Source abstract
Abstract
ABSTRACT Supramolecular gels formed by low‐molecular‐weight gelators (LMWGs) are valuable soft materials due to their remarkable versatility and wide range of applications. Developing ambidextrous LMWGs that self‐assemble in diverse solvents remains challenging, as such versatility requires precise molecular engineering to ensure robust structuring across varying polarity and hydrogen‐bonding environments. Here, we present a family of sugar‐based molecules functionalized with naphthyl (DNapS), benzothiadiazole (DBTDS), and coumarin (MCumS) moieties, synthesized by a green, scalable method, which serve as fluorescent LMWGs. Their gelation abilities are evaluated in water, organic solvents of different polarities, and deep eutectic solvents (DES). Among them, MCumS forms gels in water, short‐chain alcohols, and terpene‐based hydrophobic DES, highlighting its potential as a rare example of an LMWG capable of gelation across chemically diverse environments. Morphological analysis of MCumS gels reveals fibrous network formation in water and distinct, solvent‐dependent architectures in eutectogels. Interestingly, supramolecular gels based on this LMWG and zwitterionic DES show superior viscoelastic behavior and injectability. These findings not only expand the library of fluorescent LMWGs but also contribute to the fundamental understanding of structure‐property relationships in versatile supramolecular gel systems.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications · Polydiacetylene-based materials and applications
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Affiliations
Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA) Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina
Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP‐CSIC) Madrid Spain
IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao Spain
POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Donostia‐San Sebastián Spain
POLYMAT Department of Mining‐Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science School of Engineering University of the Basque Country (UPV/ EHU) Bilbao Spain
Funding
Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica · Eusko Jaurlaritza · H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions · HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions · Agencia Estatal de Investigación
References (52)
Show source-provided references
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