Simple design but marvelous performances: molecular gels of superior strength and self-healing properties

• DOI: 10.1039/c2sm27208c
• Publication Date: 2012-11-19T16:00:21Z
• Authors: Zhiyan Xu; Junxia Peng; Ni Yan; Hang Yu; Shasha Zhang; Kaiqiang Liu; Yu Fang
• Keywords: Proton NMR

Four nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-containing cholesteryl (Chol) derivatives were prepared, and their gelation behaviors tested. It was demonstrated that the compounds show a remarkable gelling ability. In particular, subtle change in length of spacers connecting two structural units compounds, which are NBD Chol, respectively, produced dramatic ability gel properties compounds. As for gelation, compound 1 is much more powerful than others, especially methanol-containing organic mixtures. to be noted 1/pyridine–methanol exhibits superior mechanical strength with yield stress higher 6300 Pa at gelator concentration 2.5% (w/v), value exceeds 23 000 when reaches 5.0% result never reported before field molecular gels based on low-molecular mass gelators (LMMGs). More importantly, shows rapid self-healing property as evidenced by fact heals up immediately upon cutting, provided segments from cutting squeezed together. No doubt, our findings establish benchmark LMMG-based rheological performances. FTIR, 1H NMR XRD studies revealed intermolecular hydrogen bonding π–π stacking main driving forces promote system self-assembling molecules gelator.