A nonconjugated radical polymer with stable red luminescence in the solid state

Mater Horiz. 2022 Oct 3;9(10):2564-2571. doi: 10.1039/d2mh00808d.

Abstract

Organic radicals are unstable and stable radicals usually display non-luminescent properties. Luminescent radicals possess the all-in-one properties of optoelectronics, electronics, and magnetics. To date, the reported structures of luminescent radicals are limited to triphenylmethyl radical derivatives and their analogues, which are stabilized with extended π-conjugation. Here, we demonstrate the first example of a nonconjugated luminescent radical. In spite of the lack of delocalized π-stabilization, the radical polymer readily emits red luminescence in the solid state. A traditional luminescent quencher, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl turned into a red chromophore when grafted onto a polymer backbone. Experimental data confirm that the emission is associated with the nitroxide radicals and is also affected by the packing of the polymer. This work discloses a novel class of luminescent radicals and a distinctive pathway for luminescence from open-shell materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Luminescence*
  • Polymers* / chemistry

Substances

  • Polymers