Title
Redox-responsive self-healing materials formed from host–guest polymers
Author
Masaki Nakahata, Yoshinori Takashima, Hiroyasu Yamaguchi & Akira Harada
Year
2021
Journal
Nature Communications
Abstract
Expanding the useful lifespan of materials is becoming highly desirable, and self-healing and self-repairing materials may become valuable commodities. The formation of supramolecular materials through host–guest interactions is a powerful method to create non-conventional materials. Here we report the formation of supramolecular hydrogels and their redox-responsive and self-healing properties due to host–guest interactions. We employ cyclodextrin (CD) as a host molecule because it is environmentally benign and has diverse applications. A transparent supramolecular hydrogel quickly forms upon mixing poly(acrylic acid) (pAA) possessing β-CD as a host polymer with pAA possessing ferrocene as a guest polymer. Redox stimuli induce a sol−gel phase transition in the supramolecular hydrogel and can control self-healing properties such as re-adhesion between cut surfaces.
Full Article
Instrument
J-820, V-650
Keywords
supermolecular, cyclodextrin