Multistimuli‐Responsive,Moldable Supramolecular Hydrogels Cross‐Linked by Ultrafast Complexation of Metal Ions and Biopolymers |
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| Authors: | Zhifang Sun Fucong Lv Lujie Cao Dr Lin Liu Prof?Dr Yi Zhang Prof?Dr Zhouguang Lu |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen 518055 (China);2. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, Henan 455000 (China);3. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China) |
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| Abstract: | A new type of multistimuli‐responsive hydrogels cross‐linked by metal ions and biopolymers is reported. By mixing the biopolymer chitosan (CS) with a variety of metal ions at the appropriate pH values, we obtained a series of transparent and stable hydrogels within a few seconds through supramolecular complexation. In particular, the CS–Ag hydrogel was chosen as the model and the gelation mechanism was revealed by various measurements. It was found that the facile association of Ag+ ions with amino and hydroxy groups in CS chains promoted rapid gel‐network formation. Interestingly, the CS–Ag hydrogel exhibits sharp phase transitions in response to multiple external stimuli, including pH value, chemical redox reactions, cations, anions, and neutral species. Furthermore, this soft matter showed a remarkable moldability to form shape‐persistent, free‐standing objects by a fast in situ gelation procedure. |
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| Keywords: | biopolymers hydrogels sol– gel processes supramolecular chemistry transition metals |
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