Excited State Processes in Linear π-System-Based Organogels

This article describes the recent progress made to the understanding of the excited state interactions in organogels derived from linear pi-conjugated molecules. The soft organogel scaffolds of such systems create an excellent ambience for the self organization of the molecules allowing the modulation of their excited state properties and thereby opening a new world of fascinating; materials with interesting physical properties at nano- and macroscopic levels. Noncovalent interactions provide opportunity for the molecules to interact electronically within a space of defined size and shape. As a result, the photophysical properties of the molecules in solution and gel states are different from each other. In this perspective article we analyze the role of the self-assembled organogel scaffolds of pi-gels derived from linear pi-systems in modulating the excited state properties such as excited state energy transfer, exciplex emission, phosphorescence, and aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE), when compared to the corresponding individual molecules.