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Au···I Coinage Bonds: Boosting Photoluminescence Efficiency and Solid-State Molecular Motion
  • +7
  • Xueqian Zhao,
  • Junyi Gong,
  • Zikang Li,
  • Herman Sung,
  • Ian Williams,
  • Jacky W. Y. Lam,
  • Zheng Zhao,
  • Ben Tang,
  • Wai-Yeung Wong,
  • Linli Xu
Xueqian Zhao
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Junyi Gong
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Zikang Li
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Herman Sung
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Ian Williams
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Jacky W. Y. Lam
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Zheng Zhao
The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen
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Ben Tang
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Wai-Yeung Wong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Linli Xu
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Coinage bonds, a type of non-covalent interaction, occur between group 11 elements (Au, Ag and Cu) with electron donor groups. Despite theoretical validation, empirical evidence remains limited. In this study, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active Au(I) complex, ITCPAu, which exhibits Au···I coinage bonds, was revealed based on the single-crystal X-ray diffraction and theoretical calculations. Further examination of the luminescence properties of the ITCPAu revealed multi-switchable behavior, including mechanochromism and thermochromism. Nearly pure white-light emission was achieved with Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) 1931 chromaticity coordinates of (0.30, 0.31) by grinding the green-emissive ITCPAu monomer crystals. Moreover, visualization and manipulation of solid-state molecular motion (SSMM) in the yellow-emissive ITCPAu dimer crystals, driven by the robust Au···I coinage bonds, were revealed through a combination of crystal engineering and luminescent properties. Furthermore, to support the robust Au···I coinage bonds, a versatile carrier for small solvent molecules in crystal lattices was developed for uptake and release. Our findings provide experimental and theoretical evidence for Au···I coinage bonds, highlighting their ability to boost photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and trigger SSMM, emphasizing their potential in developing smart materials with stimuli-responsive properties.
14 Sep 2024Submitted to Aggregate
14 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
14 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Oct 20241st Revision Received
06 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
06 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
06 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Accept