Ru(II)(tpy)₂-functionalized hydrogels: Synthesis, reversible responsiveness, and coupling with the belousov-zhabotinsky reaction

Abstract

This work aims at developing an approach to Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 -functionalized hydrogels and exploring the coupling of the hydrogels with the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Based on free radical polymerization, two synthetic routes are developed. The first one is the direct gelation by copolymerization of acrylamide as hydrophilic component and Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 as the functional group. The second one is carried out through a combined approach. A terpyridine-containing hydrogel is first prepared and then post-functionalized by coordination between Ru(III)(Tpy)Cl 3 and terpyridine groups in the hydrogel network. Utilizing the synthetic hydrogels, the reversible redox responsiveness, the coupling with the BZ reaction, the occurrence and the self-oscillating properties of the BZ reaction in the hydrogel networks are studied.

Recent Advances in Metal‐Containing Polymer Hydrogels

“…[24] Two synthetic routes were developed to prepare Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 -functionalized polymer hydrogels. The first one is the direct gelation by copolymerization of acrylamide (as a hydrophilic component) and Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 (as the functional group).…”

“…Different from metallocene‐containing hydrogels, Zhou et al reported Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 ‐functionalized polymer hydrogels with metal centers linked by coordination interactions . Two synthetic routes were developed to prepare Ru(II)(Tpy) 2 ‐functionalized polymer hydrogels.…”

“…A synthetic route for Ru (II) (Tpy) 2 ‐functionalized hydrogels. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2015, Wiley‐VCH.…”

Dually Synergetic Network Hydrogels with Integrated Mechanical Stretchability, Thermal Responsiveness, and Electrical Conductivity for Strain Sensors and Temperature Alertors

“…In another example, Yu and co-workers demonstrated that the architecture of the conductive polymer phase played an important part in determining the conductivity of hybrid ECHs. Although high conductivity (0.8 S/m) was obtained, the stretchability of the hydrogels is limited by the N , N ′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS)-cross-linked network structures, which are often fragile and cannot withstand large deformations in stretchable electronics. − …”

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“…This may be another reason why the DC hydrogels are highly stretchable and tough. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of the fracture surface of freeze‐dried DC hydrogel revealed a completely different morphology compared with traditional hydrogels cross‐linked by BIS (Figure S1, Supporting Information) . The fracture surface of DC hydrogel does not have porous structures and exhibits tightly cross‐linked structure.…”