Dynamic Self-Assembly of Photo-Reduced Perylene Diimide: Single-Component White Light Emission from Organic Radicals

摘要

White light-emitting materials have attracted considerable attention in lighting devices and display media. This article reports the first-ever demonstration of a radical-based self-assembly for white light emission. Singlecomponent white light (SCWL) emitters are more advantageous than multicomponent ones due to better stability, color-reproducibility, and negligible color aging problem. The present study demonstrates SCWL emission arising out of the dynamic self-assembly of a photo-reduced perylene diimide derivative (PF-BPDI). Photo-reduction of PF-BPDI leads to dimerization, forming π-dimer radical anion. The continued influx of visible light leads to an extended H-type aggregate formation which further advents the excimer. Simultaneous emission from H-type aggregate and excimer aids in spanning the entire visible spectral window in solution as well as in polymer-supported film, realizing pure SCWL emission.