Highly\nEfficient Artificial Light-Harvesting Systems\nConstructed in an Aqueous Solution Based on Twisted Cucurbit[14]Uril

Abstract

Relying\non the supramolecular self-assembly of twisted cucurbit[14]­urils\n(<i>t</i>Q­[14]), anthracene derivatives (ADPy), Nile red\n(NiR), and rhodamine B (RB), highly efficient light-harvesting systems\nhave been successfully designed in an aqueous medium. The addition\nof <i>t</i>Q­[14] causes ADPy to aggregate through supramolecular\nself-assembly to form a supramolecular polymer (ADPy@<i>t</i>Q­[14]) with excellent aggregation-induced fluorescence and an interesting\nspherical external morphology, making it a remarkable energy donor.\nConsequently, efficient energy-transfer processes have occurred between\nADPy@<i>t</i>Q­[14] assembly and NiR and RB, which both serve\nas effective energy acceptors while being loaded onto ADPy@<i>t</i>Q­[14]. In the case of NiR, the energy-transfer efficiency\nis up to 72.45%, and the antenna effect is near 55.4 at a donor/acceptor\nratio of 100:1, making it close to the light-harvesting systems in\nnature. As a result, effective water-soluble artificial light-harvesting\nsystems are showing enormous prospective as versatile platforms for\nsimulating photosynthesis.