Room-temperature phosphorescence from metal-free polymer-based materials

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has received extensive attention in recent years due to its various potential applications. Pure organic RTP materials may overcome the shortcomings of harsh preparation conditions and high toxicity associated with metal complexes and rare-earth-containing materials. Although crystallization strategies can yield rigid environments isolated from oxygen, its inferior processability can significantly limit the corresponding practical applications. Considering their flexibility, stretchability, processability, and thermal stability with flexible long chains and intertwined structures, polymers are an ideal material for achieving RTP and realizing practical applications. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in polymer-based RTP materials, elaborating on two strategies of chemical bonding and physical blending. In the last part of the review, challenges and perspectives of amorphous polymers are proposed to improve RTP performance and develop new applications.