Aqueous interfacial gels assembled from small molecule supramolecular polymers. Issue 2 (19th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Groombridge, Alexander S.; Palma, Aniello; Parker, Richard M.; Abell, Chris; Scherman, Oren A.
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 8:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 1350
• Page End: 1355
• Publication Date: 2016-10-19
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6sc04103e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : The successful self-assembly of a stimuli-responsive aqueous supramolecular hyperbranched polymer from small molecules and the macrocyclic host cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) is reported. This self-healing supramolecular network can act as a soft matter barrier at liquid–liquid interfaces. Abstract : The self-assembly of a stimuli-responsive aqueous supramolecular hyperbranched polymer from small molecules is reported. This system is composed of ditopic and tritopic guest-functionalised molecules that are able to form heteroternary supramolecular complexes with the macrocyclic host cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). We demonstrate that the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer formed is responsive to both photo- and chemical stimuli, exhibiting reversibility. Furthermore, this system is shown to assemble at liquid–liquid interfaces, which upon gelation, is observable on the micrometre scale. This self-healing supramolecular network can act as a soft matter barrier for aqueous microdroplets, inhibiting their coalescence.