Multi-Stimuli Responsive Cyanostilbene Assemblies in Aqueous Media: Temporal Luminescence Modulation Through
Nitish Kumar1, Dhananjoy Maity1, Susmit Som1
1Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, Nadia, 741246, India.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Cationic cyanostilbene derivatives self-assemble in water and their luminescence can be tuned by metal ions, pH changes, or photoreactions. These properties enable applications in responsive materials and information encryption.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Cationic cyanostilbene (CS) derivatives exhibit self-assembly in aqueous media.
- The peripheral pyridine and pyridinium moieties influence aggregate formation and properties.
- Luminescence modulation is key for advanced material functionalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior of novel cationic cyanostilbene derivatives.
- To explore the tunable luminescence of these assemblies in response to external stimuli.
- To demonstrate potential applications in responsive materials and information encryption.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of N-alkyl pyridinium and pyridine-functionalized cyanostilbene derivatives.
- Characterization of self-assembled structures in water using spectroscopic techniques.
- Investigation of luminescence modulation by metal ions (Ag(I)), pH variations, and photoreactions.
Main Results:
- Self-assembly in water is dependent on the alkyl chain length.
- Luminescence is effectively modulated by Ag(I) ions, leading to red-shifts and enhanced quantum efficiency.
- Controlled photoreactions and pH changes enable multiple emission colors and transitory luminescence signals.
Conclusions:
- Cationic cyanostilbene derivatives form tunable luminescent self-assemblies.
- The system demonstrates responsiveness to metal ions and pH, with potential for photoregulation.
- Applications in time-encoded information encryption and responsive materials are feasible.


