Ligand Chirality Transfer from Solution State to the Crystalline Self-Assemblies in Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) Active Lanthanide Systems

The synthesis of a family of chiral and enantiomerically pure pyridyl-diamide (pda) ligands that upon complexation with europium [Eu(CF3SO3)3] result in chiral complexes with metal centered luminescence is reported; the sets of enantiomers giving rise to both circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signatures. The solid-state structures of these chiral metallosupramolecular systems are determined using X-ray diffraction showing that the ligand chirality is transferred from solution to the solid state. This optically favorable helical packing arrangement is confirmed by recording the CPL spectra from the crystalline assembly by using steady state and enantioselective differential chiral contrast (EDCC) CPL Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (CPL-LSCM) where the two enantiomers can be clearly distinguished.

Solvent-Driven Variations of Third-Order Nonlinear Thermo-Optical Features of Glutaric Acid-Directed Self-Healing Supramolecular Ni(II) Metallogels

The generation of solvent-directed self-healing supramolecular Ni(II) metallogels of glutaric acid (i.e., Ni-Glu-DMF and Ni-Glu-DMSO) is described in this article. Polar aprotic solvents like N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are separately entrapped into the Ni(II)-acetate salt and glutaric acid-mediated networks to attain the semisolid flexible scaffolds. The gel nature of the fabricated materials is experimentally proven through different rheological tests such as amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, and thixotropic (time sweep) measurements. The self-repairing strategy and load-bearing features of the synthesized metallogel are studied in this work. The different supramolecular noncovalent interactions working within the soft scaffold are clearly explored. The formation strategy and the microstructural features of these synthesized metallogels are scrutinized through a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy study and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) morphological analyses. The FT-IR spectroscopy observation displays a considerable amount of shifting of the infrared (IR) peaks of the xerogel samples of both the metallogels Ni-Glu-DMF and Ni-Glu-DMSO. The electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectroscopy result demonstrates the plausible construction of the metallogel network. In order to examine the nonlinear optical characteristics of the two synthesized self-healing metallogels Ni-Glu-DMSO and Ni-Glu-DMF, Z-scan measurements are carried out with a continuous wave (CW) diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser at 532 nm. The nonlinear refractive index, nonlinear absorption coefficient, thermo-optical coefficient, and third-order susceptibility of these metallogels were evaluated by analyzing the experimental data from the Sheik-Bahae formalism. The nonlinear thermo-optical study reveals that these solvent-dependent metallogels show negative signs of nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient. The figure of merit calculated for these compounds shows good agreement for their use in nonlinear photonic devices.

Multiresponsive Self-Healing Lanthanide Fluorescent Hydrogel for Smart Textiles

Lanthanide organometallic complexes exhibit strong luminescence characteristics, owing to their antenna effects. The f-d energy level transition causes this phenomenon, which occurs when ligands and the external electrons of lanthanide metals coordinate. Based on this phenomenon, we used two lanthanide metals, europium (Eu) and terbium (Tb), in the present study as the metal center for iminodiacetic acid ligands. Further, we developed the resulting fluorescent organometallic complex as a smart material. The ligand-metal bond in the material functioned as a metal chelating agent and a cross-linking agent in a dynamically coordinated form, thereby prompting the material to self-heal. Temperature-sensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide was incorporated into the material as the polymer backbone. Afterward, we combined it with water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) and an additional ligand from poly(acrylic acid) to fabricate a high-performance hydrogel composite material. The shrinkage and expansion of the polymer form a grid between the materials. Because of the different coordination stabilities of Eu3+ and Tb3+, the corresponding material exhibits environmental responses toward excitation wavelength, temperature, and pH, thus generating different colors. When used in fabrics, the cross-linking mechanism of the material effectively looped the material between fabric fibers; furthermore, the temperature sensitivity of the polymer adjusted the size of pores between fabric fibers. At relatively higher temperatures (>32 °C), the polymer structure shrank, fiber pores expanded, and air permeability improved. Thus, this material appears to be promising for use in smart textiles.

