Ring-in-ring complexes for tunable multicolor photoluminescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling the emission of fluorescent molecules are limited in achieving tunable photoluminescence with wavelength adjustability, water solubility, and applicability across a wide concentration range, particularly in forming luminescent host-guest complexes with distinct photophysical properties.

Innovation Solution

A ring-in-ring photoluminescent complex comprising a host cyclophane and a guest cyclophane, where the molar ratio of host to guest determines the frequency of emitted radiation, forming 1:1 or 2:1 host-guest complexes with different photoluminescent emission maxima, utilizing cucurbit[n]uril as the host and tetracationic cyclophanes like OPVEBox4+ for tunable multicolor fluorescence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional covalent modification methods are used to control emission of fluorescent molecules, then emission control is achieved, but wavelength tunability and water solubility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength tunabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of covalent modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces host-guest complexation as an intermediary mechanism between the fluorescent guest molecule and the host cyclophane. This noncovalent interaction serves as a mediator that enables wavelength tuning and enhances water solubility without requiring complex covalent modifications to the fluorescent molecule itself. The host acts as a mediator that modulates the photophysical properties of the guest through supramolecular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by varying the host-to-guest molar ratio to control the formation of different complex stoichiometries (1:1 and 2:1 complexes). This parameter change enables access to multiple emission maxima and tunable photoluminescence properties. Additionally, the choice of host cyclophane structure and guest molecule design parameters allows optimization of water solubility and emission characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If host-guest complexation is used to achieve tunable photoluminescence, then wavelength tunability improves, but achieving distinct photophysical properties across wide concentration ranges becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotoluminescence tunabilityVSAvoidconsistency across concentration ranges

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the dynamic nature of host-guest complexation equilibria to achieve concentration-dependent photoluminescence tuning. The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of free guest, 1:1 complex, and 2:1 complex species based on concentration and host-to-guest ratio. This dynamic equilibrium allows the system to maintain distinct photophysical properties across a wide concentration range by simply adjusting the host-to-guest ratio, without requiring the system to be locked into a single static configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If noncovalent host-guest complexation is employed, then water solubility and applicability improve, but forming stable ring-in-ring structures becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater solubilityVSAvoidstability of ring-in-ring complex

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite supramolecular systems combining host cyclophane and guest fluorescent molecules with complementary properties. The host cyclophane provides structural stability and water solubility through its macrocyclic structure and polar interactions with water, while the guest molecule contributes fluorescent properties. The resulting composite host-guest complexes exhibit both enhanced water solubility and stable ring-in-ring structures through synergistic noncovalent interactions including hydrophobic effects, π-π stacking, and electrostatic interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach enables tunable multicolor photoluminescence with increased fluorescence lifetimes and broad applicability, achieving sky-blue, cyan, green, and yellow emissions by varying the ratio of host and guest cyclophanes, demonstrating enhanced photophysical properties and versatility in aqueous solutions.

Implementation Method 1

the guest cyclophane has a first photoluminescent emission maxima, the 1:1 host-guest complex has a second photoluminescent emission maxima, the 2:1 host-guest complex with the host cyclophane has a third photoluminescent emission maxima

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20230322781A1Ring-in-ring complexes exhibiting tunable multicolor photoluminescence

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 NORTHWESTERN UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed herein are ring-in-ring photoluminescent complexes comprising a host cyclophane and a guest cyclophane threaded through the host cyclophane and methods of using and making the same. Further disclosed herein a method for tuning photo-luminescence, the method comprising providing a host cyclophane and a guest cyclophane, contacting the guest cyclophane with the host cyclophane thereby forming the ring-in-ring photoluminescent complex.