A Bio‐Based Recyclable Phosphorescent Glass From Dehydroabietic Acid

ABSTRACT Bio‐based optical glasses exhibit great potential but remain elusive. This study presents a biodegradable glass derived from dehydroabietic acid (DA‐Glass) via a melt‐annealing process. The material transitions from crystalline to a stable amorphous state, exhibiting optical transparency, thermal stability, hydrophobicity and superior mechanical properties. Molecular simulations reveal that annealing enhances the hydrogen‐bonding network and introduces weak interactions, optimizing intermolecular forces and improving thermodynamic stability. DA‐Glass exhibits photoactivated room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), enabled by UV‐induced oxygen consumption and restricted molecular motion facilitated by cyclohexane units. The RTP is reversibly modulated by UV exposure and displays stability in water. Applications in smart anti‐counterfeiting, information encryption, and recyclable 3D printing are demonstrated, highlighting the potential for sustainable optical technologies.