Photoluminescent organic polymer nanofilms formed in water through a self-assembly formation mechanism

Abstract

Two-dimensional polymers have received considerable interest because of their potential applications in sensors, molecular electronics, catalysis, drug delivery, etc. However, the synthesis of two-dimensional organic polymers in solution without the assistance of a template, surface, or interface remains a challenge. In this contribution, we report on the formation of photoluminescent organic polymer nanofilms through direct dissolution of the corresponding polymer powders into water with the assistance of ultrasound. A self-assembly mechanism is demonstrated for the formation of polymer nanofilms based on real-time visualization and molecular dynamics simulations. The polymer nanofilms exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield and biocompatibility, and can be applied for imaging organism tissues in vivo.