Responsive Organic Fluorescent Aggregates Based on Ion-π Interactions Away from Fluorescent Conjugated Groups

Responsive organic luminescent aggregates have a wide range of application fields, but currently there is still a lack of reasonable molecular design strategies. Introducing ion-π interactions into molecules can effectively alter their luminescent properties. However, current research typically focuses on ion localization at luminescent conjugated groups with the strong interaction forces. In this work, we introduce the flexible alkoxy chain spacers between fluorescent conjugated groups and ion-π interaction sites, and then adjust the fluorescence performance of the molecule by changing the strength of ion-π interactions. Bromine ion-based molecules with strong ion-π interactions exhibit high and stable fluorescence quantum yields in crystals and amorphous powders under the external stimuli. Hexafluorophosphate ion-based molecules with weak ion-π interactions have the high fluorescence quantum yield in crystals and very low fluorescence quantum yield in amorphous powders, showing variable fluorescence intensities under external stimuli. This demonstrates a new class of responsive organic luminescent solid-state materials.

Boron-Nitrogen-Embedded Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Based Controllable Hierarchical Self-Assemblies through Synergistic Cation-π and C-H···π Interactions for Bifunctional Photo- and Electro-Catalysis

Boron-Nitrogen-embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (BN-PAHs) as novel π-conjugated systems have attracted immense attention owing to their superior optoelectronic properties. However, constructing long-range ordered supramolecular assemblies based on BN-PAHs remains conspicuously scarce, primarily attributed to the constraints arising from coordinating multiple noncovalent interactions and the intrinsic characteristics of BN-PAHs, which hinder precise control over delicate self-assembly processes. Herein, we achieve the successful formation of BN-PAH-based controllable hierarchical assemblies through synergistically leveraged cation-π and C-H···π interactions. By carefully adjusting the solvent conditions in two progressive assembly hierarchies, the one-dimensional (1D) supramolecular assemblies with "rigid yet flexible" assembled units are first formed by cation-π interactions, and then they can be gradually fused into two-dimensional (2D) structures under specific C-H···π interactions, thus realizing the precise control of the transformation process from BN-PAH-based 1D primary structures to 2D higher-order assemblies. The resulting 2D-BNSA, characterized by enhanced electrical conductivity and ordered 2D layered structure, provides anchoring and dispersion sites for loading two appropriate nanocatalysts, thus facilitating the efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction (with a remarkable CH4 evolution rate of 938.7 μmol g-1 h-1) and electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation (reaching a Faradaic efficiency for ethylene up to 98.5%).

The complex of tannic acid and cetylpyridinium chloride: An antibacterial and stain-removal cleaner for aligners

INTRODUCTION

Effective aligner hygiene is recognized as an important part of orthodontic treatments and oral hygiene. However, there is no effective cleansing method for removable aligners.

METHODS

In this study, we incorporated tannic acid (TA) with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to develop the TA-CPC complex. The antibacterial properties of 15.8 mg/mL TA-CPC against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated in vitro, which were compared with 5.1 mg/mL TA, 10.7 mg/mL CPC, a commercial denture cleansing solution (YA; 15 mg/mL), and water. As for the assessment of stain-removal ability, the aligners stained by coffee were soaked in cleansing solutions, and the color changes (ΔE∗) were calculated on the basis of the CIE L∗a∗b∗ color system, and the National Bureau of Standards system was used for the clinical interpretation of the color change. Atomic force microscope examination, tensile property assessment, and wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis were performed to investigate the material compatibility of TA-CPC, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and live/dead assay were used to test the cytotoxicity of TA-CPC.

RESULTS

The results showed that TA-CPC had a positive zeta-potential, and cation-π interaction changed the chemical environments of the phenyl group in TA-CPC, resulting in greater inhibition zones of S. aureus and E. coli than other cleaners. The quantification of the biofilm biomass and the fluorescent intensities also reflected that the TA-CPC solution exhibited better antibacterial ability. As for the ability of stain removal, ΔE∗ value of group TA-CPC was 2.84 ± 0.55, whereas those of stained aligners immersed with deionized distilled water, TA, YA, and CPC were 10.26 ± 0.04, 9.54 ± 0.24, 5.93 ± 0.36, and 4.69 ± 0.35, respectively. The visual inspection and National Bureau of Standards ratings also showed that the color of stained aligners cleansed by TA-CPC was much lighter than those of the other groups. Meanwhile, TA-CPC had good compatibility with the aligner material and cells.

CONCLUSIONS

TA-CPC is a promising strategy to inhibit the formation of biofilms and remove the stains on the aligners safely, which may disinfect the aligners to improve oral health and help keep the transparent appearances of aligners without impacting the morphology and mechanical properties.

