Synthesis of pyrene-based materials with third-order nonlinearity optical property by click chemistry modification

Purpose Currently, conjugated nonlinear optical (NLO) materials suffer from the drawbacks of complex manufacturing process and high cost. To further study the NLO materials with cost-effective, it is necessary to prepare new NLO materials with satisfactory performance. Design/methodology/approach Pyrene derivatives with good third-order NLO properties were synthesized by combining pyrene compounds with TCNE, TCNQ, F4-TCNQ and other molecular systems by clicking chemical method. Findings The pyrene derivatives were characterized by ultraviolet spectrum and Z-scan. The charge-transfer of the D-p-A structures plays a key role in the absorption peak shifts. And the third-order nonlinear absorption of the products revealed good third-order NLO susceptibilities. Research limitations/implications The synthesis technology of pyrene derivatives is not mature enough and is in the preliminary exploration stage. So, the authors produced a relatively small number of samples and did not conduct a very comprehensive test. Practical implications This novel pyrene derivative is suggestive and can promote the exploration and development of the third-order nonlinear materials. Originality/value Four new pyrene derivatives were synthesized by selecting new molecular systems. Because of its good chemical properties and stable properties, it can be a reference for the development of third-order nonlinear materials in the future.