Enhanced Quantum Yield of Fluorophores in Confined Spaces of Supermicroporous Silicas

The optical properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorophores, such as pyrene and perylene, are controlled by confined spaces of meso- and supermicropores in a silica matrix. The quantum yield of fluorescence from monodispersed pyrene and perylene increases with limitation of the excimer formation in 1 nm supermicropores. When the pore diameter is close to the molecular size, solid-state fluorescence having a high quantum yield is achieved via the fluorophores in the confined spaces by suppressing the aggregation, the interaction with charge-transfer sites and the stabilization of the excited state.