Crisscrossing coordination networks: ligand doping to control the chemomechanical properties of stimuli-responsive metallogels
* Corresponding authors
a Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Abstract
Metallogels respond to external stimuli by changing their mechanical properties. To gain a fine control over this phase-shifting event, we have designed and introduced intentional structural mismatches into the otherwise tightly knit metalorganic networks. Built using biphenolate-derived multidirectional/multidentate ligands, these soft materials display markedly different rheological properties depending on the level of ligand doping, as well as the type of metal ion serving as a key structural support. A zinc metallogel optimized through this process responds to acids, both in the gas stream and liquid phase, by a rapid gelsol transition and visually discernible colour change.