A Co2+-selective and chirality-sensitive supermolecular metallohydrogel with a nanofiber network skeleton

Abstract

This paper introduces a new metallohydrogel precursor that offers a peculiar gelation response to Co²⁺ at pH 7–8. It is notable that the stability of this metallohydrogel is significantly dependent on its enantiomeric purity. In addition to the expected multi-stimuli responsive properties, including thixotropy, as well as re-assembly properties on adding HCl, this metallohydrogel possesses excellent self-healing behavior, which is uncommon in low-molecular-weight gelators. Electron microscopy (EM) studies revealed that the cryodried remains of this gel presented as well an organized three dimensional (3D) network of fibrils. This interesting metallohydrogel shows potential for developing new soft materials with drug delivery and catalysis properties.