Clustering-enhanced, nonconventional photoluminescence from a silicone surfactant.

By using the intrinsic nonconventional photoluminescence (-PL) of organo-siloxane and the synergetic effect of the surfactant mixture, we report strong -PL from aqueous colloids containing a nonionic silicone surfactant mixed with a traditional anionic surfactant, with an unprecedently high fluorescence quantum yield of up to 85.58%.