Photo-Controllable Persistent Luminescence in Doped Polymers for Reversible High-Resolution Patterning and Multiple Stimuli-Response

The unique properties of pure organic persistent luminescent materials have inspired extensive research in optoelectronics and biological applications. However, it is still challenging to dynamically manipulate organic persistent luminescence. In this work, a photo-controllable persistent luminescence system is developed by incorporating an acridone derivative within poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) matrices from aqueous media. The doped polymer shows persistent luminescence consisting of phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence with an afterglow efficiency of 17.6% and a lifetime of 687 ms under ambient conditions. Importantly, the system shows sensitive and reversible photo-induced attenuation of both steady-state luminescence and afterglow as a result of radical generations, leading to re-printable patterning by a mask lithography with a resolution of & AP;3.7 & mu;m line width. Moreover, the dual mode afterglow emission and the hydrophilic PVA matrices endow the system time-, temperature- and humidity-dependent afterglow, enabling multiple stimuli-response. Given a high-resolution patterning capability and water-solubility, the system can not only serve as inks and paints but also as rewritable substrates for micro-patterning, providing a new perspective to various applications such as optical encryption, data storage, and sensors. Acridone derivatives incorporated in poly(vinylalcohol) matrices allow reversible photolithography with a resolution of & AP;3.7 & mu;m line width to form persistent luminescent patterns with time-, temperature-, and humidity-dependent afterglow.image