We found a simple yet elegant way to make a normally brittle, photoluminscent organic semiconductor crystal flexible. By introducing a second molecule that changes how the semiconductor molecules pack together, we were able to create crystals that can bend elastically while retaining their optical properties. The work provides a strategy for designing mechanically compliant organic materials for flexible and wearable electronics.

We studied an organic semiconductor crystal that changes its color and fluorescence as it is heated. We showed that these optical changes initiate from molecular movements within the crystal lattice, and propagate by nucleating a new phase. This mechanistic inisght paves the way for design of organic materials for temperature sensing.

( # denotes equal contribution)

I have led the development of a reusable single-crystal-based system that detects phenol vapors by changing its color and fluorescence. Rather than the entire crystal transforming, the vapor interacts with the crystal surface, where it forms a new ordered structure. This provides a simple way to turn molecular recognition at a surface into an easily visible optical signal, with potential applications in chemical sensing.