In situ thermoresponsive supramolecular assembly for switchable circularly polarized luminescence

The dynamic regulation of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) holds profound significance in various fields, such as high-level information storage and encryption. Here we developed a chiral amphiphilic molecule, CPSB-GLU-PEG350 (CGP), composed of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) chromophores (Z)-4-(1-cyano-2-phenylvinyl)benzoic acid (CPSB), a chiral linker Glutamic acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG) thermoresponsive segments. Within the self-assembled supramolecular system formed by CGP, we have achieved in-situ temperature-responsive chiral structures, facilitating the thermal control switch of the CPL signal. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the distinct behaviors of AIE and PEG units during the temperature-variable assembly process. Furthermore, by co-assembling achiral dye molecules with CGP, we have expanded the color range of the temperature-responsive CPL assembly system in situ and confirmed the occurrence of circularly polarized-Förster resonance energy transfer (C-FRET) phenomenon in this process, which successfully enriched the strategies for in-situ CPL control in aqueous phases. In addition, the contactless radiative energy transfer of CPL can also be realized in this system, exhibiting more flexible temperature regulation of the CPL signal. This study provides a convenient and universal strategy for the construction of dynamically smart chiroptical materials.