeOH), the formation of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds successfully initiates the ESPT process, leading to the dual fluorescence observed in experiments, with blue emission from the Enol* and red emission from the Nap anion. In essence, different solvent environments can adjust several emission colors. Furthermore, we theoretically verify that the optimal white light emission can be achieved when the mixed solvent ratio of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dioxane (DIOX) is 5:5, which aligns well with experimental results. More importantly, we elucidate the specific WLE mechanism from multiple perspectives, including potential energy curves and electron spectra. Our work not only displays the interaction models of NapH molecule in various solvents, but also reveals the underlying luminescence mechanism, thus providing a valuable theoretical reference for the development and advancement of new white light materials.

Molecular Design Engineering Regulates the Ground-State Passivation Ability of Benzophenone Derivatives in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) involved in the excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) process results in benzophenone derivatives (BPDs) with an excellent ability to passivate defects. However, the BPDs are in a continuing dynamic transition process between the ground state and the excited state under light radiation conditions. The ground-state BPDs may lose their ability to passivate defects, resulting in an increased defect density of the perovskite. Therefore, enhancing the passivation ability of the ground-state BPDs can help to achieve the full passivation ability of their ground state to excited state. Herein, we have researched the various BPDs by density functional theory and found that intramolecular H-bonding can weaken the passivation ability of ground-state BPDs, but intramolecular H-bonding is indispensable in the ESPT process. To address the issue, we investigated the influence of electron-donor properties and dipole moments of hydroxyl (-OH), methoxy (-OCH3), and n-octyloxy (-OC8H17) groups in BPD molecules on their coordination capacity through molecular design engineering. Ultimately, 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxy-benzophenone (UV5) with strong electron-donor n-octyloxy (-OC8H17) and elongated carbon-chain structure was selected as an additive, which enhances the passivate defect capability in both the ground and excited states. As a result, the UV5-based champion device achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.46% and remained at 75% of the initial PCE with exposure to UV light. This work focuses on the defect passivation capability of ground-state BPDs for the first time and opens a new concept for applying BPDs in PSCs.

Effect of different substituted groups on excited state intramolecular proton transfer of BOHMB

AbstractThe photophysical features of 3‐(benzo[d]oxazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxy benzaldehyde (BOHMB) were investigated through experimental (J. Phys. Chem. A 2019, 123, 10,246–10,253) and theoretical (Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 2022, 266, 120,406) methods. However, the effect of substituent groups on the excited state proton transfer process has not been studied. In this work, the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) dynamics and photophysical properties of BOHMB with different substituent groups were investigated by density‐functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods at CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level. The primary parameters related to hydrogen bonding and infrared vibration frequency were obtained to understand the ESIPT properties of BOHMB derivatives. The results indicate that the excited‐state intramolecular hydrogen bond (ESIHB) strengthening behaviors, and the intramolecular hydrogen bond O1–H2···O3 for 1a in the S1 state is the strongest among BOHMB derivatives. From the calculated potential energy curves, it can be inferred that the substitution and position of NH2 and NO2 groups will regulate the excited‐state energy barrier and thus affect the ESIPT process. The molecular absorption peak and fluorescence peak are affected by different substituting groups and different positions.

Structural dynamics around a hydrogen bond: Investigating the effect of hydrogen bond strengths on the excited state dynamics of carboxylic acid dimers.

The photochemical dynamics of the acetic acid and trifluoro-acetic acid dimers in hexane are studied using time-resolved infrared absorption spectroscopy and abinitio electronic structure calculations. The different hydrogen bond strengths of the two systems lead to changes in the character of the accessed excited states and in the timescales of the initial structural rearrangement that define the early time dynamics following UV excitation. The much stronger hydrogen bonding in the acetic acid dimer stabilizes the system against dissociation. Ground state recovery is mediated by a structural buckling around the hydrogen bond itself with no evidence for excited state proton transfer processes that are usually considered to drive ultrafast relaxation processes in hydrogen bonded systems. The buckling of the ring leads to relaxation through two conical intersections and the eventual reformation of the electronic and vibrational ground states on a few picosecond timescale. In trifluoro-acetic acid, the weaker hydrogen bonding interaction means that the dimer dissociates under similar irradiation conditions. The surrounding solvent cage restricts the full separation of the monomer components, meaning that the dimer is reformed and returns to the ground state structure via a similar buckled structure but over a much longer, ∼100ps, timescale.

