Regulable Aggregation-Induced Emission Supramolecular Polymer and Gel Based on Self-sorting Assembly

Abstract

In this work, two TPE-bridged monomers M4 and N4, and a heteroditopic monomer AE were designed and synthesized. They could self-assemble by self-sorting mode to form supramolecular cross-linked alternating polymer. The process of supramolecular polymerization induced fluorescence emission enhancement on the basis of an AIE mechanism. Furthermore, the “off-on” switchable fluorescence emission could be achieved by adding-removing potassium ion from the solution of supramolecular polymer or heating–cooling method. At relatively high concentration, the supramolecular cross-linked polymer transformed into supramolecular gel and the obtained gel showed excellent self-healing capability and thermal reversibility.