Covalent organic polymers/frameworks (COPs/COFs) have caused many scientists' interest in both fundamental research (synthesis, properties, theoretical simulation, etc.) and possible applications (gas absorption/separation, catalysis, energy-related devices, sensing, imaging, and so on). In this talk, I will present our recent progress on the preparation of novel COPs/COFs single crystals as well as their diverse applications in optoelectrical devices.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens represent a paradigm shift in optoelectronic materials, turning aggregation—traditionally a detrimental factor for fluorophores—into an advantage. Their unique solid-state emissive behavior makes them particularly attractive for polymer-based applications where aggregation and restricted intramolecular motion can be harnessed to achieve enhanced optical responses. In the field of energy harvesting, AIE-active fluorophores have been incorporated into transparent polymer matrices to realize luminescent solar concentrators and colored photovoltaic panels [1]. By combining high photostability, large Stokes shifts, and tunable emission wavelengths, these materials overcome the limitations of conventional dyes, which often suffer from aggregation-caused quenching. Recent advances have demonstrated how careful molecular design and control over aggregation can boost quantum yields and optimize light guiding in plastic slabs and films, thereby facilitating their integration into sustainable building-integrated photovoltaics [2]. At the same time, AIEgens have opened new perspectives for chromogenic polymer systems capable of reporting structural, thermal, and mechanical changes. When dispersed in polymer matrices, their emission is modulated not only by molecular packing but also by variations in free volume, chain mobility, and microstructural integrity. This dual sensitivity enables the design of responsive polymers where optical readouts act as direct probes of aging, damage, or external stimuli. By distinguishing between genuine photophysical effects and scattering-induced artifacts, AIE-based probes provide reliable insight into polymer dynamics and durability [3]. Together, these developments illustrate how AIE luminogens bridge the domains of renewable energy and smart materials, establishing a versatile platform for next-generation luminescent devices and adaptive polymer technologies.

Carbon dioxide reduction to produce various fuels and chemical products can simultaneously fix carbon dioxide and convert renewable electrical energy into chemical energy storage, making it an attractive route to achieve a closed-loop carbon cycle. This talk will mainly cover our research in the past 5 years in developing efficient catalysts and their interfaces for CO2 reduction reaction. I will then focus on metal complexes, an important class of catalysts with the advantages of well-defined and controllable structures. Due to the molecular aggregation and leaching effects in the catalytic process, the low conversion frequency, low electron transport rate and poor stability of molecular catalysts in the heterogeneous catalytic process are encountered. I will summarize our group’ s recent progress in understanding the influence of catalyst interface aggregation effect on catalytic mechanism and product selectivity; this includes the in-depth understanding of interface electron transport and molecular configuration evolution, which change the product turnover and even selectivity. Finally, I will demonstrate some strategies to control interfacial aggregated state, such that efficient and controllable two-electron and multi-electron reduction can be attained, particularly in the challenging environment of acidic conditions.

Nanostructured materials possess unique optical and chemical properties that drive progress in optoelectronics, catalysis, and energy conversion. However, conventional nanoparticles lack atomic-level size control, limiting our understanding of structure–property relationships. Atomically precise nanoclusters, defined as discrete molecular entities, provide an ideal platform to unravel such correlations and enable rational design at the superatomic level. In this talk, I will present how synergistic atomic-level interactions in alloy nanoclusters, coupled with precise control over the local chemical environment and surface functionalization, markedly enhance catalytic performance in electrochemical CO2 reduction and solar hydrogen generation. I will further discuss how core–shell engineering, heteroatom incorporation, and ligand modulation tune the electronic structure, offering molecular-level insights into reactivity and selectivity. Additionally, insights into interfacial water structure, charge distribution, and cluster–support interactions establish design principles for efficient, stable, and scalable catalysts. This integration of molecular understanding with application-driven design advances sustainable technologies for carbon-neutral energy and chemical production.

Incorporating π-conjugated structures into organic polymers facilitates the construction of crystalline functional polymers with highly ordered structures. The high crystallinity, large specific surface area and excellent chemical stability of polymers facilitate significant potential for applications in gas adsorption and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, chemical sensing, photoelectric conversion, and energy storage. In our previous studies, through rational design of molecular building blocks, we developed a series of functional crystalline polymers with fluorescent response properties, which were successfully applied in the detection of metal ions, organic molecules, volatile compounds, and efficient iodine vapor capture. Furthermore, by employing flexible linking units and hydrogen-bond modulation strategies, we achieved a structural transition from amorphous to crystalline polymers, systematically elucidating the effects of external conditions—such as temperature, pH, and hydrogen bonding—on the self-assembly and crystallization mechanisms.Based on previous work, this study aims to optimize the properties of crystalline polymers via structural regulation to expand their applications in electrical sensing. Through function-oriented molecular engineer with precise control over the electronic structure and hydrophilic sites of the building units, we successfully developed an ultrathin two-dimensional ordered crystalline polymer film. Featuring electron-rich triazine structure and hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, this material exhibits excellent electrical response characteristics. It demonstrates highly sensitive humidity detection with a wide linear range and ultrafast response/recovery time and has been effectively applied in real-time breath monitoring. This work not only deepens the understanding of structure–property relationships in 2D ordered crystalline polymers but also offers innovative design strategies for developing advanced optoelectronic polymer materials.