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Recent Advances in Clusteroluminescence

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Abstract

Clusteroluminescence is a phenomenon whereby the aggregation or clustering of non-conjugated electron-rich units leads to the emission of light at long wavelengths. This phenomenon was first discovered in poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. In recent years, clusteroluminescence has attracted growing research interest and its photophysical properties and mechanism have been thoroughly studied. In this review, we first briefly introduce the development of different types of clusteroluminogens. Then we highlight recent developments in clusteroluminescence, including mechanistic studies, the disclosure of room-temperature phosphorescence, and the extension of emission to the longer-wavelength region. Lastly, we demonstrate a few applications in various fields. With advantages such as being earth-abundant, biocompatible and biodegradable, clusteroluminogens are envisioned to be commonplace in the future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

    Zhaoyu Wang & Ben Zhong Tang

  2. MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China

    Haoke Zhang

  3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Siqi Li & Dangyuan Lei

  4. Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, SCUT-HKUST Joint Research Institute, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China

    Ben Zhong Tang

  5. AIE Institute, Guangzhou Development District, Guangzhou, 510530, China

    Ben Zhong Tang

  6. Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Ruquan Ye

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  1. Zhaoyu Wang
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  2. Haoke Zhang
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Correspondence to Ruquan Ye.

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Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Li, S. et al. Recent Advances in Clusteroluminescence. Top Curr Chem (Z) 379, 14 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41061-021-00326-w

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