Supramolecular gels with high strength by tuning of calix[4]arene-derived networks

Ji Ha Lee, Jaehyeon Park, Jin-Woo Park, Hyo-Jun Ahn, Justyn Jaworski () and Jong Hwa Jung ()
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Ji Ha Lee: Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences Gyeongsang National University
Jaehyeon Park: Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences Gyeongsang National University
Jin-Woo Park: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gyeongsang National University
Hyo-Jun Ahn: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gyeongsang National University
Justyn Jaworski: Hanyang University
Jong Hwa Jung: Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences Gyeongsang National University

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Supramolecular gels comprised of low-molecular-weight gelators are generally regarded as mechanically weak and unable to support formation of free-standing structures, hence, their practical use with applied loads has been limited. Here, we reveal a technique for in situ generation of high tensile strength supramolecular hydrogels derived from low-molecular-weight gelators. By controlling the concentration of hydrochloric acid during hydrazone formation between calix-[4]arene-based gelator precursors, we tune the mechanical and ductile properties of the resulting gel. Organogels formed without hydrochloric acid exhibit impressive tensile strengths, higher than 40 MPa, which is the strongest among self-assembled gels. Hydrogels, prepared by solvent exchange of organogels in water, show 7,000- to 10,000-fold enhanced mechanical properties because of further hydrazone formation. This method of molding also allows the gels to retain shape after processing, and furthermore, we find organogels when prepared as gel electrolytes for lithium battery applications to have good ionic conductivity.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7650

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