Recent Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Metallogels

Recently, stimuli-responsive supramolecular gels have received significant attention because their properties can be modulated through external stimuli such as heat, light, electricity, magnetic fields, mechanical stress, pH, ions, chemicals and enzymes. Among these gels, stimuli-responsive supramolecular metallogels have shown promising applications in material science because of their fascinating redox, optical, electronic and magnetic properties. In this review, research progress on stimuli-responsive supramolecular metallogels in recent years is systematically summarized. According to external stimulus sources, stimuli-responsive supramolecular metallogels, including chemical, physical and multiple stimuli-responsive metallogels, are discussed separately. Moreover, challenges, suggestions and opportunities regarding the development of novel stimuli-responsive metallogels are presented. We believe the knowledge and inspiration gained from this review will deepen the current understanding of stimuli-responsive smart metallogels and encourage more scientists to provide valuable contributions to this topic in the coming decades.

Generating water/MeOH-soluble and luminescent polymers by grafting 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) ligands onto a poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) polymer and cross-linking with terbium(III)

The synthesis of two new polymers made from P(E-alt-MA) (poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) and possessing 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) ligand side chains in 3 and 6 mol%, respectively (P1 and P2, respectively) is described. These polymers were shown to be soluble in MeOH solution and, in the case of P1, also in water, while P2 needed prolonged heating to enable water dissolution. Btp ligands are known for coordinating both d- and f-metal ions and so, herein, we demonstrate by using both UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, as well as time-gated phosphorescence spectroscopies, that both P1 and P2 can bind to Tb(III) ions to give rise to luminescent polymers. From the analysis of the titration data, which demonstrated large changes in the emission intensity properties of the polymer upon Tb(III) binding (ground state changes were also clearly observed, with the absorption being red-shifted at lower energy), we show that the dominant stoichiometry in solution is 1 : 2 (M : L; Tb(III) : btp ratio) which implies that two btp ligands from the polymer background are able to crosslink through lanthanide coordination and that the backbone of the polymer is very likely to aid in coordinating the ions.

Supramolecular chemistry of two new bis(1,2,3-triazolyl)pyridine macrocycles: metal complexation, self-assembly and anion binding

Two new macrocycles containing the bis(1,2,3-triazolyl)pyridine (btp) motif were prepared in high yields from a btp diazide precursor (1). Solution ¹H NMR studies show that this diazide undergoes self-assembly with divalent transition metal ions to form ML₂ complexes with pendant azide groups, apparently suitable for conversion into metal-templated catenanes; however attempts to form these catenanes were unsuccessful. Instead a new macrocycle containing two btp motifs was prepared, which forms a nanotube structure in the solid state. Reduction of the azide groups to amines followed by amide bond formation was used to convert 1 into macrocycle 8 containing btp and isophthalamide functionalities. This macrocycle binds halide and oxalate anions in acetonitrile solely through the isophthalamide motif, and binds aromatic dicarboxylates very strongly through both the isophthalamide amide donors and the btp triazole donors. The macrocycle was complexed with Pd(II) and the resulting complexes were shown to bind strongly to halide anions. The solid state structures of [Pd·8·X]BF₄ (X = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-) were investigated by X-ray crystallography, which showed that [Pd·8·Br] forms an unusual "chain of dimers" structure assembled by metal complexation, N-H⋯Br^- hydrogen bonding and short Pd⋯Pd contacts.

Unprecedented toughness in transparent, luminescent, self-healing polymers enabled via hierarchical rigid domain design

The preparation of luminescent self-healing materials simultaneously featuring superior integrated mechanical properties is still a great challenge because the relationship between self-healing ability and mechanical capacities is conflicted. Here, transparent luminescent materials with balanced self-healing behavior, extreme toughness, and fast elastic recovery are prepared via hierarchical rigid domain design by coordinating lanthanide (Ln³⁺) to terpyridine (TPy) moieties linked to the polymer chains formed through polymerization of tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate-terminated polypropylene glycol (PPG-NCO) and 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA). The hierarchical rigid domain containing lanthanide-terpyridine (Ln³⁺-TPy) coordination interactions and H-bonds formed by urea and urethane leads to a tough network that features unprecedented toughness of 133.35 MJ m^-3, which reaches 83% of that of typical spider silk (≈ 160 MJ m^-3) and is also dynamic for fast self-healing at ambient temperature. Besides, the multi-color emission, ranging from red through orange and yellow to green, can be achieved via adjusting the molar ratio of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺. We believe that the strategy applied in this work provides some insights for the preparation of high mechanical strength luminescence materials with self-healing properties.

