Realizing photo-switchable mechanoluminescence in organic crystals based on photochromism

Organic mechanoluminescent (ML) materials possessing photophysical properties that are sensitive to multiple external stimuli have shown great potential in many fields, including optic and sensing. Particularly, the photo-switchable ML property for these materials is fundamental to their applications but remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we successfully realize photo-switchable ML by endowing reversible photochromic properties to a ML molecule, namely 2-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl) fluoropyridine (o-TPF). o-TPF shows both high-contrast photochromism with a distinct color change from white to purplish red, as well as bright blue ML (λ_ML = 453 nm). The ML property can be repeatedly switched between ON and OFF states under alternate UV and visible light irradiation. Impressively, the photo-switchable ML is of high stability and repeatability. The ML can be reversibly switched on and off by conducting alternate UV and visible light irradiation in cycles under ambient conditions. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the change of dipole moment of o-TPF during the photochromic process is responsible for the photo-switchable ML. These results outline a fundamental strategy to achieve for the control of organic ML, and pave the way to the development of expanded smart luminescent materials and their applications. Copyright © 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.