We report the large-scale synthesis of photoluminescent single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) by electrostatic-mediated intramolecular crosslinking in a concentrated solution of 40 mg mL−1 by continuous addition of the free radical initiator. Poly(vinyl benzyl chloride) was charged by quaternization with vinyl-imidazolium for the intramolecular crosslinking by using 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMAP) as the radical initiator. Under the electrostatic repulsion thus interchain isolation, the intrachain crosslinking experiences the transition from coil through pearl-necklace to globular state. The SCNPs demonstrate strong photoluminescence in the visible range when the non-emissive units are confined thereby. Composition and microstructure of the SCNPs are tunable. The photoluminescent tadpole-like Janus SCNP can be used to selectively illuminate interfacial membranes while stabilizing the emulsions.

Clusterization-Triggered Emission; Electrostatic Repulsion; Intramolecular Crosslinking; Single-Chain Nanoparticles

Institute of High Energy Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences