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

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.

Automated summary

Chromophores with aggregation-induced emission (AIEgens) display intense fluorescence in their aggregated states but minimal emission in solution as discrete molecules due to changes in intramolecular motions. Gels, as solvent-swollen quasi-solids, manipulate intramolecular motions and have attracted significant interest for their unique properties and promising applications. The comprehensive overview covers fabrication strategies, applications, functions, structure-property relationships of AIE-active gels, diverse areas of applications, ongoing challenges, potential means to address them, and future perspectives to inspire research on novel materials and ideas.