Room-temperature phosphorescent transparent wood

This material not only retains the natural beauty and structural integrity of wood but also exhibits an extraordinary optical property—it can glow phosphorescence at room temperature. Developed by us in Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, this novel material promises significant advancements in architecture, energy, and environmental science.
A Superior Alternative to Traditional Glass
Glass has long been used for its transparency, yet its production is energy-intensive, and it is prone to breaking. In contrast, transparent wood offers a compelling alternative. By removing lignin—a component that gives wood its color—and infusing it with polymers, researchers have crafted a material that is both highly transparent and maintains the original wood texture. This new material is lighter and stronger than conventional glass while effectively blocking harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays, reducing heat loss within buildings.
The Magic of Room-temperature Phosphorescence
The most exciting aspect of this research is the introduction of room-temperature phosphorescence into transparent wood, giving it afterglow. Room-temperature phosphorescence refers to the phenomenon where certain materials continue to emit light for seconds or even minutes and hours after being exposed to light. Typically, achieving this effect requires low temperatures or specialized conditions; however, the scientists ingeniously utilized interactions between luminescent difluoroboron β-diketonate (BF2bdk) compounds and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to ensure these materials could glow for extended periods at ambient temperatures.
It is known that PMMA matrix allows oxygen permeation, especially in the film state. Under ambient conditions, the organic afterglow properties of PMMA-based materials typically cannot be activated by short-term and low-power excitation because oxygen in the PMMA matrix can quench the triplet excited states of the luminescent dopants. After sufficient irradiation, oxygen in the PMMA matrix can be removed and activated, exhibiting obvious room-temperature phosphorescence. Interestingly, when PMMA is combined with wood, RTP of BF2bdk-PMMA/wood materials can be generated under short-term excitation, compensating for the shortcomings of pure PMMA as a matrix. Cellulose and hemicellulose in the wood, which are rich in hydroxyl groups, can form multiple short and strong hydrogen bonds to serve as oxygen barriers; cellulose fibrils have long been known as an excellent oxygen barrier because of hydrogen bonding and relatively high crystallinity. Therefore, the combination of wood and PMMA is the optimal matrix for room-temperature phosphorescence.
Environmental Benefits and Energy Savings
Beyond aesthetic appeal, long afterglow transparent wood brings substantial environmental benefits. Its superior thermal insulation reduces the load on air conditioning systems, leading to considerable energy savings. Moreover, since no additional lighting fixtures are required, nighttime electricity consumption can be further reduced. For remote areas or regions lacking stable power supplies, this solution is particularly ideal.
Furthermore, this technology reflects a more responsible approach to natural resources. By utilizing renewable biomass materials like discarded trees or bamboo, we can significantly decrease reliance on fossil fuels and promote a circular economy. Our aim is to develop products that meet modern societal needs while protecting our planet.
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