A Supramolecular Gel that Exhibits Multi-stimuli Responsiveness and High Conductivity Through Host-Guest Interactions

Abstract

A network-structured supramolecular gel is constructed through host-guest interactions between conjugated ligands and metal ions, leading to enhanced mechanical properties and excellent electrical conductivity. This overcomes the problem of insufficient conductance due to the presence of solvent in the interstitial region of the supramolecular gel. Supramolecular gels can undergo reversible sol-gel transitions by controlling the pH or temperature of the system. In addition, a method has been developed to determine the specific binding ratio of host-guest molecules by conductivity tests, and has been used to verify the specific binding ratio of crown ether to potassium ions. To explain the high conductivity of supramolecular metallic gels, DFT and SEM have been employed to elucidate their conductivity mechanism.