New dual-mode orthogonal tunable fluorescence systems based on cucurbit[8]uril: White light, 3D printing, and anti-counterfeit applications

In this work, we have utilized a supramolecular approach to control emission, and generate white light and have applied the system to both 3D printing and counterfeiting applications. In particular, we report two new dual-mode orthogonal tunable fluorescence systems, A and B. System A is based on the fluorescent dyes perylene diimide (PDI-C6) and 7-hydroxycoumarin, which are incorporated into the main guest system, namely cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]). This system can provide bright white emission and proved to be adaptable, whereby the emission can be easily changed via temperature control; a smart temperature control switch in the range of 30 °C to 100 °C was developed. System B is based on quinine sulfate with PDI-C6 and Q[8], and this system can provide white emission over a wide concentration range and it was applied to LED lamps. Such white emission also performs well in polymeric matrices and can be utilized for 3D printing, whilst solutions can be used for more practical applications, for example as anti-counterfeiting materials.