The Structural Regulation, Luminence Mechanism of AIE‐CDs, and Its Applications

The luminescence performance of aggregate‐induced emission carbon dots (AIE‐CDs) in solid or aggregate states has been significantly improved, showing great potential in fields such as anti‐counterfeiting, LED/WLED, and biological imaging, etc. The research progress and common mechanisms (RIM, CEE, and surface state and nuclear state co‐emit light) of AIE‐CDs were introduced. Based on the mechanism analysis of AIE‐CDs, the three types of precursors, such as organic acids, organic amines, and organic phenols, endow AIE‐CDs with unique properties. The organic acid precursors often participate in reactions as carbon sources and restrict molecular movement on their surfaces, enhancing aggregated fluorescence. Organic amine precursors can provide nitrogen doping for AIE‐CDs, which introduce local positive charge and enhancing electrostatic interactions, leading to emission redshift and generate AIE. Phenolic compounds are prone to condensation polymerization to form highly conjugated carbon nuclei during pyrolysis or solvothermal reactions. By constructing carbon nuclei with a rigid conjugated system, the non‐radiative transition is suppressed, and the AIE effect enhances. The applications of specific AIE‐CDs are described. Therefore, a suitable precursor plays an important role in the preparation of high‐performance AIE‐CDs.