Quantum mechanics

Supramolecular chemistry

Photochemistry

Materials science

Phosphorescence

Persistent luminescence

Crystal structure

Physics

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Thermoluminescence

Luminescence

Fluorescence

Chemistry

Crown ether

Optoelectronics

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Supramolecular macrocyclic hosts have long been used in smart materials. However, their triplet emission and regulation at crystal level is rarely studied. Herein, ultralong and universal room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is reported for traditional crown ethers. A supramolecular strategy involving chain length adjustment and morphological locking through complexation with K + was explored as a general method to tune the phosphorescence lifetime in the solid state. A maximum 10‐fold increase of lifetime after complex formation accompanied with by invisible to visible phosphorescence was achieved. A deep encryption based on this activated RTP strategy was also facilely fabricated. This work thus opens a new world for supramolecular macrocycles and their intrinsic guest responsiveness offers a new avenue for versatile smart luminescent materials.

New Wine in Old Bottles: Prolonging Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence of Crown Ethers by Supramolecular Interactions