Electroresponsive AIE polymers for in situ ion-triggered passivation and corrosion visualization in coolant systems

Electrochemical corrosion threatens microelectronics, especially when coolant leakage occurs in liquid cooling systems, potentially causing short circuits and rapid interfacial degradation. Here, we report an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active, stimuli-responsive acrylic resin (AR) copolymer incorporating tetraphenylethylene (TPE) (AR-TPE) designed to address this issue through an electro-ion-coupled assembly mechanism at corrosion-prone interfaces. The amphiphilic polymer AR-TPE, incorporating AIE moieties, undergoes ion-specific conformational transitions upon exposure to H + , Zn 2+ , and Cu 2+ , enabling both optical feedback and adaptive interfacial passivation. While H + and Zn 2+ induce compact aggregates and enhance fluorescence, Cu 2+ promotes loose conformations and quenches fluorescence via charge-transfer complex formation and coordination diversity. Electrochemical tests on Cu/Sn circuit boards demonstrate that AR-TPE forms protective coatings on metal anodes that suppress corrosion and maintain circuit integrity under prolonged electrical stress. Overall, our work establishes a design paradigm for electro-ion-coupled smart polymers that autonomously respond to operational stressors, integrating molecular sensing, adaptive morphology, and functional durability.