Theoretical Insights into Aggregation-Induced Emission with the Ionic π Fluorophore: The Importance of Choosing the Dimer QM Model in the ONIOM Study

In understanding the mechanism of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), the multilevel ONIOM framework has been demonstrated as one of the efficient tools that can capture the essential mechanistic information by choosing a single fluorophore as the quantum mechanics (QM) model and putting all surrounding molecules in the low-level region. Recently, the ionic styryl-pyridine salt (namely, SPH) has been reported as a new class of AIEgen with a high fluorescence yield. In the SPH crystal, a pair of ionic SPH molecules are closely stacked with each other in an antiparallel, head-to-tail pattern, thus the choice of QM models (an individual or dimeric structure) becomes critical in the ONIOM study. Herein we report the AIE mechanism of the ionic SPH at the QM ((TD)-CAM-B3LYP) and ONIOM(QM:MM) levels. As usual, the fluorescence quenching of SPH in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution is attributed to a nonradiative relaxation via the central C═C bond rotation, with a rather low barrier of 2.7 kcal/mol. In crystals, either with a monomer or dimer model, the fluorescence quenching channel is found to be restricted due to the obvious C═C rotation barriers. Compared with the monomer model, the dimer model, by treating the orbital interaction of the two SPH molecules at the QM level, provides significantly increased barriers and a red-shifted emission wavelength that better matches the experimental value. In addition, the calculated exciton coupling in the fluorescence emission state can be discovered only by a dimer model. The findings here emphasize not only the importance of choosing a proper model in the ONIOM study of AIE but also expanding our understanding of novel AIE systems.

Expeditious fluorimetric detection of bilirubin by simple imidazole derived luminophore and it's pragmatic applicability in spiked biological fluids

Bilirubin is an indispensable biomarker for liver diseases. Utilizing organic molecules as sensor platform for effective detection of bilirubin are little. In addition, the reported fluorophores required longer incubation time for detection. Hence, herein we have attempted to design an imidazole derivative 4-(3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (IMI) from triphenylamine and pyridine units which could detect bilirubin swiftly without any incubation period. IMI manifested an instant quenching of emission in presence of bilirubin with limit of detection (LOD) 11.74 × 10^-6 mol L^-1. The mechanistic aspect of detection involves coexistence of both static and dynamic quenching which was suitably justified. Finally, the pragmatic application of IMI was performed in bio-fluids.

Unlocking the potential of polymeric desalination membranes by understanding molecular-level interactions and transport mechanisms

Polyamide reverse osmosis (PA-RO) membranes achieve remarkably high water permeability and salt rejection, making them a key technology for addressing water shortages through processes including seawater desalination and wastewater reuse. However, current state-of-the-art membranes suffer from challenges related to inadequate selectivity, fouling, and a poor ability of existing models to predict performance. In this Perspective, we assert that a molecular understanding of the mechanisms that govern selectivity and transport of PA-RO and other polymer membranes is crucial to both guide future membrane development efforts and improve the predictive capability of transport models. We summarize the current understanding of ion, water, and polymer interactions in PA-RO membranes, drawing insights from nanofiltration and ion exchange membranes. Building on this knowledge, we explore how these interactions impact the transport properties of membranes, highlighting assumptions of transport models that warrant further investigation to improve predictive capabilities and elucidate underlying transport mechanisms. We then underscore recent advances in in situ characterization techniques that allow for direct measurements of previously difficult-to-obtain information on hydrated polymer membrane properties, hydrated ion properties, and ion-water-membrane interactions as well as powerful computational and electrochemical methods that facilitate systematic studies of transport phenomena.

Iodine(I) and Silver(I) Complexes of Benzoimidazole and Pyridylcarbazole Derivatives

The synthesis of iodine(I) complexes with either benzoimidazole or carbazole-derived sp² N-containing Lewis bases is described, as well as their corresponding silver(I) complexes. The addition of elemental iodine to the linear two-coordinate Ag(I) complexes produces iodine(I) complexes with a three-center four-electron (3c-4e) [N-I-N]⁺ bond. The ¹ H and ¹ H-¹⁵ N HMBC NMR studies unambiguously confirm the formation of the complexes in all cases via the [N-Ag-N]⁺ →[N-I-N]⁺ cation exchange, with the ¹⁵ N NMR chemical shift change between 94 to 111 ppm when compared to the free ligand. The single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies on eight I⁺ complexes revealed highly symmetrical [N-I-N]⁺ bonds with I-N bond distances of 2.21-2.26 Å and N-I-N angles of 177-180°, whilst some of the corresponding Ag⁺ complexes showed a clear deviation from linearity with N-Ag-N angles of ca. 150° and Ag-N bond distances of 2.09-2.18 Å.

