Intrinsic persistent room temperature phosphorescence derived from 1H-benzo[f]indole itself as a guest

The influence of 1H-benzo[f]indole (Bd) and its derivatives on room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has raised great concern since they were found to significantly affect RTP of the extensively studied carbazole (Cz) derivatives. However, the role of Bd itself existing in Cz-based or other doping systems was still unclear. In order to clarify its intrinsic phosphorescent property, Bd was introduced as a guest into different organic matrixes including substituted Cz derivatives and polymers. The phosphorescence located in 560–620 nm was confirmed to be derived from Bd itself, which can be detected whatever Bd was doped in the crystal or amorphous state of Cz derivatives. The suitable energy gap between Cz derivatives and Bd is the key to achieve ultralong RTP of Bd. Additionally, when doped in polymers with plenty of hydrogen bonds, RTP of Bd with lifetime over 280 ms was easily obtained. Among them, Bd@PHEMA (poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) exhibited superior phosphorescence, with yellow afterglow lasting for over 2.5 s. Therefore, this work demonstrated that a new organic RTP phosphor, Bd, is discovered, and ultralong RTP of Bd can be achieved not only doped in Cz derivatives but also in polymers as the hosts.