3D-printable phosphorescent woody materials

Abstract The preparation of sustainable biophosphors exhibiting room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) for additive manufacturing presents both significant scientific promise and substantial synthetic challenges. To address this technological gap, with this research, we engineer CX-Wood using rational molecular design by grafting carboxyl-functional groups onto native lignocellulosic matrices, enabling direct ink writing (DIW) using our RTP wood composite. Structural characterization reveals that carboxylation induces (i) partial crystal lattice distortion in the cellulose microfibrils and (ii) enhances the hydrogen-bonding network density, collectively establishing a rigid supramolecular architecture conducive to triplet-state stabilization. This structural modification improves room-temperature phosphorescent performance. Crucially, the introduced carboxyl moieties simultaneously optimize the rheological behavior to yield an aqueous-based phosphorescent ink with exceptional print fidelity. Leveraging this dual functionality, we prepare architecturally complex 3D phosphorescent constructs exhibiting afterglow emission. This biomass-derived platform establishes a green model for manufacturing smart luminescent materials with tailored properties.