Multi-Functional Integration of Phosphor, Initiator, and Crosslinker for the Photo-Polymerization of Flexible Phosphorescent Polymer Gels

Yanyan Cao, Dan Wang, Yongfeng Zhang, Gengchen Li, Chong Gao, Wei Li, Xiaoting Chen, Xiaofei Chen, Peng Sun, Yuping Dong, Zhengxu Cai*, Zhiyuan He*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A general approach to constructing room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials involves the incorporation of a phosphorescent emitter into a rigid host or polymers with high glass transition temperature. However, these materials often suffer from poor processability and suboptimal mechanical properties, limiting their practical applications. In this work, we developed benzothiadiazole-based dialkene (BTD-HEA), a multifunctional phosphorescent emitter with a remarkable yield of intersystem crossing (ΦISC, 99.83 %). Its high triplet exciton generation ability and dialkene structure enable BTD-HEA to act as a photoinitiator and crosslinker, efficiently initiating the polymerization of various monomers within 120 seconds. A range of flexible phosphorescence gels, including hydrogels, organogels, ionogels, and aerogels were fabricated, which exhibit outstanding stretchability and recoverability. Furthermore, the unique fluorescent-phosphorescent colorimetric properties of the gels provide a more sensitive method for the visual determination of the polymerization process. Notably, the phosphorescent emission intensity of the hydrogel can be increased by the formation of ice, allowing for the precise detection of hydrogel freezing. The versatility of this emitter paves the way for fabricating various flexible phosphorescence gels with diverse morphologies using microfluidics, film-shearing, roll coating process, and two/three-dimensional printing, showcasing its potential applications in the fields of bioimaging and bioengineering.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202401331
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume63
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Flexible phosphorescence gels
  • Ice-confined phosphorescence enhance
  • In situ visualization
  • Organic photoinitiators
  • Organic room-temperature phosphorescence

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