Water‐Soluble Polymers with Strong Photoluminescence through an Eco‐Friendly and Low‐Cost Route

Photoluminescence (PL) of nonconjugated polymers brings a favorable opportunity for low‐cost and nontoxic luminescent materials, while most of them still exhibit relatively weak emission. Strong PL from poly(maleic anhydride)‐alt‐(vinyl acetate)] (PMV) from low‐cost monomer has been found in organic solvents, yet the necessity of noxious solvents would hinder its practical applications. Herein, through a novel, eco‐friendly, and one‐step route, PMV‐derived PL polymers can be fabricated with the highest quantum yield of 87% among water‐soluble nonconjugated PL polymers ever reported. These PMV‐derived polymers emit strong blue emission in both solutions and solids, and can be transformed into red‐emission agents easily. These PL polymers exhibit application potentials in light‐conversion agricultural films. It is assumed that this work not only puts forward a convenient preparation routine for nonconjugated polymers with high PL, but also provides an industrial application possibility for them.