Multistimuli-Responsive and Antifreeze Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Gels Based on CuNCs

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Multistimuli-responsive fluorescent gels are crucial for dynamic and reversible supramolecular assembly.
• Developing novel gelators with enhanced properties is an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop chiral aggregation-induced emission-active fluorescence gels (AIE-gels) by combining copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) and natural amino acids.
• To investigate the self-assembly, structural reinforcement, and responsive properties of these novel AIE-gels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized CuNCs and combined them with l-tryptophan (l-Trp) or d-Tryptophan (d-Trp) in DMSO/H2O mixed solvents.
• Utilized Zn2+ to induce self-assembly of CuNCs into porous, intertwined fibers, forming heteronetwork structures with amino acids.
• Characterized the aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) and stimuli-responsive behaviors (mechanical force, heating, pH, H2O2, EDTA).

Main Results:

• Chiral AIE-gels were successfully fabricated with reinforced mechanical strength and chiral regulation.
• The gels exhibited strong fluorescence intensity, particularly at low temperatures (-20 °C to -80 °C).
• Demonstrated sensitive gel-sol transitions and fluorescence changes in response to multiple stimuli.

Conclusions:

• The developed chiral AIE-gels possess excellent dynamic, reversible, and stimuli-responsive fluorescent properties.
• The combination of CuNCs and amino acids offers a versatile strategy for designing advanced functional supramolecular materials.
• These gels show promise for applications in sensing and smart material development.