AIE-Enabled In Situ and Real-Time Visualization of Polymer Growth during Interfacial Polymerization

Interfacial polymerization is a prevalent approach for synthesizing high-performance materials. However, monitoring the polymer growth during this process has posed significant challenges. To overcome this, we have harnessed the aggregation-induced emission effect to enable in situ and real-time observation of the entire interfacial polymerization process. By employing a confocal laser scanning microscope, we have acquired clear images of the polymer and characterized the evolution of its structural heterogeneity, utilizing the environmental sensitivity of the fluorescent AIE moiety. Intriguingly, our study revealed that the polymer density is higher away from the interface, in contrast to the expected homogeneity. The changing ratio of the two monomers in the reaction region accounts for this density gradient. Additionally, we have demonstrated the precise growth kinetics of the polymer under various conditions. Our results provide a novel platform for elucidating the mechanisms and properties of interfacial polymerization.