Green fabrication of high strength, transparent cellulose-based films with durable fluorescence and UV-blocking performance

Abstract

Fluorescent cellulose films offer exciting properties and functionalities. However, they are normally prepared by using unstable physically absorbed or complicated chemically grafted luminogens under harsh conditions. Herein, an eco-friendly and scalable strategy is performed to fabricate fluorescent cellulose films with aggregation-induced emission phenomena. By casting cellulose acetoacetate (CAA) as the matrix for in situ modification, a series of fluorescent cellulose films with different AIE-active groups are designed based on the Hantzsch reaction. Compared with most fluorescent films, they exhibit a perfect combination of properties including large-area processability, superior UV-blocking ability, high transparency (>90%), remarkable strength (>200 MPa), excellent biocompatibility and controllable biodegradability. On account of these extraordinary capabilities, they demonstrate potential application in UV protection, anti-counterfeiting and remote LED devices.