Aggregation-Induced Emission-Based Polymer Materials: Ratiometric Fluorescence Responses Controlled by Hydrostatic Pressure

Dual fluorescent materials that exhibit controllable ratiometric changes in response to various external stimuli have attracted much attention from the viewpoints of applied material science and sensing/imaging technologies in interfaces. In the present study, we found dual ratiometric fluorescent polymers based on their aggregation-induced emission (AIE) character. The functional AIE polymers can be converted to ratiometric fluorophores upon electronic excitation, and subsequently, their optical/photophysical properties can also be regulated by hydrostatic pressure or isotropic mechanical force. The degree of substitution of AIE-induced branches on the polymer backbone plays a critical role in influencing the pressure-induced ratiometric fluorescence responses. The present study provides significant guidelines for developing AIE-based smart applied materials in response to hydrostatic pressure.