Multistimuli two-color luminescence switching via different slip-stacking of highly fluorescent molecular sheets

J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Oct 6;132(39):13675-83. doi: 10.1021/ja1044665.

Abstract

Color tuning and switching of the solid-state luminescence of organic materials are attractive subjects for both the fundamental research and practical applications such as optical recording. We report herein cyanostilbene-based highly luminescent molecular sheets which exhibit two-color fluorescence switching in response to pressure, temperature, and solvent vapor. The origin for the multistimuli luminescence switching is the two-directional shear-sliding capability of molecular sheets, which are formed via intermolecular multiple C-H···N and C-H···O hydrogen bonds. The resulting two distinctive crystal phases are promoted by different modes of local dipole coupling, which cause a substantial alternation of π-π overlap. These changes can be directly correlated with the subsequent intermolecular excitonic and excimeric coupling in both phases, as demonstrated by an in-depth theory-assisted spectroscopic and structural study. Finally, we have prepared a first device demonstrator for rewritable fluorescent optical recording media which showed multistimuli luminescence tuning with fast response. Our multistimuli responsive system is unique in terms of the slip-stacking of molecular sheets and thus provides a novel concept of rewritable fluorescent optical recording media.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Color*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Luminescence*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Particle Size
  • Quantum Theory
  • Stilbenes / chemical synthesis
  • Stilbenes / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Stilbenes