A supramolecular hyperbranched polymer constructed by the host–guest interaction and complementary metal-coordination interaction

Abstract

In this work, three different monomers A3, B3 and M1 were designed and synthesized, and A3 + B3 + M1 + Zn(OTf)₂ could self-assemble to form a supramolecular hyperbranched polymer (SHP) based on pillararene-based host–guest recognition and complementary terpyridyl-based metal coordination. The self-organization of three monomers was characterized through multiple nuclear magnetic resonance technology, viscosity testing, dynamic light scattering, TEM, fluorescence analysis, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The experiment verified that the molecular weight of the supramolecular polymer relied on the initial monomer concentration. The resulting SHP exhibited competitive guest responsiveness. Moreover, OH⁻ could enhance the fluorescence emission of the SHP-based solution or film.