A Wide Bandgap Semiconducting Magnesium Hydrogel: Moisture Harvest, Iodine Sequestration, and Resistive Switching

Water harvesting from the ubiquitous moisture is pivotal for delivering fresh water to earth's arid/semiarid regions, and sequestration of iodine from the solution is crucial for environmental safety due to its severe effect on human metabolic processes. In this context, herein, a multifunctional supramolecular metallohydrogel (Mg@TAEA) is synthesized through direct mixing of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and the low molecular weight gelator tris(2-aminoethyl)amine. Electron microscopy reveals that Mg@TAEA is sculptured in vertically grown well-oriented micrometer-sized flakes. The porous crystalline material (52 m²/g) was found to be an efficacious host matrix for water harvesting from moisture (847 mg/g). Mg@TAEA shows effective (513 mg/g) iodine sequestration from solution and adsorption of carbon dioxide (15 mg/g). The wide bandgap semiconducting Mg@TAEA (3.6 eV) material is a potential candidate for building memory devices, and the I_on/I_off ratio of the device based on the indium tin oxide (ITO)/Mg@TAEA/Ag heterostructure was found to be ∼62. We further extended our work by analyzing the charge transport properties of the system and found space charge limited conduction (SCLC) and trap-filled SCLC to be responsible for the nonlinear transport behavior observed in the device.

Amino acid derivative-based Ln-metallohydrogels with multi-stimuli responsiveness and applications

Metallohydrogels and lanthanide (Ln) fluorescent materials have gained much attention recently. In this study, we designed and synthesized a facile gelator of a phenylalanine-based derivative containing an indazole group (namely IZF). It was found that IZF can self-assemble to form hydrogel at pH ≤ 7. Meanwhile, IZF and Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ can co-assemble to generate IZF-Tb and IZF-Eu metallohydrogels with green and red fluorescence, respectively, at pH 8-11, with excellent multi-stimuli responsiveness. The bimetallic hydrogels of IZF-Tb/Eu exhibit different colors under UV light by adjusting the ratio of Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺. Moreover, white light emission was achieved with IZF-Tb/Eu bimetallic gels through doping carbon dots (CDs) by tailoring the stoichiometric ratio of Ln-complex and CDs. Remarkably, IZF-Tb and IZF-Eu could be used as fluorescent inks with excellent stability. This study indicates that the amino acid derivative-based Ln-metallohydrogels are excellent candidates for constructing information storage and multiple anti-counterfeiting materials.

Preparation of Tris-Tetrazole-Based Metallogels and Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles: Studies on Reduction Catalysis and Self-Healing Property

An ionic multifunctional gelator molecule triethylammonium 5-(3,5-bis((1H-tetrazol-5-yl)carbamoyl)benzamido)tetrazol-1-ide G7 is synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic tools and mass spectrometry. G7 tends to form a stable organogel in a mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide/dimethylsulfoxide (DMF/DMSO) and water. Introduction of different metal perchlorate salts in a DMSO solution of G7 furnished a series of metallogels M¹G7, M²G7, M³G7, M⁴G7, M⁵G7, M⁶G7, and M⁷G7 [M¹ = Fe(III), M² = Co(II), M³ = Cu(II), M⁴ = Zn(II), M⁵ = Ag(I), M⁶ = Ni, and M⁷ = Fe(II)]. Among them, M¹G7, M³G7, M⁴G7, M⁶G7, and M⁷G7 help individually in the synthesis and stabilization of bimetallic nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Iron(III)-containing nanocomposites M¹G7AgNPs have been utilized in the form of catalysts in the reduction reaction of nitroaromatic compounds to corresponding amines with a quantitative yield. The organogel G7 has also shown the abilities to absorb different metal ions from aqueous solutions and allow selective transition of M¹G7 from the gel state to the crystalline state. Fe(III) formed dual metallogels with Zn(II), which can be used for further applications. Furthermore, the nanocomposite M¹G7AgNP powder, in the presence of the organogel G7, gets converted into a nanostructured metallogel, which shows exclusive self-healing properties. This is the first example where a nanocomposite powder contains the dual-metal system (Fe(III) and Ag(0)) and shows a reduction catalytic property, and its nanostructured dual-metallogel form manifests the self-healing property in a fabricated metallogel.

