Nonconventional Luminescent Polymers: Emission Regulation and Applications

Abstract

Nonconventional luminescent polymers have gained significant interest due to their outstanding water solubility, biocompatibility, solution-processability, and scalability. Unlike traditional aromatic luminogens with extended π-conjugation, their distinctive photophysical properties arise from a mechanism known as clustering-triggered emission (CTE). CTE involves the clustering of electron-rich subunits, leading to enhanced electron delocalization and conformational rigidification, ultimately boosting photoluminescence (PL). Despite substantial advancements, challenges remain in optimizing the emission efficiency and PL tunability of these polymers. This review delves into the CTE mechanism, examining recent advances in regulating the photophysical properties of nonconventional luminescent polymers. The aim is to uncover universal principles and underlying mechanisms across diverse systems, providing a theoretical foundation for further development and potential applications of these materials in fields such as bioimaging, sensing, and optoelectronics.