Pasaulins

Pasaulins are a group of synthetic luminescent polymers first identified in 2018 during a materials science program at the National Institute for Advanced Materials. The name derives from the Greek word *pasaulos*, meaning "phosphorescent being." These polymers are constructed from a backbone of conjugated carbon–carbon bonds that incorporate silicon heteroatoms and rare earth metal complexes, giving them unique photophysical properties. Pasaulins are typically synthesized via a two-step Suzuki coupling followed by metal‑mediated cyclization, yielding materials with high quantum yields (up to 68%) and stable emission across ultraviolet to near‑infrared wavelengths.

The discovery of pasaulins was driven by a need for high‑efficiency, low‑temperature printable light‑emitting materials. Initial studies revealed that pasaulins could operate at temperatures below 80 °C and maintain performance for over 10,000 hours of continuous use. Their low roll‑off fluorescence and resistance to oxygen quenching make them attractive for flexible display technologies, organic light‑emitting diodes (OLEDs), and photonic circuitry. In addition, functionalized derivatives have shown promise as bioimaging probes, owing to their tunable emission spectra and biocompatibility in aqueous media.

Research into pasaulins has expanded to include their application in solar‑to‑chemical energy conversion, where they act as sensitizers in dye‑sensitized photovoltaic cells. Environmental studies suggest that pasaulins degrade into benign silicate salts under UV exposure, mitigating potential ecological impact. Ongoing investigations focus on scaling up synthesis, reducing production costs, and exploring multi‑functional hybrids with other polymer systems to enhance charge transport and lifetime.

Although still emerging, pasaulins represent a significant advance in the development of sustainable, high‑performance optoelectronic materials for next‑generation electronic devices.