Harnessing Perylene Emitters in Soft Hydrogels for White Light Generation

Abstract

With the growing demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions, the integration of organic luminophores into light-emitting diode (LED) technology offers a promising way of overcoming the limitations of traditional inorganic phosphors. This study investigates the potential of combining the advantages of organic luminophores (high quantum yield, tunability, and low cost) with hydrogel matrices for white light generation. Specifically, the incorporation of two perylene derivatives, R-PERY and G-PERY, into a hydrogel composite enables the generation of white light when excited by an inorganic blue LED. The performed analysis reveals that our hydrogel-based converters show remarkable features in emission color modulation and the color rendering index. Combined with their softness, water processability, and biocompatibility features, this makes them ideal candidates for light-emitting components in sensing devices interfacing with biological environments.