Core–Shell Confined Stable Polymer Nanoparticles with Tunable Clusteroluminescence

Abstract

Clusteroluminescent polymers have the most potential to be used in light conversion agricultural films due to tunable emission wavelength and large-scale production, but they are still limited by shortcomings such as poor stability and sensitivity to melting processes. In this work, we propose a core–shell confined stable clusteroluminescent polymeric nanoparticle strategy with adjustable shell thickness. By the employment of a combination of solvent and heat treatment methods, the structures, rigid-flexible properties, and aggregation states of the core polymer chains have been modified. The presence of cross-linked shells has significantly enhanced the stability of the clusteroluminescent nanoparticles, ensuring that they retain their structure form even after undergoing high temperature and shear. Finally, the stable agricultural light conversion films with tunable clusteroluminescence are obtained via melt blending of the core–shell confined nanoparticles and polyethylene (PE). Due to the shell confinement effect, when melt-blended, the shell can protect the clusteroluminescent polymer within the core from the effects of high temperature and shear. It is anticipated that the completion of this work will provide a significant foundation for the large-scale application of cluster-luminescent polymers in agriculture.