Advances in self-assembly-based circularly polarized luminescent materials

Circularly polarized luminescent(CPL) materials have garnered attention for their diverse applications, including three-dimensional(3D) imaging, bio-imaging, chiral sensing, and other emerging fields. Traditionally, the fabrication of CPL-activated materials required the use of chiral luminescent small molecules. The introduction of the idea of self-assembly has transformed the production of CPL-activated materials, providing new and promising opportunities for their advancement. Through utilizing self-assembly, it is now feasible to produce chiral nano-assemblies with CPL activity not only from chiral molecules but also from non-chiral substances and inorganic nanoparticles. In addition, self-assembly routes provide a way to increase the asymmetry factor, creating possibilities for additional refinement and adjustment of CPL material characteristics. This review offers a summary of the current progress and developments in the self-assembly of small molecules and polymers, with a specific emphasis on their capacity to create or enhance CPL in different contexts. The aim of this review is to inspire interest in optical materials that are based on the principles of self-assembly.