Narrowband Near-Infrared Multiple-Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters towards High-Performance and Stable Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Multiple-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) materials are highly coveted for their high efficiency and narrowband emission in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Nevertheless, the development of near-infrared (NIR) MR-TADF emitters remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we design two new NIR MR-TADF emitters, PXZ−R−BN and BCz−R−BN, by embedding 10H-phenoxazine (PXZ) and 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (BCz) fragments to increase the electron-donating ability or extending π-conjugation on the framework of para-boron fusing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Both compounds emit in the NIR region, with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 49 nm (0.13 eV) for PXZ−R−BN and 43 nm (0.11 eV) for BCz−R−BN in toluene. To sensitize the two NIR MR-TADF emitters in OLEDs, a new platinum complex, Pt-1, is designed as a sensitizer. The PXZ−R−BN-based sensitized OLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE_max) of nearly 30 % with an emission band at 693 nm, and exceptional long operational stability with an LT₉₇ (time to 97 % of the initial luminance) value of 39084 h at an initial radiance of 1000 mW sr⁻¹ m⁻². The BCz−R−BN-based OLEDs reach EQE_max values of 24.2 % with an emission band at 713 nm, which sets a record value for NIR OLEDs with emission bands beyond 700 nm.     

Matrix Coordination Induced Emission in a Three-Dimensional Silver Cluster-Assembled Material

Developing highly luminescent and extensively stable silver cluster-assembled materials (SCAMs) from the inferior luminogens and unstable silver cluster is an important and challenging issue. Herein, a new luminescent three-dimensional SCAM ( Ag₁₂CPPP , [Ag₁₂(StBu)₆(CF₃COO)₆(CPPP)₂(DMAc)₁₂]_n; CPPP=2,5-bis(4-cyanophenyl)-1,4-bis(4-(pyridine-4-yl)-phenyl)-1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole, DMAc=dimethylacetamide) was designed and synthesized with a quadridentate rigid emission ligand ( CPPP ) and a silver–chalcogenolate cluster (SCC) containing 12 Ag^I atoms. The luminescence study indicates that CPPP is an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) molecule with twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) character. Benefiting from the strong immobilization effect in the robust framework, the quantum yield of CPPP is greatly enhanced in Ag₁₂CPPP compared with that of CPPP in solution or in the solid state. As a result, Ag₁₂CPPP exhibits typical matrix coordination induced emission (MCIE) effect. Such efficient rigidifying methodology provides a promising approach for enhancing luminescence of ACQ molecules in an aggregated state and strengthening the silver cluster in an unstable state.     

Synthesis and crystallographic characterization of multi-donor N-heterocyclic carbene chelating ligands and their silver complexes: Potential use in pharmaceuticals

The potential for N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to be used as novel chelating ligands for bio-inorganic pharmaceuticals is discussed. In this paper, we design, synthesize and characterize two NHC precursors, 6 and 7, that we believe have potential for use as metal chelators for pharmaceuticals. The NHC precursors are composed of imidazolium and pyridine rings that would form mixed donor NHCs upon metallation with medicinally relevant metals. The exploration of the silver chemistry of 6 yielded the dimeric silver NHC complex 8[BPh₄]₂. The study of the silver chemistry of 7 gave 9[1/3(Ag₄Br₇)] and 10[NO₃]₃. Complex 9[1/3(Ag₄Br₇)] appears to be a silver biscarbene charge balanced by a silver bromide anionic cluster. Complex 10[NO₃]₃ is a trinuclear silver cluster that is stabilized by NHCs and pyridine rings. Silver NHCs have shown themselves to be excellent transmetallation agents for access to other metal NHC systems. It is envisioned that the silver NHCs 8[BPh₄]₂, 9[1/3(Ag₄Br₇)] and 10[NO₃]₃ will readily transfer to medicinally relevant metals, such ¹⁰⁵Rh.     

The Crystal Structure of Solvent‐Free Silver Dodecachloro‐closo‐dodecaborate Ag2[B12Cl12] from Aqueous Solution

Colourless octahedral single crystals of solvent‐free Ag₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] (cubic, Pa3¯; a = 1238.32(7) pm, Z = 4) are obtained by the metathesis reaction of Cs₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and recrystallization of the crude product from water. The crystal structure is best described as a distorted anti‐CaF₂‐type arrangement in which the quasi‐icosahedral [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions (d(B—B) = d(B—Cl) = 177—180 pm) are arranged in a cubic closest‐packed fashion. The tetrahedral interstices are filled with Ag⁺ cations which are strongly displaced from their ideal positions. Thereby each silver atom gets coordinated by six chlorine atoms from the edges of three [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions providing a distorted octahedral coordination sphere to the Ag⁺ cations (d(Ag—Cl) = 283—285 pm, CN = 6).     

Red/Near‐Infrared Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs with Near 100 % Internal Quantum Efficiency

Developing red thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters, attainable for both high‐efficient red organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and non‐doped deep red/near‐infrared (NIR) OLEDs, is challenging. Now, two red emitters, BPPZ‐PXZ and mDPBPZ‐PXZ, with twisted donor–acceptor structures were designed and synthesized to study molecular design strategies of high‐efficiency red TADF emitters. BPPZ‐PXZ employs the strictest molecular restrictions to suppress energy loss and realizes red emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (Φ_PL) of 100±0.8 % and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 25.2 % in a doped OLED. Its non‐doped OLED has an EQE of 2.5 % owing to unavoidable intermolecular π–π interactions. mDPBPZ‐PXZ releases two pyridine substituents from its fused acceptor moiety. Although mDPBPZ‐PXZ realizes a lower EQE of 21.7 % in the doped OLED, its non‐doped device shows a superior EQE of 5.2 % with a deep red/NIR emission at peak of 680 nm.     

Rigid Bridge-Confined Double-Decker Platinum(II) Complexes Towards High-Performance Red and Near-Infrared Electroluminescence

A molecular design to high-performance red and near-infrared (NIR) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) emitters remains demanding. Herein a series of dinuclear platinum(II) complexes featuring strong intramolecular Pt???Pt and π–π interactions has been developed by using N-deprotonated α-carboline as a bridging ligand. The complexes in doped thin films exhibit efficient red to NIR emission from short-lived (τ=0.9–2.1 μs) triplet metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³MMLCT) excited states. Red OLEDs demonstrate high maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to 23.3 % among the best Pt^II-complex-doped devices. The maximum EQE of 15.0 % and radiance of 285 W sr^?1 m^?2 for NIR OLEDs (λ_EL=725 nm) are unprecedented for devices based on discrete molecular emitters. Both red and NIR devices show very small efficiency roll-off at high brightness. Appealing operational lifetimes have also been revealed for the devices. This work sheds light on the potential of intramolecular metallophilicity for long-wavelength molecular emitters and electroluminescence.     

Rational Design of a Near‐infrared Fluorescence Probe for Ca2+ Based on Phosphorus‐substituted Rhodamines Utilizing Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Fluorescence imaging in the near‐infrared (NIR) region (650–900 nm) is useful for bioimaging because background autofluorescence is low and tissue penetration is high in this range. In addition, NIR fluorescence is useful as a complementary color window to green and red for multicolor imaging. Here, we compared the photoinduced electron transfer (PeT)‐mediated fluorescence quenching of silicon‐ and phosphorus‐substituted rhodamines (SiRs and PRs) in order to guide the development of improved far‐red to NIR fluorescent dyes. The results of density functional theory calculations and photophysical evaluation of a series of newly synthesized PRs confirmed that the fluorescence of PRs was more susceptible than that of SiRs to quenching via PeT. Based on this, we designed and synthesized a NIR fluorescence probe for Ca²⁺, CaPR‐1 , and its membrane‐permeable acetoxymethyl derivative, CaPR‐1 AM , which is distributed to the cytosol, in marked contrast to our previously reported Ca²⁺ far‐red to NIR fluorescence probe based on the SiR scaffold, CaSiR‐1 AM , which is mainly localized in lysosomes as well as cytosol in living cells. CaPR‐1 showed longer‐wavelength absorption and emission (up to 712 nm) than CaSiR‐1 . The new probe was able to image Ca²⁺ at dendrites and spines in brain slices, and should be a useful tool in neuroscience research.     

