In this work, through inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin (CD) host and ferrocene (Fc) guest, a monomer with double bond was incorporated to the surface of CdS quantum dot (QD). The obtained supra-structure could act as a supra-crosslink (Fc-SCL) in its copolymerizing with N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) leading to a hybrid supramolecular hydrogel (Fc-Gel). Fc-SCL inherited satisfactory electrochemical activity from Fc. When the weight percentage of Fc-SCL in Fc-Gel was increased, an apparent increase of elastic modulus (G ′) was observed. Furthermore, Fc-Gel also exhibited good fluorescent properties. It was also demonstrated that the inclusion complexation of CD and Fc played a crucial role in constructing the hydrogel; therefore, this Fc-Gel was an organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogel induced by supramolecular interaction.
What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?The establishment of two new types of host-guest recognition building blocks(21-crown-7/secondary ammonium salt and pillar[5]arene/alkyl chain)for supramolecular polymers.How do you get into this specific field?Could you please share some experiences with our readers?I got my introduction to supramolecular chemistry during the postgraduate period.There are many phenomena closely related to the weak non-covalent interactions in nature,such as the storage and transmission of genetic information through the DNA double helix structure.Inspired by these fascinating natural phenomena,scientists try to use non-covalent Interactions to prepare many very complex self-assembled systems including supramolecular polymers from natural and artificially designed structural units.In 1987,Lehn,Cram,and Pederson won the Nobel Prize for their contribution to supramolecular chemistry.At present,supramolecular chemistry has developed into an emerging discipline formed by the intersection of chemistry,physics,life sciences,materials science,and electronic engineering.
