Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Active Gels: Fabrications, Functions, and Applications

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 33; no. 33; pp. e2100021 - n/a
• Main Authors: Li, Zhao, Ji, Xiaofan, Xie, Huilin, Tang, Ben Zhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-08-2021
• Subjects: Agglomeration; aggregation‐induced emission; applications; Chromophores; Emission; fabrications; Fluorescence; functions; Gels; Materials science
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100021

Chromophores that exhibit aggregation‐induced emission (i.e., aggregation‐induced emission luminogens [AIEgens]) emit intense fluorescence in their aggregated states, but show negligible emission as discrete molecular species in solution due to the changes in restriction and freedom of intramolecular motions. As solvent‐swollen quasi‐solids with both a compact phase and a free space, gels enable manipulation of intramolecular motions. Thus, AIE‐active gels have attracted significant interest owing to their various distinctive properties and promising application potential. Herein, a comprehensive overview of AIE‐active gels is provided. The fabrication strategies employed are detailed, and the applications of AIEgens are summarized. In addition, the gel functions arising from the AIE moieties are revealed, along with their structure–property relationships. Furthermore, the applications of AIE‐active gels in diverse areas are illustrated. Finally, ongoing challenges and potential means to address them are discussed, along with future perspectives on AIE‐active gels, with the overall aim of inspiring research on novel materials and ideas.
As emerging luminescent materials, aggregation‐induced‐emission (AIE)‐active (AIE‐active) gels integrate the characteristics of AIE with those of gels, which impart them with various distinctive and advantageous properties in addition to promising application potential. An overview of the progress of AIE‐active gels in terms of their fabrication, functions, and applications is provided.