Macrocyclic vs. [2]catenane btp structures: influence of (aryl) substitution on the self templation of btp ligands in macrocyclic synthesis

The synthesis of four 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) olefin based ligands 3, 4, 11 and 12 is described and their attempted use to form mechanically interlocked molecules using ring closing metatheses (RCM) reactions. The btp ligands were modified in two ways, in 3 and 4 the aryl substitution pattern was changed from 4^th position to 3^rd position and in the case of 11 and 12, the arms were replaced with aliphatic chains. Our study demonstrates that for all four ligands, the RCM reactions only result in the formation of macrocyclic structures, which in three of the cases, were structurally characterised in both solution (using NMR and HRMS) and in the solid-state using X-ray crystallography. NMR studies were also carried out to investigate if these ligands could preorganise in solution via hydrogen bonding interactions. This study provides a handle of how such precursor substitution can be used to direct the formation of macrocycles or mechanically interlocked structures.

Simple modifications of nicotinic, isonicotinic, and 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acids toward new weapons against plant diseases

Recently, the biggest challenge in agriculture is the search for new, effective, and ecological methods of protecting plants against diseases. One of the fastest-growing and prospective strategies is a method based on activating the plant’s natural defenses. The use of suitable substances (elicitors) stimulates the immune system of plants, which makes them resistant to infections even before the first symptoms appear. This article presents preparation, characterization, phytotoxicity, and plant resistance induction efficacy of 28 ester derivatives of nicotinic, isonicotinic, and 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acids as potential inducers of plants’ natural immune system. Plant resistance induction efficacy tests were performed on tobacco Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi infected by the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).

Mechanically Interlocked Chiral Self-Templated [2]Catenanes from 2,6-Bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) Ligands

We report the efficient self-templated formation of optically active 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) derived homocircuit [2]catenane enantiomers. This represents the first example of the enantiopure formation of chiral btp homocircuit [2]catenanes from starting materials consisting of a classical chiral element; X-ray diffraction crystallography enabled the structural characterization of the [2]catenane. The self-assembly reaction was monitored closely in solution facilitating the characterization of the pseudo-rotaxane reaction intermediate prior to mechanically interlocking the pre-organised system via ring-closing metathesis.

Ruthenium-centred btp glycoclusters as inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation

Carbohydrate-decorated clusters (glycoclusters) centred on a Ru(ii) ion were synthesised and tested for their activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation. These clusters were designed by conjugating a range of carbohydrate motifs (galactose, glucose, mannose and lactose, as well as galactose with a triethylene glycol spacer) to a btp (2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine) scaffold. This scaffold, which possesses a C₂ symmetry, is an excellent ligand for d-metal ions, and thus the formation of the Ru(ii)-centred glycoclusters 7 and 8Gal was achieved from 5 and 6Gal; each possessing four deprotected carbohydrates. Glycocluster 8Gal, which has a flexible spacer between the btp and galactose moieties, showed significant inhibition of P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm formation. By contrast, glycocluster 7, which lacked the flexible linker, didn't show significant antimicrobial effects and neither does the ligand 6Gal alone. These results are proposed to arise from carbohydrate–lectin interactions with LecA, which are possible for the flexible metal-centred multivalent glycocluster. Metal-centred glycoclusters present a structurally versatile class of antimicrobial agent for P. aeruginosa, of which this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first example.

Ruthenium-centred glycoclusters based on carbohydrate-functionalised bis(triazolyl)pyridine ligands show Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibition, with activity that is dependent on ligand structure.

Highlights of the development and application of luminescent lanthanide based coordination polymers, MOFs and functional nanomaterials

The development of lanthanide based coordination polymer and metal-organic framework (CPs and MOFs) nanomaterials as novel functional (e.g. luminescent and magnetic) materials has attracted significant attention in recent times. This is in part due to the wide, but yet unique coordination requirements that the f-metal ions possess, as well as their attractive physical properties, which are often transferred to the bulk material. Hence, there is no surprise, that the design, synthesis and characterisation of lanthanide based CP/MOF materials (featuring either 'pure' lanthanides, or a mixture of both f- and d-metal ions) for applications in gas and small molecule absorption, storage, conversion/catalysis, chemical sensing, bio-imaging, drug delivery, etc. has been a prominent feature in the scientific literature. In this review, we give a selected overview of some of the recent developments in the area of Ln CP/MOF based nanomaterials for sensing, optical materials and bio-medicine research, as well as making reference to some more established examples, with the view of introducing, particularly to new researchers to the field, the powerful and attractive features of lanthanide based materials.

