Non-traditional fluorescence in quadruple hydrogen bonded supramolecular polymers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Non-traditional luminescent polymers offer potential in bio-diagnostics and intelligent materials.
• Existing polymers suffer from low luminescence efficiency and limited functionality.
• Jellyfish fluorescent proteins utilize excited-state proton transfer via hydrogen bonds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create highly efficient luminescent polymers using dynamic quadruple hydrogen bonding.
• To leverage excited-state proton transfer mechanisms for enhanced luminescence.
• To develop multifunctional materials with improved properties.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of dynamic quadruple hydrogen bonding ureidopyrimidinone motifs into polymer structures.
• Modulation of supramolecular unit aggregation to activate proton transfer.
• Characterization using ultrafast spectroscopy and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high photoluminescent quantum yield up to 52% in supramolecular polyurethane.
• Directly observed intermolecular proton transfer via ultrafast spectroscopy.
• Confirmed the critical role of quadruple hydrogen bonds using solid-state NMR.
• Demonstrated multifunctional integration including self-healing and stimulus responsiveness.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic quadruple hydrogen bonding is a pioneering strategy for high-performance luminescent polymers.
• The developed materials exhibit excellent fluorescence, toughness, and self-healing capabilities.
• This approach significantly enhances the prospects for practical applications of advanced luminescent materials.