Long-Persistent Luminescence of Organic Molecules With Low Photoluminescence Quantum Yield Induced by Efficient Energy Transfer

Abstract

Organic small-molecule luminophores (SMLs) with low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY, Φ_PL < 0.1) are commonly found in the field of optical research. However, existing strategies fail to induce their afterglow emission, as the excited-state energy of these molecules is almost dissipated through non-radiative transitions, which severely limits their practical applications. Here, we report a breakthrough strategy for converting non-emissive SMLs into highly efficient delayed emitters. By constructing efficient energy transfer between low-PLQY SMLs (acceptors) and energy donors within a thermoplastic polymer matrix, we achieve the first demonstration of delayed emission in such materials, with a delayed quantum yield of 28.9% and a delayed lifetime of 534 ms. In addition, the doped films offer distinct advantages in flat-panel display applications, successfully achieving large-area, high luminescence, and uniform ultraviolet projection display. This work marks a significant breakthrough in low-PLQY molecular afterglow materials, laying a crucial material foundation and technical support for emerging applications, such as new display devices and ultraviolet projection technologies.

Keywords

efficient energy transfer / long-persistent luminescence / low photoluminescence quantum yield

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2025 The Author(s). Aggregate published by SCUT, AIEI, and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.