Recent advances in two-step energy transfer light-harvesting systems driven by non-covalent self-assembly

Sequential energy transfer is ubiquitous in natural light-harvesting systems(LHSs),which greatly promotes the exploitation of light energy.The LHSs in nature are sophisticated supramolecular assemblies of chlorophyll molecules that carry out efficient light harvesting through cascade energy transfer process.Inspired by nature,scientists have paid much attention to fabricate stepwise LHSs based on assorted supramolecular scaffolds in recent years.Light-harvesting antennas and energy acceptors can be accommodated in particular scaffolds,which offer great convenience for energy transfer between them.These systems not only further mimic photosynthesis,but also demonstrate many potential applications,such as photocatalysis,tunable luminescence,and information encryption,etc.In this review article,aiming at offering a practical guide to this emerging research field,the introduction of construction strategies towards sequential LHSs will be presented.Different scaffolds are classified and highlighted,including host-guest assemblies,metal-coordination assemblies,as well as bio-macromolecular and other supramolecular scaffolds.