Tunable near-infrared emission of binary nano- and mesoscale GUMBOS

Abstract

Tuning the emission spectra of organic nanomaterials is of great interest due to possible use in sensing, optoelectronics, and light harvesting applications. Herein, we report the tunable emission of binary organic nanomaterials derived from a group of uniform materials based on organic salts (GUMBOS). In these studies, the cations of cyanine-based GUMBOS are altered by increasing the number of alkyl groups on an attached methine chain. Mixtures of these GUMBOS are used to form binary nanomaterials, which are then characterized by use of UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Based on these studies, it is determined that these binary nanomaterials exhibit broad absorption spectra, as well as tunable emission spectra due to the presence of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). This tunable emission of binary nanomaterials suggests potential applications as sensitizers in the visible to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, examination of electrochemical properties indicates possible utility for light harvesting and optoelectronic applications.