Confinement Fluorescence Effect: Polymer Crystalline Structure
Visualization by an Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen
Abstract
Direct visualization of polymer crystalline structure remains
challenging due to the lack of contrast across different microphases of
polymers. Here we address this conundrum using an aggregation-induced
emission luminogen (AIEgen) with confinement fluorescence effect, which
could be used as a “built-in” sensor to label different crystalline
phases. Computational simulations reveal that the confined space induces
the AIEgens to take a more planar conformation, resulting in a
red-shifted emission spectrum. With this property, the information of
various polymer crystalline forms is converted into different
fluorescence colors, which is attributed to the different spatial
dimensions of the polymer amorphous layer between lamellar crystals
where the AIEgens are located. Finally, polymer crystalline phases
distinction, quantitative crystallinity determination, and stereocomplex
crystals visualization are achieved, providing a relationship between
crystalline microstructure and fluorescence signals. This work
demonstrates the potential of AIE fluorescence technology in polymer
science, providing a theoretical and experimental guideline for the
materials processing and optimization of mechanical performance.