Stimulus-responsive luminescent hydrogels: Design and applications

Luminescent hydrogels are emerging soft materials with applications in photoelectric, biomedicine, sensors and actuators, which are fabricated via covalently conjugation of luminophors to hydrogelators or physical loading of luminescent organic/inorganic materials into hydrogel matrices. Due to the intrinsic stimulus-responsiveness for hydrogels such as thermo-, pH, ionic strength, light and redox, luminescent hydrogels could respond to external physical or chemical stimuli through varying the luminescent properties such as colors, fluorescent intensity and so on, affording diverse application potential in addition to the pristine individual hydrogels or luminescent materials. Based on the rapid development of such area, here we systematically summarize and discuss the design protocols, properties as well as the applications of stimulus-responsive luminescent hydrogels. Because of the stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, injectable and controllability of luminescent hydrogels, they are widely used as functional smart materials. We illustrate the applications of luminescent hydrogels. The future developments about luminescent hydrogels are also presented.

Self-Healing Polymers Based on Coordination Bonds

Self-healing ability is an important survival feature in nature, with which living beings can spontaneously repair damage when wounded. Inspired by nature, people have designed and synthesized many self-healing materials by encapsulating healing agents or incorporating reversible covalent bonds or noncovalent interactions into a polymer matrix. Among the noncovalent interactions, the coordination bond is demonstrated to be effective for constructing highly efficient self-healing polymers. Moreover, with the presence of functional metal ions or ligands and dynamic metal-ligand bonds, self-healing polymers can show various functions such as dielectrics, luminescence, magnetism, catalysis, stimuli-responsiveness, and shape-memory behavior. Herein, the recent developments and achievements made in the field of self-healing polymers based on coordination bonds are presented. The advantages of coordination bonds in constructing self-healing polymers are highlighted, the various metal-ligand bonds being utilized in self-healing polymers are summarized, and examples of functional self-healing polymers originating from metal-ligand interactions are given. Finally, a perspective is included addressing the promises and challenges for the future development of self-healing polymers based on coordination bonds.

Balancing connectivity with function in silver(i) networks of pyridyltriazole (tzpa) ligands results in the formation of a metallogel

A new flexible and divergent 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand 2 and the half-equivalent model ligand 1, both functionalised with pendant 3-pyridyl groups, are reported and their coordination behaviour with silver(i) ions is explored, both in the crystalline phase and through the formation of a supramolecular metallogel. The self-assembly of tzpa ligand 1 with AgCF3SO3 resulted in the formation of a 1D coordination polymer, binding in a bidentate fashion through the pyridyl and triazole nitrogen atoms of the tzpa binding site and a pendant pyridyl nitrogen atom of an adjacent ligand. Doubling the number of metal binding sites in ligand 2, while retaining the same metal binding domain, gives rise to the formation of a supramolecular metallogel on reaction with AgBF4 at 5 wt% in MeCN, possessing self-healing properties.

Unexpected linkage isomerism in chiral tetranuclear bis-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) grids

The synthesis of a chiral bis-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand is described and its coordination chemistry with Cu(NO3)2 and [Cu(MeCN)4]PF6 is explored in the crystalline phase as well as in solution. Chiral [2 × 2] tetranuclear square grid complexes [Cu4(H21)4](NO3)8 and [Cu4(H1)4](PF6)4 were observed, and crystallographically analysed, these being linkage isomers with N4O2 and N5O coordination spheres, respectively. These come about by an unusual in situ amide deprotonation and coordination, which accompanies a CuI → CuII oxidation process.

Luminescent lanthanide (Eu(iii)) cross-linked supramolecular metallo co-polymeric hydrogels: the effect of ligand symmetry

Two lanthanide luminescent naphthyl-dipicolinic amide (dpa) methacrylate monomers for the synthesis of grafted supramolecular co-polymer gels (hydrogels), and their use as additional crosslinks in robust covalently cross-linked HEMA hydrogels is presented.

