Issue 44, 2013

Defect-sensitive crystals based on diaminomaleonitrile-functionalized Schiff base with aggregation-enhanced emission

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis and photophysical studies of a new luminogen, A3MN, a diaminomaleonitrile-functionalized Schiff base. A3MN is aggregation-enhanced emission (AEE)-active: the emission of A3MN is enhanced with the aggregate formation. A3MN also possesses twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) properties, showing noticeable solvatofluorochromism. Interestingly, the crystals of A3MN are nonemissive; the defect areas of the crystal, however, are highly emissive, as confirmed by spectroscopic methods and confocal microscopy. By taking advantage of this defect sensitive feature, a “turn-on” type of mechanofluorochromic material is developed, the emission of which is significantly enhanced under pressure or shear force. The detection limit reaches 0.1 Newton owing to its “turn-on” nature. Such defect-induced emission also renders A3MN sensitive to various kinds of mechanical actions, including hitting, friction, sculpture, and ultrasonic vibration.

Graphical abstract: Defect-sensitive crystals based on diaminomaleonitrile-functionalized Schiff base with aggregation-enhanced emission

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
09 Aug. 2013
Accepted
20 Sept. 2013
First published
24 Sept. 2013

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013,1, 7314-7320

Defect-sensitive crystals based on diaminomaleonitrile-functionalized Schiff base with aggregation-enhanced emission

T. Han, Y. Hong, N. Xie, S. Chen, N. Zhao, E. Zhao, J. W. Y. Lam, H. H. Y. Sung, Y. Dong, B. Tong and B. Z. Tang, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013, 1, 7314 DOI: 10.1039/C3TC31562B

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