Redox-responsive supramolecular polymeric networks having double-threaded inclusion complexes

Abstract

A hydrogel actuator with a 1:2 host–guest complex controlled by redox stimuli has been developed to realize faster and larger deformation.

Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Cyclodextrins: Progress and Perspectives

“…Recently, Aramoto and coworkers have established a novel supramolecular double threaded redox responsive inclusion complex based on polyrotaxanes. [32] To enable larger deformations compared to 1 : 1 inclusion complexes 1 : 2 were used instead, allowing connection of three polymer chains to realize larger changes in crosslinking density and volume. Hydrogels were prepared by combinations of different CDs and viologens tethered to an undecyl unit as host and guest units respectively.…”

Extraction of mechanical work from stimuli-responsive molecular systems and materials

“…Recently, a similar material based on viologen-cyclodextrin interactions was reported as a redoxresponsive actuator. In that case, inclusion complexes comprising cyclodextrin and dimers of reduced radical-monocationic viologen act as additional reticulating units that break on oxidation, leading to an expansion of the material [19]. Alternatively, oligoviologen units inserted into a polymeric hydrogel can act by themselves as redox-responsive units.…”

Supramolecular polymer networks crosslinked by crown ether-based host–guest recognition: dynamic materials with tailored mechanical properties in the bulk

“…18 Another typical application of SPNs is to endow the materials with diverse dynamic properties. 18,19 Due to the reversible dissociation/reformation of the supramolecular interactions, materials based on SPNs often show fascinating behaviors including self-healing, stimuli-responsiveness, adaptability, and reprocessibility, [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] which are difficult to achieve in covalent polymer networks (CPNs). Nevertheless, the research on SPNs is still in the exploratory stage, and developing SPNs with novel architectures and/or enhanced properties is crucial.…”