Heterometallic Coordination Polymer Gels Supported by 2,4,6-Tris(pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine

Complexes of type [M(tpt)₂]X₂ (M²⁺ = Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺; tpt = 2,4,6-tri{pyrazol-1-yl}-1,3,5-triazine; X^- = BF₄ ^- or ClO₄ ^-) crystallize in a cubic lattice, with the metal ion and ligand conformation showing unusual symmetry-imposed disorder. Addition of 1 equiv AgX to the corresponding preformed [M(tpt)₂]X₂ salt in concentrated MeNO₂ solution affords thixotropic gels. Gelation was not observed in analogous reactions using [Mn(tpt)₂][ClO₄]₂, or from reactions in other, more donating solvents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from dilute solutions of the reagents confirmed the fibrous microstructure of the gels and their homogeneous elemental composition. However, energy-dispersive X-ray data show a reduced Fe/Ag ratio compared to the Co/Ag and Ni/Ag gels, where a 1:1 ratio of metals is evident. More concentrated gels decomposed to silver nanoparticles during SEM sample preparation. Mass spectrometry and ¹H NMR indicate that silver induces partial ligand displacement reactions in [Fe(tpt)₂]²⁺ and [Co(tpt)₂]²⁺, but not in [Ni(tpt)₂]²⁺. Hence, the strength of the gels, which follows the order M = Mn (no gel) < Fe < Co < Ni, correlates with the stability of octahedral [M(tpt)₂]²⁺ under gelation conditions. Iron(II) complexes of the related ligands 2,4,6-tri{pyrazol-1-yl}pyridine (tpp) and 2,4,6-tri{pyrazol-1-yl}pyrimidine (tpym) did not undergo gelation with silver salts under the above conditions. The unique properties of tpt as a gelator in this work may reflect the crystallographically observed ability of metal-coordinated tpt to chelate to exogenous silver ions, through its pendant pyrazolyl group and triazinyl N donors. In contrast, the pendant azolyl substituents in silver complexes of the nongelators tpp and tpym only bind exogenous silver in monodentate fashion.

Recent advances in the development of luminescent lanthanide-based supramolecular polymers and soft materials

Combination of different properties has always proven effective in the generation of hybrid materials with novel interesting properties. Ln(iii) containing materials possessing multiple properties are useful in a wide range of applications. In this article, key and recent examples of metallo-supramolecular polymers in the formation of gels, soft polymeric materials and films are discussed. There is a focus on the use of trivalent lanthanide, Ln(iii), ions to provide soft materials with advanced mechanical and luminescence properties for applications in developing electronic- and bio-technologies. This frontier article has been written with the intention of reaching a broad range of readers from various backgrounds such as chemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy and biochemistry. Additionally, we evaluate how the unique and versatile properties of such hybrid materials can be tuned and explored to enhance the efficiency, as well as research, for new ones. Finally, an assessment of the current state-of-the-art and our outlook for the future of this field is made.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of a Zn(II) Coordination Polymer Based on a Difunctional Ligand Containing Triazolyl and Carboxyl Groups

A new compound, namely, [Zn(L)2]n (1) was obtained by the reaction of 2-methyl-4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl) benzoic acid (HL) with ZnSO4·7H2O, and the compound was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis. The linear HL ligands were deprotonated to be L− anions and act as two-connectors to link Zn2+ to form a two-dimensional (2D) lay structure with (4, 4) topology. The large vacancy of 2D framework allows another layer structure to interpenetrate, resulting in the formation of 2D + 2D → 2D parallel interpenetration in 1. The weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions, connect the adjacent 2D layers into a three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymer. The solid-state UV-visible spectroscopy and luminescent property have also been studied.

