An AIE-active supramolecular cross-linked polymer gel based on multiple orthogonal non-covalent interactions with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Supramolecular gels are crucial for smart soft materials due to their responsive moieties.
• Non-covalent interactions enable the construction of adaptable and functional supramolecular systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular cross-linked polymer gel with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity.
• To utilize orthogonal non-covalent interactions for advanced material design.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a tetraphenylene-embedded asymmetric crown ether macrocycle (BCE).
• Co-assembly of BCE with a guest polymer (G1) bearing a 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) motif.
• Utilizing host-guest interactions and quadruple hydrogen bonding for gel formation.

Main Results:

• Formation of a supramolecular cross-linked polymer gel (BCE⊃G1) through host-guest and hydrogen bonding interactions.
• Demonstrated regulation of fluorescence intensity via selective Na+ binding to the crown ether.
• Observed reversible expansion-contraction behavior and multi-stimuli responsiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed supramolecular gel exhibits AIE activity and multi-stimuli responsiveness.
• The material shows potential as a platform for intelligent stimulus-responsive nanomaterials.
• Orthogonal non-covalent interactions are effective for creating advanced supramolecular materials.