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Efficient utilization of light energy is crucial for various technological applications ranging from solar energy conversion to optoelectronic devices. Supramolecular light-harvesting systems (LHS) have emerged as promising platforms for enhancing light absorption and energy transfer process. In this Feature Article, we highlight the utilization of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) chromophores as antennas in supramolecular assemblies for light harvesting applications. TPE, as an archetypal aggregation-induced emission (AIE) chromophore, offers unique advantages such as high photostability and efficient light-harvesting capabilities upon self-assembly. We discuss the design principles and synthetic strategies employed to construct supramolecular assemblies incorporating TPE chromophores, elucidating their roles as efficient light-harvesting antennas. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms governing energy transfer processes within these assemblies, such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The potential applications of these TPE-based supramolecular systems in various fields, including photocatalysis, reactive oxygen species generation, optoelectronic devices and sensing, are explored. Finally, we provide insights into future directions and challenges in the development of next-generation supramolecular LHSs utilizing TPE chromophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of supramolecular light‐harvesting systems (LHS) with sequential energy transfer is of significance in utilizing light energy. In this study, we report the non‐covalent self‐assembly of a sequential LHS by pillar[5]arene‐based host‐guest interaction in water and its applications in white light‐emitting diode (LED) device and latent fingerprint imaging. The host‐guest complex WP5⊃ ${ \supset }$ G self‐assembles into nanoparticles in water and shows enhanced aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect. The nanoparticles can be further used to construct sequential LHS with fluorescent dyes 4,7‐di(2‐thienyl)‐benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazole (DBT) and sulforhodamine 101 (SR101). Impressively, the system shows white‐light emission when the molar ratio of WP5⊃ ${ \supset }$ G/DBT/SR101 is 1100/2/16. The material can be coated on a LED bulb to achieve white‐light emission. In addition, the sequential LHS exhibit multicolor fluorescence including red emission, which have been successfully applied to high‐resolution imaging of latent fingerprints. Therefore, we demonstrated a general strategy for the construction of sequential LHS in water based on macrocyclic host‐guest interaction and explored its multi‐functional applications in white‐light LED device and imaging of latent fingerprints, which will promote future development and application of supramolecular LHSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of multiple functions within a single fluorescent molecule provides a promising platform for developing versatile, efficient, and cost-effective materials with enhanced performance across diverse applications. In this study, we introduce TPEC, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule derived from tetraphenylethylene-based tetracarboxylate, which demonstrates multifunctional capabilities, including metal ion sensing and self-erasable writing. TPEC exhibits amphiphilicity in water, self-assembling into single-layer nanosheets with robust blue fluorescence. Notably, the aqueous solution of TPEC displays a fluorescence colorimetric response to Al3+ ions and fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe³⁺ ions. Additionally, TPEC powders undergo fluorescence colorimetric changes under mechanical stimulation, enabling self-erasable writing on prepared paper. This study presents a straightforward strategy for the development of multifunctional luminescent materials based on the self-assembly of a single-component fluorophore., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The fabrication of supramolecular light-harvesting systems (LHS) with sequential energy transfer is of significance in utilizing light energy. In this study, we report the non-covalent self-assembly of a sequential LHS by pillar[5]arene-based host-guest interaction in water and its applications in white light-emitting diode (LED) device and latent fingerprint imaging. The host-guest complex WP5 ⊃ ${ \supset }$ G self-assembles into nanoparticles in water and shows enhanced aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect. The nanoparticles can be further used to construct sequential LHS with fluorescent dyes 4,7-di(2-thienyl)-benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazole (DBT) and sulforhodamine 101 (SR101). Impressively, the system shows white-light emission when the molar ratio of WP5 ⊃ ${ \supset }$ G/DBT/SR101 is 1100/2/16. The material can be coated on a LED bulb to achieve white-light emission. In addition, the sequential LHS exhibit multicolor fluorescence including red emission, which have been successfully applied to high-resolution imaging of latent fingerprints. Therefore, we demonstrated a general strategy for the construction of sequential LHS in water based on macrocyclic host-guest interaction and explored its multi-functional applications in white-light LED device and imaging of latent fingerprints, which will promote future development and application of supramolecular LHSs., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)