An aggregation-induced-emission platform for direct visualization of interfacial dynamic self-assembly.

ABSTRACT: An in-depth understanding of dynamic interfacial self-assembly processes is essential for a wide range of topics in theoretical physics, materials design, and biomedical research. However, direct monitoring of such processes is hampered by the poor imaging contrast of a thin interfacial layer. We report in situ imaging technology capable of selectively highlighting self-assembly at the phase boundary in real time by employing the unique photophysical properties of aggregation-induced emission. Its application to the study of breath-figure formation, an immensely useful yet poorly understood phenomenon, provided a mechanistic model supported by direct visualization of all main steps and fully corroborated by simulation and theoretical analysis. This platform is expected to advance the under

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4370284 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature