Efficient Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion with an Anti-Stokes Shift of 1.08 eV Achieved by Chemically Tuning Sensitizers.

A series of Pt(II)-Schiff base complexes were synthesized as triplet sensitizers for the purpose of tuning the singlet and triplet energy levels so as to minimize energy loss during triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion (UC). A deep-red to blue TTA-UC was achieved with an unprecedentedly large anti-Stokes shift of 1.08 eV. UC quantum yields of up to 21% (with a theoretical maximum efficiency of 50%) were observed in solution. The complexes also showed efficient UC emission in air-saturated hydrogels with a UC quantum yield up to 14.8%, which is much higher than the highest previously reported value. The low threshold excitation intensity provided by the present system offers promising potential for application in terrestrial solar energy conversion.