Design, synthesis, and analysis of multi-layered 3D fluorescent polymers derived from anthracene and naphthalene structural units

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Authors: Hao Liu, Zacheaus M. Akinpelu, My Phan, Qingkai Yuan, Bijin Li, Delgado Cordoba Lina, Hamed Nawaz, Anthony F. Cozzolino, Dimitri Pappas, Guigen. Li
Cited by: 1
References: 40

Abstract

C NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal nanoscale domains with locally lamellar-like contrast features in selected regions, consistent with short-range ordering rather than uniform long-range periodicity across the entire sample. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicate decomposition above 250 °C and glass-transition behavior typical of thermally robust aromatic polymers. UV-vis absorption revealed strong π-π* transitions in the UV; steady-state fluorescence displayed pronounced aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in the aggregated state. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) yielded intensity-weighted apparent hydrodynamic diameters from the nano-to sub-micrometer range with sample-dependent mono- or bimodal distributions, consistent with aggregate-rich dispersions that accompany the AIE response. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggests layered surface textures without obvious macroscopic phase separation. Density-functional calculations indicate a layer-dependent shift toward more uniform π-delocalization; monomer sequence and layer number modulated the HOMO-LUMO separation. Overall, these multilayer 3D polymers combine strong luminescence, thermal stability, and tunable structure-photophysics, suggesting potential for optoelectronic and sensing applications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds Covalent Organic Framework Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
RSC Advances
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
16
Issue
4
Pages
3420–3429
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN