A novel tetraphenylpyrene complex Py-DOAB was designed
and synthesized
using the ionic self-assembly strategy. Its luminescence property,
phase structure, and gelation performance were then elucidated by
corresponding experiments such as UV–visible absorption spectroscopy,
photoluminescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry,
and two-dimensional X-ray diffraction. Due to the steric effect of
the substituted phenyl groups and peripheral alkyl chains, Py-DOAB
can stack rotationally and self-assemble to form a helical supramolecular
structure. As a consequence, the complex possesses a high quantum
yield of luminescence both in solution (87%) and the solid state (69%).
Moreover, with the guidance of a chiral molecule, the co-assembled
gel system with a circularly polarized luminescence property can be
constructed. Due to the high fluorescence quantum yield, in combination
with the gelation ability and circularly polarized luminescence property
of Py-DOAB, it is expected to be used for the manufacture of multifunctional
luminescence devices.