Electro-Inductive Control of Phosphorescence: Voltage Changes the Emission of Molecules Immobilized on Electrodes

Tuning the luminescence of molecular emitters is typically achieved through chemical modifications, such as functional group substitution. We introduce electro-inductive tuning, where an electrode acts as a voltage-controlled functional group, enabling real-time modulation of molecular electronic structures. A positive voltage mimics electron-withdrawing groups, while a negative voltage emulates electron-donating groups. Using platinum-based phosphorescent emitters, we demonstrate voltage-dependent emission shifts of ~60 nm and 20 nm over 800 mV for Pt1 and Pt2 (LLCT-based), while Pt3 (ILCT-based) remains largely unaffected, confirming the mechanistic basis of electro-inductive control. This strategy establishes electrodes as dynamically adjustable functional groups, providing a non-redox, synthesis-free method for tuning luminescent properties, with broad implications for optoelectronic materials.