Nonconjugated amylopectin-grafted copolymers with dual fluorescence/low-temperature phosphorescence emission and superior processability.

Nonconjugated fluorescent polymers devoid of large π-π conjugated structures have received considerable attention due to their significant academic importance and broad application potentials in various fields. Herein, we report an effective strategy to fabricate multifunctional fluorescent amylopectin derivatives and reveal their unique aspects of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), cryogenic long-persistent phosphorescence (~6 s) and excellent processabilities characteristics, which are extremely different from traditional luminogens. These amylopectin-graft-poly(n-butyl acrylate-co-1-vinylimidazole) copolymers (Amylopectin-BVs) prepared by the grafting-from method employing RAFT and experienced subsequently with metal-ligand cross-linking. Specifically, clustering-triggered fluorescent emission or cryogenic long-persistent phosphorescence of amylopectin could be achieved by the aggregation of oxygen and nitrogen atoms along with conformation rigidification, which shows great promise in optoelectronic and biological applications.