A redox-responsive AIE-active supramolecular polymer constructed by noncovalent and dynamic covalent bonds

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers exhibit significant potential for developing smart materials due to their fascinating dynamic properties. Although numerous aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active supramolecular polymers have been developed, integrating AIE motifs into novel supramolecular polymer designs offers promising opportunities for creating advanced materials with tailored functions and applications. In this study, we synthesized a redox-responsive AIE-active supramolecular linear polymer (SLP) by combining tetraphenylethylene-derived functional groups with disulfide-containing dynamic covalent bonds. The resulting SLP demonstrated remarkably enhanced fluorescence emission compared to its monomeric precursor. By exploiting the stimuli-responsive nature of host-guest interactions, the SLP exhibited substantial fluorescence quenching upon the addition of competitive guest molecules. Furthermore, the presence of disulfide bonds in the polymer backbone endowed the SLP with redox responsiveness, enabling the reversible regulation of its self-assembly processes.