A fluorescent controllable supramolecular crosslinked polymer constructed by complementary metal coordination
Xiaohui Huang1, Shengyong Liu1, Shenghui Rao1
1Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Materials Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, P. R. China. lh@jxust.edu.cn.
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
|October 2, 2023
Summary
Researchers designed two monomers that self-assemble with zinc ions to create supramolecular crosslinked polymers (SCPs). These polymers can form gels and exhibit tunable fluorescence, offering potential for smart material applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Terpyridine-metal coordination is a key interaction for building supramolecular structures.
- Designing monomers with specific coordination sites is crucial for controlled self-assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize novel monomers (M1 and M2) capable of forming supramolecular crosslinked polymers (SCPs).
- To investigate the self-assembly process and properties of the resulting SCPs using zinc(II) ions.
- To explore the potential for stimuli-responsive behavior in the synthesized materials.
Main Methods:
- Monomer synthesis and characterization.
- Supramolecular polymerization using M1, M2, and Zn(OTf)2.
- Characterization of SCPs via 1H NMR, 2D COSY, 2D NOESY, UV-Vis, fluorescence, viscosity, and TEM.
Main Results:
- Successful self-assembly of M1 and M2 with Zn(OTf)2 into SCPs via terpyridine-metal coordination.
- SCP molecular weight is dependent on initial monomer concentration.
- SCPs form supramolecular polymer gels at high concentrations with reversible gel-sol transitions upon heating/cooling.
- Fluorescence of SCPs can be modulated by acid-base stimuli.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a novel approach to creating metal-coordinated SCPs with tunable properties.
- The developed system exhibits responsive behavior, transitioning between solution and gel states and showing pH-dependent fluorescence.
- These findings pave the way for developing advanced supramolecular materials for various applications.
