A fluorescent gold-cluster containing a new three-component system for white light emission through a cascade of energy transfer

Abstract

Fluorescent gold clusters (blue emitter) have been judiciously utilized to initiate an energy transfer process as a donor to the green emitting riboflavin (acceptor) and then riboflavin relays the energy transfer to the red emitting dye Rhodamine B in a controlled fashion to generate white light emission in a novel three component system (gold cluster, riboflavin and Rhodamine B). The CIE coordinate of (0.32, 0.35) has been achieved for the white light emitting solution. The solution processable white light emitting material has been prepared using a non-toxic, eco-friendly solvent, in the aqueous medium. It can be soaked or coated over a solid surface to generate white light emission. Writing can also be achieved on the silica surface by using this new white light emitting eco-friendly solution.