A carboxylic acid functionalized benzimidazole-based supramolecular gel with multi-stimuli responsive properties

Abstract

A novel supramolecular gelator (C11) based on a carboxylic acid-functionalized benzimidazole was synthesized, which could form an organogel (C11-OG) and generate a metallogel (Pb-MG) with Pb²⁺. Both of the supramolecular gels exhibit aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE). The Pb-MG shows outstanding reversible sol–gel transitions induced by the change in temperature, EDTA and Na₂S. It has the potential to be widely applied in materials science.