Jumping Crystal Based on an Organic Charge Transfer Complex with Reversible ON/OFF Switching of Luminescence by External Thermal Stimuli

Jumping crystals, as newly emerging crystal materials that can effectively convert non-kinetic energy into kinetic energy to jump, have attracted great research interest lately. Existing jumping crystals are discovered by accident or designed based on the principle that generates force through lattice deformation, whereas in this contribution, we propose a de novo concept to design versatile jumping crystals by simply introducing a “jumping-mate” (an easily escaping component under stimuli), which is more reliable and achievable. A charge transfer complex of coronene and tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone was constructed as a proof-of-concept, which showed various jumping behaviors (including directional jumping) and reversible ON/OFF switching of luminescence under thermal stimuli. The rare dynamic internal conversion between electronic and optical functions was also realized in our system. Our findings may guide the creation of a new generation of advanced multi-functional jumping crystals.