Supramolecular hyperbranched polymers with aggregation-induced emission based on host-enhanced π–π interaction for use as aqueous light-harvesting systems

Abstract

In this work, we report a simple strategy by mixing a naphthyl-substituted tetraphenylethylene derivative (TPE) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) in aqueous solution, based on the host-guest complexation between CB[8] and TPE, to construct supramolecular hyperbranched polymers. The host-guest interaction between CB[8] and TPE efficiently restricted the intramolecular rotation and the non-radiative relaxation channel, thereby resulting in the strong emission of TPE in dilute solution. We further investigate the self-assembly behaviors of the obtained supramolecular hyperbranched polymers in aqueous solution, which exhibited individual spherical aggregates with the diameter of ∼60 nm. By using the spherical aggregates as energy donors and eosin Y disodium salt (EY) as energy acceptors, we have constructed highly efficient aqueous light-harvesting systems in aqueous solution.