Construction of Multicolor Fluorescent Polymer Materials Based on a Single Fluorophore
Multicolor fluorescent polymer materials (MFPMs) are of significant value in biomaterials and display technologies due to their rich color palette. Traditional construction methods rely on incorporating multiple fluorescent molecules of different colors, which introduces complexities in structural design, synthesis, purification, and practical operability. To overcome these challenges, a strategy employing a single fluorophore that exhibits multiple fluorescent colors has been developed and integrated into MFPMs. This approach has advanced fields such as information anti-counterfeiting and optoelectronic materials. This review summarizes recent developments in MFPMs based on a single fluorescent molecule, elucidates preparation methods and color conversion mechanisms, and analyzes application prospects. Key mechanisms include aggregation-induced emission (AIE), excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT), which enable color tuning through environmental stimuli or assembly. The review highlights the potential of this strategy to simplify fabrication processes while achieving tunable emission colors. It provides guidance for designing novel multicolor fluorescent materials and fosters progress in fluorescent materials, polymer science, and materials science.