Fig. 1. Synthesis route for the preparation of AIEgen-incorporated di-ureasils. The silole-based AIEgen, DMTPS, is directly dispersed in the di-ureasil matrix, while the silylated analogue, DMTPS-Sil, is covalently grafted to the siliceous framework due to the hydrolysis and co-condensation between the triethoxysilyl groups of DMTPS-Sil and the d-UPTES hybrid precursor under the acid-catalysed sol–gel conditions.