An aqueous light-harvesting system with two-step sequential energy transfer based on the self-assembled nanoarchitectonics of a neutral AIE amphiphile

The development of supramolecular light-harvesting systems (LHS) in aqueous media, by mimicking the sequential energy transfer observed in natural photosynthesis, is significant. In this study, we designed and synthesized a neutral bola-type amphiphile, denoted as M, which comprises a cyanostilbene (CS) core flanked by oligoethylene glycol (OEG) chains. The hydrophobic CS group serves as the AIE fluorophore, while the flexible, hydrophilic OEG chains impart amphiphilicity to M, enabling the formation of highly emissive nanoparticles in aqueous environments based on nanoarchitectonics. By co-assembling two types of dyes as energy acceptors, we constructed an LHS that efficiently funnels excitation energy from the nanoparticles to the final acceptor (RH6G) via the relay acceptor (SR101). This LHS exemplifies a straightforward construction strategy, exhibits excellent water solubility, and demonstrates eco-friendliness, thereby offering a promising approach for the development of next-generation luminescent materials.