Light-Triggered Reversible Change in the Electronic Structure of MoO3 Nanosheets via an Excited-State Proton Transfer Mechanism.

Light is an attractive source of energy for regulating stimulus-responsive chemical systems. Here, we use light as a gating source to control the redox state, the localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) peak, and the structure of molybdenum oxide (MoO3) nanosheets, which are important for various applications. However, the light excitation is not that of the MoO3 nanosheets but rather that of pyranine (HPTS) photoacids, which in turn undergo an excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) process. We show that the ESPT process from HPTS to the nanosheets and the intercalation of protons within the MoO3 nanosheets trigger the reduction of the nanosheets and the broadening of the LSPR peak, a process that is reversible, meaning that in the absence of light, the LSPR peak diminishes and the nanosheets return to their oxidized form. We further show that this reversible process is accompanied by a change in the nanosheet size and morphology.

Solvent-dependent ultrafast deactivation processes with phenylpropyl indigo derivatives: a step forward in the understanding of indigo decay mechanisms.

Two indigo derivatives, N-phenylpropylindigo (NPhC3Ind) and N,N'-diphenylpropylindigo (N,N'PhC3Ind), were synthesized using green chemistry techniques and their decay mechanisms were elucidated from ultrafast spectroscopic techniques, as well as density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) studies. For NPhC3Ind, in methylcyclohexane (MCH) and n-dodecane, a very fast (<1 ps) excited state proton transfer (ESPT) process is observed. In contrast, a bi-exponential decay is found in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF), with a rising component of 9 ps and a decay of 72 ps, reminiscent of the behavior observed in indigo (IND). DFT/TDDFT calculations rationalize that the excitation of an intermolecular dimer structure, formed between hydrogen bonds involving the CO and H-N of two NPhC3Ind units, leads to the formation of dark (S1) and bright (S2) states. Due to the structural distortion of the dimer, the emission is localized in one of the monomer units. Consequently, the absorption is considered to originate from a dimer while the emission (locally excited state, LE) originates from a monomer unit. In the case of N,N'PhC3Ind, the formation of two conformers (CIN and COUT) in the excited state is observed in viscous solvents, collapsing into a single conformer in 2MeTHF.

Feasibility of multiple excited-state proton transfer processes in hydroxyquinoline-containing benzobisimidazole dyes

Two new benzobisimidazole platforms incorporating 7-hydroxyquinoline moieties were synthesized and characterized to explore potential multiple proton transfer processes.

Multi-analyte fluorescence sensing based on a post-synthetically functionalized two-dimensional Zn-MOF nanosheets featuring excited-state proton transfer process

Covalent post-synthetic modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represents an underexplored but promising avenue for allowing the addition of specific fluorescent recognition elements to produce the novel MOF-based sensory materials with multiple-analyte detection capability. Here, an excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) active sensor 2D-Zn-NS-P was designed and constructed by covalent post-synthetic incorporation of the excited-state tautomeric 2-hydroxypyridine moiety into the ultrasonically exfoliated amino-tagged 2D Zn-MOF nanosheets (2D-Zn-NS). The water-mediated ESPT process facilitates the highly accessible active sites incorporated on the surface of 2D-Zn-NS-P to specifically respond to the presence of water in common organic solvents via fluorescence turn-on behavior, and accurate quantification of trace amount of water in acetonitrile, acetone and ethanol was established using the as-synthesized nanosheet sensor with the detection sensitivity (<0.01% v/v) superior to the conventional Karl Fischer titration. Upon exposure to Fe3+ or Cr2O72−, the intense blue emission of the aqueous colloidal dispersion of 2D-Zn-NS-P was selectively quenched even in the coexistence of common inorganic interferents. The prohibition of the water-mediated ESPT process and local emission, induced by the coordination of ESPT fluorophore with Fe3+ or by Cr2O72− competitively absorbs the excitation energy, was proposed to responsible for the fluorescence turn-off sensing of the respective analytes. The present study offers the attractive prospect to develop the ESPT-based fluorescent MOF nanosheets by covalent post-synthetic modification strategy as multi-functional sensors for detection of target analytes.

