Electrically induced quenching effect in photoluminescence devices composed of Eu3+-complex-doped polyethylene oxide

Abstract

Dynamic control of fluorescence to meet the evolving demands of optoelectronic devices is garnering significant attention. Current strategies primarily focus on altering the chemical environment of the luminescent centers using external substances, such as quenchers, without considering modifications to the fluorescent groups themselves for luminescence control. In this work, we investigate a novel electro-quenching device that incorporates europium (Eu³⁺) complexes into a polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix. The Eu³⁺ complexes, consisting of the central ion Eu³⁺ and organic conjugate molecules, can be induced into a polarized state within the PEO matrix under an applied electric field, causing a relative displacement between the Eu³⁺ ions and the organic ligands. This displacement disrupts the ligand-mediated sensitization process, leading to a reduction in fluorescence intensity, a phenomenon we term polarization quenching. Notably, upon the removal of the electric field, the relative displacement between Eu³⁺ and the ligands is reversed due to depolarization, enabling the device to autonomously recover its sensitized luminescence. The process exhibits a repetitive nature. This study presents an innovative method for the dynamic regulation of fluorescence through the migration of Eu³⁺ luminescent centers, highlighting substantial potential for the modulation of light emission from lanthanide metal complexes via external fields. Specifically, the visualization and retrieval of optical information can be achieved through the application and subsequent removal of an external electric field, thereby facilitating its utilization in prospective photoelectric data storage media.