Reversible electroswitchable luminescence in thin films of organic–inorganic hybrid assemblies

Abstract

In this study, reversible electroswitched luminescence is realized in a novel hybrid composite of organic–inorganic polymers and Pyronin Y-doped silica nanoparticles (PYDS) in aqueous solutions for the first time. The electrochromic material, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), is electrodeposited on the electrode in the presence of phosphododecamolybdic acid (PMo₁₂). The luminescence of PYDS can be effectively switched between “on” and “off” states by applying oxidation and reduction potentials of PEDOT via the corresponding luminescence quenching effect. The electrochromic devices (ECDs) we report here exhibit lots of advantages, such as easy fabrication, high contrast of fluorescence response, good reversibility, and long-time stability. The creative application of PEDOT in ECDs in aqueous solutions is anticipated to offer important hints and a basis for other organic materials in the field of photoelectric devices.