Aggregation-induced emission in synthetic macrocycle-based supramolecular systems

Abstract

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) has emerged as an effective strategy to overcome the traditional aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect, offering great promise for developing advanced luminescent materials. Synthetic macrocycles, owing to their preorganized cavities and well-defined geometries, provide unique platforms for constructing supramolecular assemblies with tunable photophysical properties. This review summarises recent advances in the construction of AIE-active supramolecular architectures through macrocycle-directed assembly, with a particular focus on systems based on tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and triphenylamine (TPA). We systematically discuss the design and synthesis of macrocyclic compounds incorporating AIE-active luminophores, as well as host–guest complexes employing TPE or TPA as guests. Furthermore, we introduce emerging strategies to regulate the luminescence of conventional ACQ molecules through supramolecular engineering. This review aims to provide insights into the design principles and assembly mechanisms that underpin the development of smart, responsive, and functional AIE-active materials.