Photo-induced ultralong phosphorescence of carbon dots for thermally sensitive dynamic patterning

Stimuli-responsive films with a dynamic long afterglow feature have received considerable attention in the field of optical materials. Herein, we report the unique dynamic ultralong room temperature phosphorescence (URTP) in flexible solid films made of luminescent carbon dots (CDs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Impressively, fully reversible photo-activation and thermal deactivation of the dynamic long afterglow was achieved in this material, with a lifetime on–off ratio exceeding 3900. Subsequently, ultra-fine URTP patterns (resolution > 1280 dpi) with thermally sensitive retention time were readily photo-printed onto the films and utilized as time–temperature indicating logistics labels with multi-editing capacity. These findings not only enrich the library of dynamic URTP materials, but also extend the scope of the potential applications of luminescent CDs.