Smart aggregation‐induced emission polymers: Preparation, properties and bio‐applications

Owing to the outstanding photophysical properties, organic luminescent materials featuring aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics have attracted wide attention in various fields. Numerous researches focused on low-mass AIE luminogens, and relatively less attention has been paid on AIE polymers and the related applications, in spite of the fact that AIE polymers exhibit excellent advantages of processability, multifunctional integration and synergistic effects. In this review, we briefly summarize and discuss the superiorities of AIE polymers in preparation, properties and bio-applications, and the considerable progress in these aspects are introduced as well. Finally, the structure-property relationship, challenges and opportunities are also discussed. Hopefully, this review will be a trigger for smart AIE polymer research and further broaden their applications.