A new zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid bismuth (III) halide: Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal analysis, photophysical properties and DFT calculations

Low-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid Bi(III) halides, with organic N, O-heterocycles, are promising solid-state photoluminescent materials, but are underexplored. In this work, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel bismuth (III) hybrid salt, namely (C8H12NO)4[Bi2Cl10] (referred as (1)). (1) was synthesized using a solvent-evaporation method and extensively characterized using various techniques. The crystal structure of (1) was determined to be zero-dimensional (0D). In this structure, the individual bioctahedral [Bi2Cl10]4− dimers, which share edges, are completely isolated from each other. These dimers are separated by large 4-methoxybenzylammonium cations (C8H12NO)+. The latter are crucial for the crystal structural stability by balancing [Bi2Cl10]4-dimer charges and maintaining overall integrity. Solid-state diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectrum demonstrates that (1) is a semiconductor with a band gap of 3.32 eV. Its photoluminescence spectrum exhibits intense blue emission when exposed to UV light, with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.22, 0.21). Theoretical calculations suggest that the emission with multiple centers originates both from a charge transition between (C8H12NO)+ and Bi2Cl104− ions and from excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) processes related to fluorescence properties. These ESPT processes occur through C–H…π and C–H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the organic cations.

Excited state proton transfer mechanism of a thiazolo [5,4-d] thiazole derivative in different solvents

In this paper, the excited state proton transfer mechanism of a thiazolo [5,4-d] thiazole derivative, 4-tert-butyl-2-(5-(5-tert-butyl-2-methoxyphenyl) thiazolo [5,4-d] thiazol-2-yl) phenol (MTTH), has been investigated in different polar solvents by using DFT and TDDFT methods. The hydrogen bond lengths, bond angles, and corresponding infrared vibrational frequencies of MTTH in three different polar solvents were compared, and the analytical results showed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding of MTTH was enhanced in all S1 states. In addition, the simulated absorption and emission spectra values of MTTH are in good agreement with the experimental data, which further proves the rationality of the calculation method. Meanwhile, the electron density rearrangement between the proton acceptor and donor was found by analyzing the frontline molecular orbitals of the MTTH, which is favorable for the excited state proton transfer process. Finally, the potential energy curves of MTTH in three different solvents were calculated, and the results indicated that the weakly polar solvents were more favorable for the excited state intramolecular proton transfer of MTTH.

Manipulating the ESPT process and photophysical properties of HQCT by water-based hydrogen bond bridge

The 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (HQCT) is sensitive to water molecules in dimethyl sulfoxide according to the experimental phenomenon description, with a sensory performance that is dependent on the water-based hydrogen bond bridge as mediator. Here the excited state intramolecular (ESAPT) and intermolecular (ESEPT) proton transfer mechanism involved by water solvent and the optical properties associated with them are clarified in details. Along the minimum energy pathways in the scanned potential energy surfaces (PESs), we find that the ESEPT reaction induced by water molecule is a synergistic double-proton transfer process. And the results indicate that trace water molecules can promote the reaction effectively. In addition, we also investigate the photophysical properties involved with the excited state proton transfer (ESPT) reaction with the increase of water fraction in the solvent. The results show that the fluorescent oscillator strength (f) and radiative rates (kr) decrease with the increase of water fraction, which are consistent with the experimental phenomenon. We attribute the phenomenon of fluorescence quenching to the increasing transition dipole moment (μ) which accelerates the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process. Our work not only explain the water-detection mechanism in the organic solvent before water-sensitive reactions essentially, but also provide a theoretical basis for the synthesis of new Schiff base fluorescent chromophores for the water detection in organic solvents.

