Aliphatic hyperbranched polyphosphate: a novel multicolor RTP material with AIE character

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Synthesis
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Long-lived photoluminescent probes are crucial for biological imaging.
• Existing probes often rely on rare elements or cytotoxic aromatic structures.
• A need exists for novel, safe, and efficient luminescent materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel hyperbranched polyphosphate (HBPPE) material.
• To investigate its photoluminescent properties, including lifetime and aggregation-induced emission (AIE).
• To explore its potential as a multicolor probe for biological applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of HBPPE P1 via transesterification polycondensation of triethyl phosphate (TEP) and ethylene glycol (EG).
• Characterization of photoluminescence, including emission spectra and average lifetime measurement (12.82 μs).
• Evaluation of AIE characteristics and excitation-dependent multicolor emission (blue to red).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized a novel HBPPE (P1) exhibiting bright blue photoluminescence and significant AIE.
• Achieved a long photoluminescence lifetime of 12.82 μs, the first for a rare-element-free, non-aromatic phosphorescent material.
• Demonstrated multicolor emission spanning the visible spectrum (blue, cyan, green, yellow, red) via red-shift with excitation wavelength.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized HBPPE P1 represents a new class of multicolor AIE luminogens.
• Provides a facile synthetic route for HBPPE materials.
• Highlights the potential of phosphorescent materials synthesized without rare elements or bulky aromatic units for advanced imaging.