Gels can be formed by the self-assembly of small molecules into fibers that entangle and cross-link to form a network. Understanding how the molecules are packed in these self-assembled structures is difficult. Here, we use small-angle scattering to determine how the molecules pack in both the pre-gelled state and in the gel, as well as following the transition between the two types of aggregate.
A simple heat/cool cycle can be used to significantly affect the properties of a solution of a low‐molecular‐weight gelator at high pH. The viscosity and extensional viscosity are increased markedly, leading to materials with very different properties than when the native solution is used.
We describe two component hydrogels with networks composed of self-sorted fibres. The component gelators are based on 1,4-distyrylbenzene (OPV3) and perylene bisimide (PBI) units. Self-sorted gels can be formed by a slow decrease in pH, which leads to sequential assembly. We demonstrate self-sorting by NMR, rheology and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Photoconductive xerogels can be prepared by drying these gels. The wavelength response of the xerogel is different to that of the PBI alone.
Annealing in a two-component supramolecular gel leads to a self-sorted network, which has significantly different mechanical properties to the as-prepared gels.
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