How many fluorophores are required to achieve AIE

Abstract

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of organic fluorophores is of broad interest for research in areas including chemistry, biology and materials science. Previous reports have mainly focused on enhancing fluorescence of various AIE entities including small molecules, biomacromolecules and nanoparticles. However, there remains a fundamental lack of understanding of the initial aggregation steps AIE cores undergo. Herein, we report the modification of an archetypal AIE fluorophore (tetraphenylethylene, TPE) with aryl pyridinium salts to form a TPE derivative. Employing cucurbit[n]uril macrocyclic hosts in the presence of this TPE derivative enables the controlled formation of discrete monomeric and dimeric structures, shedding light onto the early stages of aggregation. The discrete TPE dimer exhibits unprecedented photophysical behaviour with strong fluorescence in both the solid and liquid states. This supramolecular clamping strategy results in through-space dimerisation enhanced emission, providing detailed insights applicable for the design and formation of functional fluorescent (bio)materials.

Shuang Jin

PhD Candidate (2024)

The road is simple, and the future is promising!

Guanglu Wu

Professor

Research interests: multi-component functional assemblies, noncovalent dimerization, supramolecular catalysis, and smart soft matter