Aggregation-Induced Emissive Silicone Elastomer with Multiple Stimuli Responsiveness

Abstract

Stable and highly efficient fluorescent silicone elastomers have attracted tremendous attention. In this contribution, a series of fluorescent silicone elastomers are facilely fabricated by combining aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active polymers with a silicone matrix. The investigated AIE-active macromolecules are synthesized by reversible addition− fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization of vinyl monomers containing a tetraphenylethylene pendant. Detailed experimental characterizations demonstrate that macromolecular fluorescent compounds have good dispersibility and leaching resistance in silicone elastomers. Especially, the fluorescence properties of the silicone elastomers can be modulated by changing the molecular weight or aggregation state of the fluorescent macromolecules. Moreover, the prepared fluorescent silicone films show multiple stimulus responsiveness to strain, temperature, and organic solvents. The present work provides a simple and universal strategy toward fluorescent silicone elastomers for both scientific research and future practical applications.

Preparation and Applications of Polydimethylsiloxane‐Based Fluorescent Materials

“…Then the AIE‐macromolecules were introduced into PDMS, and the as‐prepared film was responsive to temperature, stress, and solvent, as presented in Figure . [ 31 ] This strategy also helpfully solves the problems of migration and precipitation of fluorescent substances in the matrix.…”

“…Schematic illustration of the AIE-active fluorescent elastomer and its responsiveness. Reproduced with permission [31]. Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society.…”

Chiroptical Elastomer Film Constructed by Chiral Helical Substituted Polyacetylene and Polydimethylsiloxane: Multiple Stimuli Responsivity and Chiral Amplification

“…In view of the substantial practical utility of elastomers including PDMS, chiral and CPL-active elastomers deserve much more attention. In a previous study, we prepared a fluorescent PDMS elastomer with stretchable properties and studied the adjustability in fluorescence due to AIE and ACQ effects accompanying the stretching process . On the basis of earlier studies, we in this work designed and prepared chiralized PDMS with chiral helical substituted polyacetylene as a chiral source ( R / S -P­(SA 7 -VA 3 ); for detailed molecular structures, see Scheme ).…”

High-performance, fluorescent, UV-shielding, triboelectric, super-flexible polyurea elastomers via strong π–π stacking of pyrene and hydrogen bonding strategies

“…However, the poor interfacial compatibility between the external fluorescent fillers and the matrix will inevitably make the resulting polymers exhibit a decline in mechanical properties. 24 A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a new energy harvesting device that can convert different forms of kinetic energy into electric energy, widely used for energy collection and signal monitoring. It is found that the output voltage of the TENG can be significantly increased by increasing the dielectric constant of the electrode material.…”

“…However, the poor interfacial compatibility between the external fluorescent fillers and the matrix will inevitably make the resulting polymers exhibit a decline in mechanical properties. 24…”