Healable terpyridine-based supramolecular gels and the luminescent properties of the rare earth metal complex

Abstract

Based on gluconic acid acetal and terpyridyl groups, we have prepared two new supramolecular gelators C3S and C6S with the critical gelation concentrations of 0.1% in aryl halides and the ability of gelling in DMF/DMSO + H₂O at room temperature. The excellent self-healing properties of the gels were studied using rheological experiments. Based on the ¹H NMR, IR spectrum and PXRD, the self-assembly pattern of C6S was proposed through theoretical calculation. After coordinating with Ln^(III) metal ions, the multicolor luminescent metallogel C6S–Eu/Tb was investigated. The luminescence properties of the gels were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime measurements, confirming the energy transfer between the organic compounds and Ln^(III) metal ions.