Which is a better fluorescent sensor: aggregation-induced emission-based nanofibers or thin-coating films?

In this work, aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based fluorescent nanofibers and thin-film coatings are realized using electrospinning and spin coating techniques, respectively. The two material domains are utilized as visual fluorescent sensors whose mechanism of performance is governed by the intramolecular rotation phenomenon of the AIE molecular rotors. The samples’ response to humidity, temperature and organics is compared. Final results revealed that there is no an all-ideal morphology. Each material works best as a visual fluorescent sensor in specific environments.