Supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gels based on pillar[5]arene and their applications in removal of micropollutants from water

Abstract

An AB₂-type monomer 1 based on a pillar[5]arene host and an aza-stilbene derivative guest was synthesized by a facile method. In chloroform, monomer 1 self-assembled to form a supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gel (SHPG). SHPG can be reversibly converted to another supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gel (SHPG·H⁺) by adjusting pH conditions. Due to the metal coordination between the aza-stilbene moiety and palladium ion (Pd²⁺), the SHPG can be transformed into metallosupramolecular polymer networks by adding Pd²⁺. Furthermore, the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer gels SHPG and SHPG·H⁺ can be used to remove metal ions and organic dyes from water, indicating their great potential in the area of wastewater treatment.