Title
Insight in the aggregation induced emission of 1,8-naphthalimide-based supramolecular hydrogels.
Author
Carles Felip-León, Francisco Galindo, Juan F Miravet
Year
2018
Journal
Nanoscale
Abstract
The study of aggregation induced emission (AIE) of a series of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives in aqueous media is reported. Some of the molecules constitute one of the first examples of 1,8-naphthalimide-containing amino acid derivatives forming hydrogels with excellent photophysical and mechanical features. The present study provides further insights for the rational design of water compatible stimuli-responsive photonic materials presenting AIE. AIE is quantitatively evaluated by measuring fluorescence quantum yields. Gelators 1 and 2 showing self-assembled fibrillar morphologies present the best performance regarding AIE effect, showing a remarkable enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of 4700 % and reaching notable fluorescence quantum yields (Φf) of ̴ 30%. Non-gelator molecules 6 and 7 form nanoparticles which also present AIE, in this case with emission corresponding to excimers. Therefore, AIE intensity and wavelength are regulated by the type of aggregate morphology: fibers, nanoparticles or soluble species.
Instrument
FP-8300
Keywords
Fluorescence, Quantum yield, Chemical stability, Thermal stability, Thermodynamics, Aggregation, Nanostructures, Materials