Rapid Fabrication of Photoluminescent Electrospun Nanofibers without the Need of Chemical Polymeric Backbone Modifications

Photoluminescent electrospun nanofibers were fabricated by incorporating a cyclopentadiene derivative AIE-active luminogen within the polymeric matrices of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(vinylidene fluoride)-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP), and poly(methylacrylate) (PMMA) under different solvents. Raman, infrared, and fluorescence spectroscopy showed the molecular integrity of the AIEgen is maintained during the electrospinning process while exhibiting a strong and uniformed phosphorescent radiative pathway of τaverage = 8.9 μs. This method allows for the rapid fabrication of photoluminescent nanofibers into a wide range of polymeric matrices without the need of chemical modifications. Taken together, the prepared electrospun phosphorescent nanofibers are a stepping stone for AIEgens to be applied in the digital manufacturing and design of smart textiles.