Through-space conjugation-based luminophores: toward redder and more efficient emitters

Luminophores based on through-space conjugation (TSC) in non-conjugated systems are a promising alternative to conventional luminescent materials. However, achieving full-colour and highly efficient luminescence for TSC-based emitters, particularly in the red and near-infrared (NIR) regions, remains a pivotal challenge. This review systematically summarizes the rational design of TSC-based emitters to overcome this hurdle. Strategies centered on conformational regulation, through-space charge transfer, and heteroatom introduction in small-molecule TSC emitters yield emission that is both widely tunable and highly efficient. The review then expands to diverse polymer systems (commonly referred to as clusteroluminogens, CLgens), including polyesters, polyarylalkanes, polyurethanes, etc., demonstrating how macromolecular engineering amplifies TSC to achieve full-colour and NIR luminescence. Finally, it provides perspectives on the existing challenges and future research directions, highlighting the potential of these sustainable materials in bioimaging and optoelectronics.