Self‐Assembled Gels Formed in Deep Eutectic Solvents: Supramolecular Eutectogels with High Ionic Conductivity

Abstract

This paper reports the ability of 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-Dsorbitol (DBS), a simple, commercially-relevant compound, to selfassemble as a result of intermolecular non-covalent interactions into supramolecular gels in deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The DESs are based on choline chloride combined with alcohols/ureas -DBS forms gels at a loading of 5% wt/vol. Rheology confirms the gel-like nature of the materials, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction indicate underpinning nanofibrillar DBS networks and differential scanning calorimetry shows the deep eutectic solvent nature of the liquid-like phase is retained. The ionic conductivities of the gels are similar to those of the unmodified DESs proving the deep eutectic nature of the ionic liquid-like phase. Gelation is tolerant of ionic additives Li + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , with the resulting gels having similar conductivities to electrolyte dissolved in the native DES. The low-molecular-weight gelator DBS is a low-cost additiveforming gels in DESs from readilyavailable constituents, with conductivity levels suitable for practical applications. We suggest supramolecular eutectogels have potential uses ranging from energy technology to synthesis and catalysis.

Self-Healable, Injectable, and Conductive Supramolecular Eutectogel for the Encapsulation and Sustained Release of the Anticancer Drug Curcumin

“…The formation of gel was assessed using the tube inversion method and falling ball method (Video S1). The concentrations of the surfactants taken for the formation of each eutectogels are listed in Table . , …”

Natural eutectogels: sustainable catalytic systems for C–C bond formation reactions

“…A recent development in the field is represented by gels formed using ionic liquids (ionogels or ionic liquid gels) [22][23][24][25] and even, deep eutectic solvents (eutecto gels). 23,[26][27][28][29][30] Thanks to their properties, supramolecular gels have been applied in different fields, like drug delivery systems, 31,32 sensors, [33][34][35] and sorbent systems for the removal of different environmental pollutants. [36][37][38] Among different applications, the use of these soft materials as reaction media has recently gained a raise in interest.…”

Challenges and Possibilities of Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Membranes

“…74,75 Inspired by ionic liquid gels that simultaneously possess liquid-like gas transport efficiency and solid-like mechanical properties, 76 soft solid or gels-based DES can also serve as good materials for membrane applications. 77,78 The study of these DES materials is recent, and some results have shown that it is possible to manufacture materials with properties better than those of SLM.…”