AIE cation functionalized layered zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets: ion-exchange intercalation and cell imaging

An aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe, possessing a quaternary tetraphenylethene (TPEN) cation, was successfully intercalated into layered a-zirconium phosphate (alpha-ZrP) nanosheets by ion-exchange. The hybrid materials emit strong blue emissions in aqueous solution which can be used as an effective fluorescence label for HeLa cells.