Cellulose-Based Switchable Circularly Polarized Light Emitter: Photo-Actuated Chiral Assemblies With Azobenzene Polymers

Abstract

Circularly polarized luminescent materials find extensive applications in 3D displays, information encryption, and photoinduced supramolecular chirality. However, controlling the handedness of circularly polarized luminescence remains a significant challenge in advancing optical technologies. In this study, we present a Janus circularly polarized light emitter comprising a fluorescent film combined with chiral nematic cellulose with switchable chirality. The emitter achieves maximum luminescence dissymmetry factors (0.28 and −0.65) through mode switching. In addition, we show the emitter's versatility in inducing chiral helices in azobenzene polymers with varying polar groups, resulting in significant chiral signals. Importantly, the chirality of these polymers can be switched by altering the luminescence mode of the emitter. These results are expected to facilitate the efficient design of chiral luminescent materials and photoinduction devices.

Keywords

cellulose nanocrystals / chirality / circularly polarized light / photo-alignment / supramolecular polymers

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2024 The Author(s). Aggregate published by SCUT, AIEI, and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.