Multifunctional AIE-active supramolecular dendritic systems: Sequential two-step artificial light-harvesting,...

Two novel N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamoyl (DTC)-cored cyanostilbene dendrons (DTC-D1 and DTC-D2) were designed, synthesized, and systematically investigated. These dendrons can spontaneously self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution with intense blue photoluminescence, providing a robust multifunctional photoluminescent scaffold. Incorporation of energy acceptors (Nile red and MTSIC) into the nanoassemblies enabled the construction of highly efficient two-step artificial light-harvesting systems (LHSs) with near-infrared emission through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), realizing a maximum near-quantitative energy transfer efficiency of 99.8%. Moreover, the as-constructed light-harvesting system DTC-D2-NiR efficiently drove aerobic cyanation reactions in water under irradiation, achieving an isolated yield of up to 93% after 12 h. Remarkably, these dendritic aggregates and the DTC-D2-NiR LHS exhibited dual functionalities in environmental remediation: they served as a rapid and selective fluorescent probe for Hg²⁺ detection and also functioned as a high-performance adsorbent for Hg²⁺ removal, with a remarkable adsorption capacity of 435.35 mg·g^-1. This study develops a versatile dendritic platform that integrates solar-driven aqueous organic synthesis and Hg²⁺ detection/removal, offering a promising strategy for advancing energy conversion and environmental sustainability.