Exploring The Clustering-Triggered Emission Behavior of D-(+)-Cellobiose in Gradient Solutions From A New Perspective

Most nonconventional luminogens exhibit excellent water solubility and biocompatibility demonstrating unique potential for applications in areas such as biological imaging. At present, a series of cellulose based composite materials with photoluminescence (PL) emission properties have been reported, but there is still a lack of in-depth research on the PL emission behavior of the smallest unit of cellulose, D-(+)-Cellobiose (D-Cbs). Herein, with the help of cryo transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and theoretical calculation the PL properties and emission mechanism of the D-Cbs aqueous solution are elucidated through clustering-triggered emission mechanism. It is found that the size and distance of aggregates in solution was successfully associated with the cluster emission center. Meanwhile, D-Cbs can efficiently detect Fe³⁺ ions in mixed metal ions. These results not only closely correlate the real size and distance distribution of aggregates in concentrated solutions with their PL properties but also advance the development of the luminescence mechanism of such material solution systems.