Water-Resistant and Thermal Insulation Aerogels Based on Polymers toward a Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Sensor

Exploring the applicability of next-generation pure organic room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials has become a research focus in recent years. Herein, a simple strategy for preparing a long-lived polymer aerogel temperature sensor with an ordered structure as well as thermal insulation was presented. Based on the noncovalent interactions between poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and melamine formaldehyde (MF), a composite aerogel (PVA-MF) with excellent thermal stability, extremely low thermal conductivity, outstanding fire safety, and favorable mechanical strength was constructed. At the same time, PVA-MF aerogels doped with a series of organic phosphorescent small molecules exhibit stable multicolor long-lasting afterglow. In addition, the biphenyl 4-carboxylic acid (BPA)-doped PVA-MF aerogel also showed enduring water-resistant stability. Surprisingly, after repeated heating and cooling cycles, the on–off recording via a reversible temperature response of a continuous RTP signal was realized. Therefore, the aerogel with phosphorescent self-monitoring and tracer function not only promoted the development of aerogel phosphorescent materials but also expanded the application of RTP materials in temperature sensors.