Intermolecular Charge-Transfer Luminescence by Self-Assembly of Pyridinium Luminophores in Solutions

Designing a luminophore for application both in solution and in the solid state is a highly challenging task given the distinct nature of intermolecular interactions in these phases. In this context, we demonstrate that self-assembly of non-emissive charged pyridinium luminophores enables luminescence in solutions through a mechanism that is characteristic for the crystal state. Specifically, protonation of pyridine luminophore subunits in a solution promotes oligomer formation through intermolecular π+ -π interactions, leading to an intermolecular charge-transfer type luminescence. The luminescence turn-on by protonation is utilized for a highly efficient solution-state luminescent sensing of hydrogen chloride and sulfonic acids (TfOH, TsOH and MsOH) with detection limits spanning the range from 0.06 to 0.33 ppm. The protonation followed by self-assembly results in a bathochromic shift of the emission from 420 nm to 550 nm.

Aggregation induced emission of chalcones

There is always a need for efficient luminescent materials with simple synthesis and possible ease of hydrogen atom or functional group manipulation for use in different optoelectronic and biological applications. However, for certain real-world uses aggregation caused quenching effect of luminophores in their solid/aggregate state is undesirable, and is a cause of concern in areas, wherein the solid-state optical performance is more crucial. In this regard, chalcones have been explored for their ability to display aggregation-induced emission (AIE) or aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE), which can be of practical use. This article is thus focused on an integrated evidence-based report on the AIE/AIEE-active chalcone systems for potential technological and biological applications.

Graphic abstract

Cationic Organophosphorus Chromophores: A Diamond in the Rough among Ionic Dyes

Tunable electron-accepting properties of the cationic phosphorus center, its geometry and unique preparative chemistry that allows combining this unit with diversity of π-conjugated motifs, define the appealing photophysical and electrochemical characteristics of organophosphorus ionic chromophores. This Minireview summarizes the achievements in the synthesis of the π-extended molecules functionalized with P-cationic fragments, modulation of their properties by means of structural modification, and emphasizes the important effect of cation-anion interactions, which can drastically change physical behavior of these two-component systems.

Electrochemiluminescence and Photoluminescence of Carbon Quantum Dots Controlled by Aggregation-Induced Emission, Aggregation-Caused Quenching, and Interfacial Reactions

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) show promise in optoelectronics as a light emitter due to simple synthesis, biocompatibility and strong tunable light emissions. However, CQDs commonly suffer from aggregation caused quenching (ACQ), inhibiting the full potential of these light emitters. Studies into different ideal light emitters have shown enhancements when converting common ACQ effects to aggregation induced emission (AIE) effects. We report CQD synthesis using citric acid and high/low thiourea concentrations, or sample 2/1. These two CQDs exhibited AIE and ACQ PL effects, respectively. CQD characterizations and photoluminescence interrogations of CQD films and solutions revealed that these unique emission mechanisms likely arose from different S incorporations into the CQDs. Furthermore, it was discovered that sample 2 emitted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) more intensely than sample 1 in a homogenous solution with S₂O₈^2- as a coreactant, due to aggregation and interactions of CQD species in solution. Very interestingly, sample 1's CQD film|S₂O₈^2- system achieved an ECL efficiency of 26% and emitted roughly 26 times more efficiently than sample 2 in the same conditions. Predominant interfacial reactions and surface state emission produced intense white light with a correlated color temperature of 2000 K. Spooling ECL spectroscopy was utilized to investigate emission mechanisms. Sample 2's CQD film|TPrA system had four times higher ECL intensity than that of sample 1, most likely due to π-cation interactions leading to a strong CQD^•+ stability, thereby, enhancing ECL. It is anticipated that ECL enhancement of CQD films or solutions by means of AIE will lead to wide CQD optoelectronic applications.

Aggregation induced emission in one easy step: pyridinium AIEgens and counter ion effect

Protonation of pyridines with a strong acid is a general and straightforward approach to achieve efficient aggregation induced emission (AIE) in structurally remarkably simple organic molecules that lack any of the conventional luminophores. The relationship between the nature of counter ion and the AIE efficiency is demonstrated. The superiority of the perchlorate counter ion is attributed to efficient stabilization of the key intermolecular π+-π interactions between neighboring luminophore molecules in the crystal lattice.

Unprecedented toughening high-performance polyhexahydrotriazines constructed by incorporating point-face cation-π interactions in covalently crosslinked networks and the visual detection of tensile strength

We described a new concept for the design of high-performance supramolecular thermosets by incorporating point-face cation-π interactions in covalently crosslinked networks. Our findings showed an unprecedented increase in tensile strength and extensibility at once, a previously unknown behavior for stiff high performance polymers.