Spiro-materials with aggregation-induced emission

Abstract

Spiro-materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties have shown significant advancements compared to traditional spiro-materials, exhibiting novel optoelectronic properties, superior optoelectronic performance, and broader applications. This review categorizes AIE spiro-materials into three classes based on their structures: namely, spiropyran, rhodamine, and spirofluorene derivatives. First, we provide a detailed analysis of the design strategies for constructing AIE spiro-materials and investigate the relationships between structures and properties. Second, the underlying mechanisms behind the AIE properties of spiro-materials are discussed and summarized. Last, the applications of AIE spiro-materials are discussed based on their molecular structure and optoelectronic properties, highlighting their immense potential in optoelectronic devices, biological applications, and sensing. This review aims to attract more researchers to engage in this field of study and promote further developments in spiro-chemistry and materials.