Elucidating the Doping Effect on the Electronic Structure of Thiolate‐Protected Silver Superatoms by Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Gas‐phase photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) was conducted on [XAg₂₄(SPhMe₂)₁₈]^? (X=Ag, Au) and [YAg₂₄(SPhMe₂)₁₈]^2? (Y=Pd, Pt), which have a formal superatomic core (X@Ag₁₂)⁵⁺ or (Y@Ag₁₂)⁴⁺ with icosahedral symmetry. PES results show that superatomic orbitals in the (Au@Ag₁₂)⁵⁺ core remain unshifted with respect to those in the (Ag@Ag₁₂)⁵⁺ core, whereas the orbitals in the (Y@Ag₁₂)⁴⁺ (Y = Pd, Pt) core shift up in energy by about 1.4 eV. The remarkable doping effect of a single Y atom (Y=Pd, Pt) on the electronic structure of the chemically modified (Ag@Ag₁₂)⁵⁺ superatom was reproduced by theoretical calculations on simplified model systems and was ascribed to 1) the weaker binding of valence electrons in Y@(Ag⁺)₁₂ compared to Ag⁺@(Ag⁺)₁₂ due to the reduction in formal charge of the core potential, and 2) the upward shift of the apparent vacuum level due to the presence of a repulsive Coulomb barrier between [YAg₂₄(SPhMe₂)₁₈]^? and electron.     

Die K4[Ag4O4] — Strukturfamilie

K₄[Ag₄0₄] Structure Type M₄[Ag₄O₄] (M ? Li? Cs) and M₄[Cu₄O₄] (M ? Li? Rb) have been prepared anew; as an example the crystal structure of K₄[Ag₄O₄] has been revised. Contrary to our first report [2, 3] it crystallizes in the space-group I4 m2 with the “ring” [Ag₄O₄]^4? which is not plane, however. Each two O^2? (trans-arrangement) are rather (0.02 Å) above and below the plane of the “ring”, respectively. The new parameters are given in the text. The distances, for example d(Ag⁺·O^2?) = 2.058 Å and the Madelung Part of Lattice Energy, MAPLE, are both in a very good agreement with the measurements and calculations, respectively, which have been done on other ternary oxides with silver.     

Study on the new fluorescence enhancement system of Tb-1,10-bis(2′-carboxylphenyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraoxadecane in silver chloride collosol and its analytical application

A new salicylic-based open-chain crown ether ligand, 1,10-bis(2′-carboxylphenyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraoxadecane (BCPTD) was synthesized. Solutions of its complex with Tb³⁺ can emit the intrinsic fluorescence of Tb³⁺. The fluorescence intensity of the complex in KCl solution was enhanced by the addition of silver(I), leading to a new fluorescence enhancement phenomenon. The spectrofluorimetric determination of traces of silver(I) based on the above phenomenon was carried out. The excitation and emission wavelengths are 298 and 545 nm, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the differential value of fluorescence intensity in the absence and presence of Ag⁺ was proportional to the concentration of silver(I) in the range 0.5-20 μg ml⁻¹. The method was applied to the determination of silver(I) in a standard ore sample. The analytical performance is investigated in detail by using common aromatic carboxylic acids or synthetic analogues of BCPTD as ligands to replace BCPTD. It was found that Tb-aromatic acid complexes did not result in fluorescence enhancement of Tb³⁺ in AgCl collosol. The phenomenon was only observed in Tb(III) with BCPTD or its open-chain crown ether analogues solutions.In addition, the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of terbium(III) in these complexes depends on the extent of formation of the AgCl collosol.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von heteronuklearen AgI/FeII‐Koordinationspolymeren: (Me3PhN)2[Ag2Fe(SCN)6], (Me3PhN)6[Ag6Fe3(ECN)18] (E = S,Se) und (Me3PhN)4[Ag2Fe(SCN)8]

The reaction of AgSCN with (Me₃PhN)₃[Fe(NCS)₆] in DMF yields two‐dimensional polymeric, heteronuclear complexes (Me₃PhN)₂[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] ( 1 ) and (Me₃PhN)₆[Ag₆Fe₃(SCN)₁₈] · CH₂Cl₂·DMF ( 2a ) with bridging SCN^? ligands, whereas additional (Me₃PhN)(SCN) leads to (Me₃PhN)₄[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₈] ( 3 ) with a one‐dimensional structure. The selenocyanato complex 2b , homologous to 2a , could also be prepared. Single crystal X‐ray structure determinations show, that the Ag⁺ ions in 1 and 2a are coordinated tetrahedrally by four S atoms, in 3 by one N and three S atoms of the bridging SCN^? ligands; six N atoms of the SCN^? or SeCN^? ligands bind to Fe²⁺ in an octahedral arrangement.     

