Fluorescent Materials for Tunable, Non-Aggregating Light Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorophores used in horticulture and agriculture have limited spectral range, tunability, and solubility issues, leading to inefficient light conversion and difficulty in synthesizing and purifying materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of compounds of formula (I) with tailored optical properties and improved solubility, achieved through specific substituents and bridges, allowing precise tuning of absorption and emission wavelengths to enhance light conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fluorophores are used for light conversion in horticulture, then light conversion is achieved, but the spectral range is limited and tunability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying the chemical structure of perylene bisbenzimidazole compounds through varying substituents (R1-R4 positions) and core modifications to achieve precise control over absorption and emission wavelengths. This allows tuning across a broad spectral range from blue to deep red regions while maintaining synthetic feasibility through established organic chemistry pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining perylene core structures with benzimidazole moieties and various substituent groups to create hybrid molecular systems. These composite structures integrate the advantages of different functional groups to achieve both broad spectral coverage and improved solubility and processability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluorophores are used to extend spectral region into deep red and near infrared, then light conversion is improved, but solubility issues arise leading to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific solubility-enhancing substituents at strategic positions (R1-R4) on the perylene core while maintaining the optically active core structure. This allows different parts of the molecule to have differentiated functions: the core provides optical properties while the substituents provide solubility and prevent aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying substituent types and positions to optimize the balance between spectral extension into deep red/NIR regions and maintaining adequate solubility. Specific substituent patterns are identified that prevent aggregation while extending the emission wavelength.
3Productivity
If fluorophores with high fluorescence quantum yields are developed, then light conversion efficiency is improved, but the compounds become difficult to synthesize and purify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the molecular design into modular components: a standardized perylene core with systematically varied substituent groups. This modular approach allows high-performance optical properties to be achieved through combinatorial synthesis of predefined building blocks, simplifying both synthesis and purification through predictable reaction pathways and separation strategies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing light converters are used in horticulture, then plant growth is supported, but the photosynthetically active radiation coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing fluorophores that can simultaneously cover multiple photosynthetically relevant spectral regions (blue, green, red, and NIR) through a single molecular platform. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive PAR supplementation without requiring multiple separate light converters, improving overall energy utilization efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compounds of formula (I) effectively emit light in the photosynthetically active region, increasing photosynthesis rates and biomass production, while avoiding aggregation and improving compatibility with polymer matrices.
Implementation Method 1
The compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention can be used as fluorescent converters and emit with high fluorescence quantum yields (greater than 0.5) at a maximum wavelength in the range of from 550 to 750 nm
Implementation Method 2
the specific absorption of the compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention can be tuned in the range of from 500 to 700 nm
Implementation Method 3
increasing photosynthesis rates and biomass production
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention primarily relates to a compound of formula (I) as defined herein. The present invention further relates to a mixture comprising or consisting of two or more compounds of formula (I) as defined herein, wherein the mixture comprises compounds of formula (la) and (la') or compounds of formula (lb) and (lb') or compounds of formula (Ic) and (Ic'). The present invention also relates to a compound of formula (Id), a material as defined herein, a method for converting light and methods for producing one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of one or more compound(s) of formula (I) as defined herein or of a material or mixture as defined herein as a light converter.