Excited-State Proton Transfer in a Photoacid-Based Crystalline Coordination Compound: Reversible Photochromism, Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion, and Conductivity.

By harnessing the power of coordination self-assembly, crystalline materials can act as carriers for photoacids. Unlike their solution-based counterparts, these photoacids are capable of altering the properties of the crystalline material under light and can even generate proton transfer in a solid-state environment. Due to the photoinduced proton transfer and charge transfer processes within this functional material, this crystal exhibits powerful absorption spanning the visible to near-infrared spectrum upon light irradiation. This feature enables reproducible, significant chromatic variation, near-infrared photothermal conversion, and photocontrollable conductivity for this photoresponsive material. The findings suggest that the synthesis of pyranine photoacid-based crystalline materials via coordination self-assembly can not only enhance light-harvesting efficiency but also enable excited-state proton transfer processes within solid crystalline materials, thereby maintaining and even improving the properties of photoacids.

Excited-State Proton Transfer in Luminescent Dyes: From Theoretical Insight to Experimental Evidence.

The effective utilization of luminescent dyes often relies on a comprehensive understanding of their excitation and relaxation pathways. One such pathway, Excited-State Proton Transfer (ESPT), involves the tautomerization of the dye in its excited state, resulting in a new structure that exhibits distinct emission properties, such as a very large Stokes' shift or dual-emission. Although the ESPT phenomenon is well-explained theoretically, its experimental demonstration can be challenging due to the presence of numerous other phenomena that can yield similar experimental observations. In this review, we propose that an all-encompassing methodology, integrating experimental findings, computational analyses, and a thorough evaluation of diverse mechanisms, is essential for verifying the occurrence of ESPT in luminescent dyes. Investigations have offered significant understanding of the elements impacting the ESPT process and the array of approaches that can be used to validate the existence of ESPT. These discoveries hold crucial ramifications for the advancement of molecular probes, sensors, and other applications that depend on ESPT as a detection mechanism.

Theoretical insights into ultrafast excited state proton transfer coupled with twisted intramolecular charge transfer mechanism in 7-(2ʹ-pyridyl)indole: Effect of hydrogen bonding

The ultrafast proton transfer (PT) process in the excited state of 7-(2′-pyridyl)indole (abbreviated as 7PyIn) has been elucidated by on-the-fly dynamics simulations using the algebraic-diagrammatic construction scheme of second order (ADC(2)) method under the resolution of identity (RI) approximation. The tautomers of 7PyIn alone and associated with an acetonitrile molecule in the 7PyIn-CH3CN complex are most likely found after the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIntraPT) within an ultrafast time scale between 40 and 60 fs. While a methanol molecule in the complex of 7PyIn-CH3OH could establish both ESIntraPT and excited-state intermolecular proton transfer (ESInterPT). ESInterPT of 7PyIn-CH3OH possibly occurs through a concerted process via the intermolecular hydrogen bonding bridge of the methanol molecule almost twice faster than that of ESIntraPT. This slower circumstance of the ESIntraPT process found in 7PyIn-CH3OH may be caused by the competition between formations of the intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds between 7PyIn and methanol. In addition, after the accomplishment of excited state proton transfer (ESPT), the initiation of conical intersection could be taking place by the structural twist of 7PyIn. The geometries, energies, proton probabilities, and provided mechanisms via the dynamics simulations of 7PyIn and its solvent clusters exhibiting ESIntraPT and ESInterPT are explored to provide the dynamic pictures of the ESPT processes at the molecular level.

