Nonconventional aggregation-induced emission polysiloxanes: topologies,
characteristics and applications
Abstract
Nonconventional luminescent materials have been rising stars in organic
luminophores due to their intrinsic characteristics, including
water-solubility, biocompatibility and environmental friendliness, and
have shown potential applications in diverse fields. As an indispensable
branch of nonconventional luminescent materials, polysiloxanes which
consist of electron-rich auxochromic groups, have exhibited outstanding
photophysical properties due to the unique silicon atom. The flexible
Si-O bonds benefit the aggregation, and the empty 3d orbitals of Si atom
can generate coordination bonds like N → Si and O → Si, altering the
electron delocalization of the material and improving the luminescent
purity. Herein, we review the recent progress in luminescent
polysiloxanes with different topologies and discuss the challenges and
perspectives. With an emphasis on the driving force for the aggregation
and the mechanism of tuned emissions, the role of Si atoms played in the
nonconventional luminophores is highlighted. This review may provide new
insights into the design of nonconventional luminescent materials and
expand their further applications in sensing, biomedicine, lighting
devices, etc.