Mechanoresponsive luminescence triggered by phase transition of a supercooled copper(I) complex

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 May 14;60(40):5278-5281. doi: 10.1039/d4cc00815d.

Abstract

Under mechanical stimulation, a copper(I) complex in its supercooled liquid state transforms into a crystalline phase, showing a dramatic emission color change from red to green that is accompanied by a 20-fold increase in the photoluminescence quantum yield up to 87%. This reversible phase transition relies on the intriguing ability of this copper complex to form a supercooled metastable state.