Photocurrent Generation and Polarity Switching in Electrochemical Cells through Light‐induced Excited State Proton Transfer of Photoacids and Photobases**

AbstractLight is a common source of energy in sustainable technologies for photocurrent generation. To date, in such light‐harvesting applications, the excited electrons generate the photocurrent. Here, we introduce a new mechanism for photocurrent generation that is based on excited state proton transfer (ESPT) of photoacids and photobases that can donate or accept a proton, respectively, but only after excitation. We show that the formed ions following ESPT can either serve as electron donors or acceptors with the electrodes, or modify the kinetics of mass transport across the diffuse layer, both resulting in photocurrent generation. We further show that control of the current polarity is obtained by switching the irradiation between the photoacid and the photobase. Our study represents a new approach in photoelectrochemistry by introducing ESPT processes, which can be further utilized in light‐responsive energy production or energy storage.

Photocurrent Generation and Polarity Switching in Electrochemical Cells through Light-induced Excited State Proton Transfer of Photoacids and Photobases.

Light is a common source of energy in sustainable technologies for photocurrent generation. To date, in such light-harvesting applications, the excited electrons generate the photocurrent. Here, we introduce a new mechanism for photocurrent generation that is based on excited state proton transfer (ESPT) of photoacids and photobases that can donate or accept a proton, respectively, but only after excitation. We show that the formed ions following ESPT can either serve as electron donors or acceptors with the electrodes, or modify the kinetics of mass transport across the diffuse layer, both resulting in photocurrent generation. We further show that control of the current polarity is obtained by switching the irradiation between the photoacid and the photobase. Our study represents a new approach in photoelectrochemistry by introducing ESPT processes, which can be further utilized in light-responsive energy production or energy storage.

Effects of solvents on excited‐state proton transfer behaviors and photophysical properties of 3NTF

AbstractIn this work, we systematically investigate the effects of solvent on the mechanism of excited‐state proton transfer and photophysical properties of 3NTF using density functional and time‐dependent density functional. The geometry of 3NTF (normal structure and isomer structure) was optimized. Based on the optimized geometry, the parameters related to hydrogen bond indicate that the hydrogen bond is strengthened in the S1 state. Further, reduced density gradient functions provide a more intuitive proof of the excited hydrogen bond strengthening mechanism. The analysis of frontier molecular orbitals shows that the charge density of the S0 and S1 states has changed significantly, which is the driving force for proton transfer in the excited state. The infrared vibrational spectra show that the hydrogen bond strength decreases with the increase of solvent polarity. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the molecules are very sensitive to the solvent polarity. Through the analysis of the potential energy curves, it is concluded that the decrease of solvent polarity will promote the occurrence of the excited state proton transfer process.

Exploring the excited state proton transfer mechanisms of flavonoid probe in three representative solvents

The role of intermolecular hydrogen bond is often ignored in the study of the solvent effect on the excited state proton transfer (ESPT) processes. The ESPT mechanisms of 2-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-3‑hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (HOF) in three representative solvents, which were toluene, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol (EtOH), were investigated through time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method, and the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bond on the ESPT was fully considered in this paper. The results show that the enhancement of intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds is the key factor of proton transfer process. The change of electron density distribution is also more conducive to the ESPT processes. Due to the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bond in HOF-DMSO complex, the energy barrier of ESPT in DMSO is higher than that in toluene. In EtOH solvent, the excited state double proton transfer (ESDPT) reaction can occur between HOF and EtOH along two different reaction channels with the assistance of dual intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Although the ESPT modes in DMSO and EtOH solvents are different, the energy barriers are basically the same. The energy barriers of ESPT processes in two polar solvents increase obviously due to intermolecular hydrogen bond. Moreover, in polar solvents, a relatively large red-shift was observed in the fluorescence spectra.