Dynamic Self‐Assembly of Photo‐Reduced Perylene Diimide: Single‐Component White Light Emission from Organic Radicals

Abstract

Abstract White light‐emitting materials have attracted considerable attention in lighting devices and display media. This article reports the first‐ever demonstration of a radical‐based self‐assembly for white light emission. Single‐component white light (SCWL) emitters are more advantageous than multicomponent ones due to better stability, color‐reproducibility, and negligible color aging problem. The present study demonstrates SCWL emission arising out of the dynamic self‐assembly of a photo‐reduced perylene diimide derivative (PF‐BPDI). Photo‐reduction of PF‐BPDI leads to dimerization, forming π‐dimer radical anion. The continued influx of visible light leads to an extended H‐type aggregate formation which further advents the excimer. Simultaneous emission from H‐type aggregate and excimer aids in spanning the entire visible spectral window in solution as well as in polymer‐supported film, realizing pure SCWL emission.