Abstract π-Conjugated chromophores have been investigated for many years and successful theoretical models have been developed to explain their photophysical properties. However, materials have appeared sporadically that do not fit within these existing models. Some of these materials possess entirely nonconjugated structures based on saturated C–C, C–O or C–N bonds, but their aggregates or solid-state forms show bright visible emission. This phenomenon is termed as clusterization-triggered emission (CTE) and the materials possessing the property are labeled clusteroluminogens. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the recent development of clusteroluminogens. The materials are classified into three categories: polymers (natural and synthetic polymers), small molecules (with and without aromatic rings) and metal clusters. Possible luminescence mechanisms underpinning the different categories of clusteroluminogens are analyzed individually. Finally, we put forward a comprehensive theory of the through-space conjugation (TSC) for these chromophores. Based on the CTE effect and TSC theory, various applications have been envisioned, for example in the areas of process monitoring, structural visualization, sensors, and probes. It is anticipated that this new research direction will bring many breakthroughs, not only in the theoretical areas, but also in these advanced applications of light-emitting materials.

中文翻译：

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聚类触发发射：来自普通材料的罕见发光

摘要 π 共轭发色团已被研究多年，并已开发成功的理论模型来解释其光物理性质。然而，偶尔会出现不适合这些现有模型的材料。其中一些材料具有基于饱和 C-C、C-O 或 C-N 键的完全非共轭结构，但它们的聚集体或固态形式显示出明亮的可见光发射。这种现象被称为团簇触发发射 (CTE)，具有这种特性的材料被标记为团簇发光体。在这篇综述中，我们简要总结了聚簇发光剂的最新发展。材料分为三类：聚合物（天然和合成聚合物）、小分子（有和没有芳环）和金属簇。单独分析了支持不同类别的团簇发光剂的可能发光机制。最后，我们提出了这些发色团的空间共轭（TSC）的综合理论。基于 CTE 效应和 TSC 理论，已经设想了各种应用，例如在过程监控、结构可视化、传感器和探针领域。预计这个新的研究方向将带来许多突破，不仅在理论领域，而且在发光材料的这些先进应用方面。已经设想了各种应用，例如在过程监控、结构可视化、传感器和探针领域。预计这个新的研究方向将带来许多突破，不仅在理论领域，而且在发光材料的这些先进应用方面。已经设想了各种应用，例如在过程监控、结构可视化、传感器和探针领域。预计这个新的研究方向将带来许多突破，不仅在理论领域，而且在发光材料的这些先进应用方面。