Hybrid Local and Charge‐Transfer Excited States: Concept and Applications

Hybrid local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) excited states emerge from quantum hybridization of localized and charge‐separated configurations, distinct from simple state mixing. This unique architecture synergistically combines high radiative rates and minimized singlet‐triplet energy gaps, overcoming fundamental limitations in organic optoelectronics. This review comprehensively examines transformative HLCT applications: (1) organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) leveraging “hot‐exciton” mechanisms to achieve >25% exciton utilization efficiency with high EQE; (2) ultrasensitive chemical sensors exploiting stimulus‐driven state dehybridization for nerve agent detection and environmental monitoring; and (3) visible‐light photopolymerization systems utilizing triplet excitons as initiating radicals. Future prospects in electrically pumped lasers and photocatalysis are discussed, highlighting rational molecular design as key to unlocking HLCT's full potential across next‐generation technologies.