Fabrication of a family of atomically precise silver nanoclusters via dual-level kinetic control

The controllable preparation of metal nanoclusters in high yield is an essential prerequisite for their fundamental research and extensive application. Here a synthetic approach termed “dual-level kinetic control” was developed to fabricate a family of new silver nanoclusters. The introduction of secondary ligands was first exploited to retard the reduction rate and accomplish the first-level kinetic control. And the cooling of the reaction was performed to further slow the reduction down and accomplish the second-level kinetic control. A family of atomically precise silver nanoclusters (including [Ag₂₅(SR)₁₈]⁻, [Ag₃₄(SR)₁₈(DPPP)₃Cl₄]²⁺, [Ag₃₆(SR)₂₆S₄]²⁺, [Ag₃₇(SR)₂₅Cl₁]⁺, and [Ag₅₂(SR)₂₈Cl₄]²⁺) were controllably prepared and structurally determined. The developed “dual-level kinetic control” hopefully acts as a powerful synthetic tool to manufacture more nanoclusters with unprecedented compositions, structures, and properties.

A dual-level kinetic control was exploited to fabricate a family of atomically precise silver nanoclusters.     

Formation of Catalytically Active Nanoparticles under Thermolysis of Silver Chloroplatinate(II) and Chloroplatinate(IV)

The thermal behaviour of Ag₂[PtCl₄] and Ag₂[PtCl₆] complex salts in inert and reducing atmospheres has been studied. The thermolysis of compounds in a helium atmosphere is shown to occur in two stages. At the first stage, the complexes decompose in the temperature range of 350–500 °C with the formation of platinum and silver chloride and the release of chlorine gas. At the second stage, silver chloride is sublimated in the temperature range of 700–900 °C, while metallic platinum remains in the solid phase. In contrast to the thermolysis of Ag₂[PtCl₆], the thermal decomposition of Ag₂[PtCl₄] at 350 °C is accompanied by significant heat release, which is associated with disproportionation of the initial salt to Ag₂[PtCl₆], silver chloride, and platinum metal. It is confirmed by DSC measurements, DFT calculations of a suggested reaction, and XRD. The thermolysis of Ag₂[PtCl₄] and Ag₂[PtCl₆] compounds is shown to occur in a hydrogen atmosphere in two poorly separable steps. The compounds are decomposed within 170–350 °C, and silver and platinum are reduced to a metallic state, while a metastable single-phase solid solution of Ag_0.67Pt_0.33 is formed. The catalytic activity of the resulting nanoalloy Ag_0.67Pt_0.33 is studied in the reaction of CO total (TOX) and preferential (PROX) oxidation. Ag_0.67Pt_0.33 enhanced Pt nano-powder activity in CO TOX, but was not selective in CO PROX.     

An Atomically Precise Au10Ag2 Nanocluster with Red–Near‐IR Dual Emission

A red–near‐IR dual‐emissive nanocluster with the composition [Au₁₀Ag₂(2‐py?C≡C)₃(dppy)₆](BF₄)₅ ( 1 ; 2‐py?C≡C is 2‐pyridylethynyl, dppy=2‐pyridyldiphenylphosphine) has been synthesized. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis reveals that 1 has a trigonal bipyramidal Au₁₀Ag₂ core that contains a planar Au₄(2‐py?C≡C)₃ unit sandwiched by two Au₃Ag(dppy)₃ motifs. Cluster 1 shows intense red–NIR dual emission in solution. The visible emission originates from metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) from silver atoms to phosphine ligands in the Au₃Ag(dppy)₃ motifs, and the intense NIR emission is associated with the participation of 2‐pyridylethynyl in the frontier orbitals of the cluster, which is confirmed by a time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculation.     

Crystal structure of a NIR‐Emitting DNA‐Stabilized Ag16 Nanocluster

DNA has been used as a scaffold to stabilize small, atomically monodisperse silver nanoclusters, which have attracted attention due to their intriguing photophysical properties. Herein, we describe the X‐ray crystal structure of a DNA‐encapsulated, near‐infrared emitting Ag₁₆ nanocluster (DNA–Ag₁₆NC). The asymmetric unit of the crystal contains two DNA–Ag₁₆NCs and the crystal packing between the DNA–Ag₁₆NCs is promoted by several interactions, such as two silver‐mediated base pairs between 3′‐terminal adenines, two phosphate–Ca²⁺–phosphate interactions, and π‐stacking between two neighboring thymines. Each Ag₁₆NC is confined by two DNA decamers that take on a horse‐shoe‐like conformation and is almost fully shielded from the solvent environment. This structural insight will aid in the determination of the structure/photophysical property relationship for this class of emitters and opens up new research opportunities in fluorescence imaging and sensing using noble‐metal clusters.     

