A supramolecular polymer gel with dual-responsiveness constructed by crown ether based molecular recognition

Abstract

A supramolecular polymer gel was prepared by self-assembly of a heteroditopic A–B monomer based on benzo[18]crown-6. Such a gel shows interesting gel–sol transition in response to dual-stimuli owing to the dynamically reversible complexation between the benzo[18]crown-6 and primary alkylammonium salt moieties. Therefore, these fascinating properties make this supramolecular gel a promising intelligent material.