Binder driven self-assembly of metal-organic cubes towards functional hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: The process of assembling astutely designed, well-defined metal-organic cube (MOC) into hydrogel by using a suitable molecular binder is a promising method for preparing processable functional soft materials. Here, we demonstrate charge-assisted H-bonding driven hydrogel formation from Ga³⁺-based anionic MOC ((Ga₈(ImDC)₁₂)^12-) and molecular binders, like, ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, guanidine hydrochloride and ?-alanine. The morphology of the resulting hydrogel depends upon the size, shape and geometry of the molecular binder. Hydrogel with NH₄⁺ shows nanotubular morphology with negative surface charge and is used for gel-chromatographic separation of cationic species from anionic counterparts. Furthermore, a photo-responsive luminescent hydrogel is prepared using a cationic tetraphenylethene-based molecular binder (DATPE), which is employed as a light harvesting antenna for tuning emission colour including pure white light. This photo-responsive hydrogel is utilized for writing and preparing flexible light-emitting display.

SUBMITTER: Sutar P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6123422 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature