Synergistic non-covalent interactions enable high-strength fluorescent supramolecular materials with water-assisted...

Supramolecular materials, characterized by dynamic reversibility and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, have found widespread applications in numerous fields. Unlike traditional materials, supramolecular materials that rely on non-covalent interactions can allow spontaneous reorganization and self-healing at room temperature. However, these materials typically exhibit low strength due to the weak bonding energies of non-covalent interactions. This study presents the development of a high-strength self-healing supramolecular material that combines multiple interactions including ionic bonding, hydrogen bonding, and coordination bonding. The material, formed by the aggregation of the negatively charged picolinate-grafted copolymer (PCM) with positively charged hyperbranched molecules (HP), is further enhanced by Eu³⁺ ion complexation. The resulting film exhibits a high modulus of 427 MPa, tensile strength of 10.5 MPa, and toughness of 14.7 MJ m^-3. Meanwhile, the non-covalent interaction of this supramolecular material endows it with a self-healing efficiency of 92% within 24 h at room temperature, as well as multiple remolding properties. The incorporation of lanthanide ions also imparts tunable fluorescence. This study not only provides insights into the development of high-strength self-healing materials but also offers new possibilities for the functionalization of supramolecular materials.