Constructing Strategy for Realizing White-Light-Emitting of Organic Aggregates Based on Self-Assembling Conjugated Polymer Nanobowls

Abstract

The construction of single-component, white-light-emitting, conjugated polymers always utilizes fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for efficient emission. However, the main challenges in developing such materials primarily come from the effects of aggregation states during solution processing and the precise structural control required for the synthesis of compounds. Both aspects can affect the FRET between different lumophores in white-light-emitting materials. A novel supermolecular assembly strategy using new conjugated polymers (CPs) to fabricate single-component white-light-emitting CPs nanobowls (CPNBs) was developed to overcome the two difficulties. Specifically, through molecular structure engineering, side chains have been modified with a uracil group capable of hydrogen bonding, which stabilized the nanobowl structure during the supramolecular assembly process. Furthermore, by blending two kinds of CPs emitting different colors during the supramolecular assembly, single-component, white-light-emitting CPNBs have been achieved. The supramolecular strategy has resulted in stable and high-brightness, white-light emission, whether in aqueous solutions of different concentrations or in solid-state, polymer-based, composite materials. It also offers a more straightforward and environmentally friendly synthesis process for white-light-emitting organic materials.