Phosphorescence enhancement of organic dyes by forming β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: Color tunable emissive materials

Color tuning and switching of organic materials are attractive fields for both fundamental research and practical application. We report herein a novel class of supramolecular materials based on β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex samples with partially included organic dyes, which emit blue phosphorescence (excitation with ultraviolet light), and exhibit highly phosphorescent quantum yields (9.4 ∼ 25.9%). However, purely organic dyes themselves emit yellow to red phosphorescence, and possess low phosphorescent quantum yields (1.2 ∼ 1.7%). The inclusion complex samples with partially included organic dyes also exhibit excitation-light-responsive phosphorescent color tunability which can emit dark blue and blue light (stimulated with ultraviolet light), and green light (stimulated with visible light). Such highly efficient and stimuli-responsive supramolecular phosphorescent materials are promising candidates for potential applications in the organic electronics and dynamically photofunctional materials.

Graphical abstractThe new β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes display blue phosphoresce, high quantum yield, and excitation-light-responsive phosphorescent color tunability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► (E)-3-Benzylideneimidazo[1,2-a]pyriidin-2(3H)-ones. ► A new class of phosphorescent β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes was obtained. ► These inclusion complexes possess highly phosphorescent quantum yields. ► Blue phosphorescence was achieved by forming inclusion complexes. ► Inclusion complexes exhibit excitation-light-responsive luminescent color tunability.