Jumping Crystal Based on an Organic Charge Transfer Complex with Reversible ON/OFF Switching of Luminescence by External Thermal Stimuli

Jumping crystals, as newly emerging
crystal materials that can
effectively convert non-kinetic energy into kinetic energy to jump,
have attracted great research interest lately. Existing jumping crystals
are discovered by accident or designed based on the principle that
generates force through lattice deformation, whereas in this contribution,
we propose a de novo concept to design versatile jumping crystals
by simply introducing a “jumping-mate” (an easily escaping
component under stimuli), which is more reliable and achievable. A
charge transfer complex of coronene and tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone
was constructed as a proof-of-concept, which showed various jumping
behaviors (including directional jumping) and reversible ON/OFF switching
of luminescence under thermal stimuli. The rare dynamic internal conversion
between electronic and optical functions was also realized in our
system. Our findings may guide the creation of a new generation of
advanced multi-functional jumping crystals.