Abstract: The photophysical properties of 4-(([2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridin]-4′-yl)phenyl)boronic acid (B-Tpy) under different aggregation states have been investigated. 1H NMR titration and fluorescence spectroscopy have been employed to confirm the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. Solid-state B-Tpy exhibits blue fluorescence at 401 nm, with a lifetime of 2.89 ns and a quantum yield of 2.79%. Following the introduction of B-Tpy into boric acid (BA) and subsequent application of thermal treatment at 200 °C, the resultant composite material exhibits dual emission of fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), with an afterglow duration of up to 24 s. Quantitative calculations indicate that B-Tpy possesses a significant spin-orbit coupling constant (ξ(S1, T1) = 6.58 cm-1), which promotes intersystem crossing, thereby facilitating long-lived RTP emission. This study proposes a novel strategy for long-lived RTP materials.

Key words: Organic RTP, AIE, Host-guest doping, Dual-state emission