Turn-on stimuli-responsive switch: strategies for activating a new fluorescence channel by pressure

The stimulus-responsive smart switching of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features has attracted considerable attention in 4D information encryption, optical sensors and biological imaging. Nevertheless, for some AIE-inactive triphenylamine (TPA) derivatives, activating the fluorescence channel of TPA remains a challenge based on their intrinsic molecular configuration. Here, we took a new design strategy for opening a new fluorescence channel and enhancing AIE efficiency for (E)-1-(((4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol. The turn-on methodology employed is based on pressure induction. Combining ultrafast and Raman spectra with high-pressure in situ showed that activating the new fluorescence channel stemmed from restraining intramolecular twist rotation. Twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and intramolecular vibration were restricted, which induced an increase in AIE efficiency. This approach provides a new strategy for the development of stimulus-responsive smart-switch materials.