Volume 64, Issue 28 e202509140
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Red and Near-Infrared Emissive Organic Crystals: Molecular Design and Optoelectronic Applications

Dr. Linfeng Lan

Dr. Linfeng Lan

State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 P.R. China

State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 P.R. China

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Prof. Dr. Hongyu Zhang

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Hongyu Zhang

State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 P.R. China

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 04 June 2025

Graphical Abstract

Over the past decade, red-emissive organic molecular crystals have advanced through molecular design (donor-acceptor structures, π-conjugation) and crystal engineering to overcome aggregation-caused quenching and energy gap limitations. Featuring high quantum yields, tunable deep-red/NIR emission, and flexibility, they enable applications in flexible waveguides, lasers, and bio-integrated optoelectronics.

Abstract

Red-emissive organic materials play a pivotal role in optoelectronics, including displays, optical communications, organic lasers, and biomedicine, owing to their high penetration and low scattering properties. However, conventional polymer and thin-film emitters often face efficiency losses at long wavelengths and limited operational stability. Organic molecular crystals have emerged as promising alternatives by offering high purity, low defect density, and unique optical anisotropy. Among them, red-emissive organic molecular crystals (ROMCs) remain relatively underdeveloped compared to their blue and green counterparts. Moreover, the inherent brittleness of most crystals poses significant challenges for their integration into flexible and wearable devices. This review highlights recent advances in the design and development of ROMCs, emphasizing molecular and crystal engineering strategies to overcome photophysical limitations and impart mechanical flexibility. Emerging applications in organic lasers, optical waveguides, and bioimaging are discussed, alongside key challenges and future research directions. By bridging fundamental understanding and practical deployment, this perspective offers a comprehensive roadmap for the rational design of flexible, red-light-emitting crystalline materials for next-generation optoelectronic platforms.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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