Das SCN–-Ion als ambidenter Ligand – Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von (Bu4N)4[Ag2Fe2(SCN)12] und (Et4N)2 [Ag2Fe(SCN)6]

The SCN^– Ion as an Ambidentate Ligand – Synthesis and Crystal Structures of (Bu₄N)₄[Ag₂Fe₂(SCN)₁₂] and (Et₄N)₂ [Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] In (Bu₄N)₄[Ag₂Fe₂(SCN)₁₂] · 2 CH₃NO₂ ( 1 ) and (Et₄N)₂[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] ( 2 ) the ambidentate SCN^– anions link Ag⁺ with Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ centers, respectively. The tetranuclear anions in 1 are built from [Fe(NCS)₆]^3– groups connected by Ag⁺ ions. In 2 the same bridging pattern leads to polymeric anionic chains containing [Fe(NCS)₆]^4– groups linked by Ag⁺ ions. (Bu₄N)₄[Ag₂Fe₂(SCN)₁₂] · 2 CH₃NO₂ ( 1 ): a = 1184.10(10), b = 1370.80(10), c = 1776.5(2) pm, α = 99.090(10), β = 102.100(10), γ = 100.360(10)°, V = 2715.5(4) · 10⁶ pm³, space group P1; (Et₄N)₂[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] ( 2 ): a = 1607.0(2), b = 1006.92(9), c = 1096.13(9) pm, V = 1773.7(3) · 10⁶ pm³, space group Pnnm.     

Heterometallation of Photoluminescent Silver(I) Sulfide Nanoclusters Protected by Octahedral Iridium(III) Thiolates

The recently-increasing interest in coinage metal clusters stems from their photophysical properties, which are controlled via heterometallation. Herein, we report homometallic Ag^I₄₆S₁₃ clusters protected by octahedral fac-[Ir(aet)₃] (aet=2-aminoethanethiolate) molecules and their conversion to heterometallic Ag^I₄₃M^I₃S₁₃ (M=Cu, Au) clusters. The reactions of fac-[Ir(aet)₃] with Ag⁺ and penicillamine produced [Ag₄₆S₁₃{Ir(aet)₃}₁₄]²⁰⁺ ([ 1 ]²⁰⁺), where a spherical Ag^I₄₆S₁₃ cluster is covered by fac-[Ir(aet)₃] octahedra through thiolato bridges. [ 1 ]²⁰⁺ was converted to [Ag₄₃M₃S₁₃{Ir(aet)₃}₁₄]²⁰⁺ ([ 1^M ]²⁰⁺) with an Ag^I₄₃M^I₃S₁₃ cluster by treatment with M⁺, retaining its overall structure. [ 1 ]²⁰⁺ was photoluminescent and had an emission band ca. 690 nm that originated from an S-to-Ag charge transfer. While [ 1^Cu ]²⁰⁺ showed an emission band with a slightly higher energy of ca. 650 nm and a lower quantum yield, the emission band for [ 1^Au ]²⁰⁺ shifted to a much higher energy of ca. 590 nm with an enhanced quantum yield.     

An Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Based on Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate and Hypoxanthine: Synthesis,Structure, Stability,and Electrochemistry Properties

The organic‐inorganic hybrid H₅[Ag₂(hyp)₂]₂[BW₁₂O₄₀] · 9H₂O ( 1 ) (hpy = hypoxanthine), based on Keggin‐type polyoxometalate and hypoxanthine, was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry. The title compound has a two‐dimensional layer structure constructed by Keggin‐type [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5– anion, silver, and the biomolecule hyp. In addition, compound 1 exhibited excellent stability and superior activity in the electro‐catalytic oxidation of glucose.     

A Sulfide (Selenide)-Centered Nonanuclear Silver Cluster: A Distorted and Flexible Tricapped Trigonal Prismatic Ag<Subscript>9</Subscript> Framework

Two luminescent, monoanionic chalcogenide-centered nonanuclear silver clusters stabilized by dichalcogenophosphates were synthesized and fully characterized by various spectroscopies including multinuclear NMR and ESI-mass. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies on both cluster anions, [Ag₉(S){S₂P(OEt)₂}₈]^?, 1, and [Ag₉(Se){Se₂P(OEt)₂}₈]^?, 2, reveal that the nine silver atoms form an extremely distorted tricapped trigonal prism, which has an encapsulating chalcogenide. The coordination geometry of the central chalcogenide appears to be monocapped trigonal prismatic, which was analyzed by DFT calculations. The origin of the yellow emission is assigned by TDDFT calculations to originate from a chalcogen (ligand + encapsulated) → silver charge transfer.