Discotic Organic Gelators in Ion Sensing, Metallogel Formation, and Bioinspired Catalysis

Two organogelators G2 and G3 with a carboxamide group have been synthesized and characterized with different spectroscopic tools. Dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide solutions of both the compounds upon the addition of a minute quantity of water show the tendency to form gels. Supramolecular self-assembly for gel formation paves the way for aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) phenomena for both the gelator molecules. Introduction of metal ions in organogels strengthens the gel property without much affecting the fluorescence behavior. However, the introduction of Ag⁺, Fe²⁺, and Fe³⁺ ions in the G2 organogel separately results in total quenching of AIEE, making it possible to sense that particular cation in the gel state. The G3 organogel shows a similar behavior with the Fe²⁺ ion. Remarkably, other metallogels such as Ni(II)G2 and Co(II)G2 can sense sulfide ion and Cu(II)G2 can sense iodide ion by switching off the fluorescence even in multianalyte conditions. Furthermore, the copper-based metallogel Cu(II)G2 can be utilized as a catalyst and reaction medium for aerobic oxidation of catechol to quinone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt known so far to utilize a metallogel material for bioinspired catalysis such as catechol oxidation.

The effect of the linker size in C2-symmetrical chiral ligands on the self-assembly formation of luminescent triple-stranded di-metallic Eu(iii) helicates in solution

Chiral lanthanide-based supramolecular structures have gained significant importance in view of their application in imaging, sensing and other functional purposes. We have designed chiral C2-symmetrical ligands (L) based on the use of two 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic-amide moieties (pda), that differ from one another by the nature of the diamine spacer groups (from 1,3-phenylenedimethanamine (1(S,S), 2(R,R)) and benzene-1,3-diamine (3(S,S), 4(R,R)) to much bulkier 4,4'-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)bis(2,6-dimethylaniline) (5(S,S), 6(R,R))) between these two pda units. The self-assembly between L and Eu(iii) ions were investigated in CH3CN solution at low concentration whereby the changes in the absorbance, fluorescence and Eu(iii)-centred emission spectra allowed us to model the binding equilibria occurring in the solution to the presence of [Eu:L2], [Eu2:L2], [Eu2:L3] assemblies and reveal their high binding constant values. The self-assembly in solution were also studied at higher concentration by following the changes in the 1H NMR spectra of the ligands upon Eu(iii) addition, as well as by using MALDI-MS of the isolated solid state complexes. The chiroptical properties of the ligands were used in order to study the structural changes upon self-assembly between the ligands and Eu(iii) ions using circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) spectroscopies. The photophysical properties of [Eu2:L3] complexes were evaluated in solution and showed a decrease of luminescence quantum yield when going from the ligand with smaller (1(S,S)) to bulkier (5(S,S)) linker from ∼5.8% to ∼2.6%. While mass-spectrometry revealed the possible formation of trinucler assemblies such as [Eu3:L3] and [Eu3:L2].

Norbornene chaotropic salts as low molecular mass ionic organogelators (LMIOGs)

Phenylalanine functionalised norbornene (9:Na) functions as a potent, low molecular-mass (MW = 333 Da) ionic organogelator with a minimum gelating concentration of 0.5 wt% in THF, i-PrOH, 1,4-dioxane and n-BuOH. Fibrous crystals form in the gel and X-ray crystallography identified a cation mediated helical assembly process controlled by the chirality of the phenylalanine. In addition to excellent gelating properties 9:Na readily forms aqueous biphasic and triphasic systems.

Luminescent europium(iii) complexes containing an electron rich 1,2,3-triazolyl-pyridyl ligand

Novel lanthanide complexes based on a strongly electron rich triazolyl-pyridine (N-N′) ligand were synthesized; among them [Eu(dbm)₃(N-N′)] was found to be strongly luminescent also once embedded in a PMMA matrix.

A folded [2 × 2] metallo-supramolecular grid from a bis-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand

A flexible ditopic ligand 1 containing two N,N,O-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide chelating pockets is reported and the formation of multimetallic architectures is explored in the solid and the solution phase. The self-assembled Zn^II complex [Zn₄(1)₄](ClO₄)₈ exhibited a folded [2 × 2] square grid supramolecular architecture that selectively assembled in MeCN solution as shown using various spectroscopic techniques. The closely related Fe^II complex shows equivalent behaviour in the solid state, while a discrete dinuclear species [Cu₂(NO₃)₄1]·5MeCN was the sole product observed in the solid state from the reaction between 1 and Cu^II under similar conditions.

Functional metallosupramolecular architectures using 1,2,3-triazole ligands: it's as easy as 1,2,3 “click”

Self-assembled metallosupramolecular architectures generated using “click” ligands have become an increasingly popular area of inorganic chemistry.

Coordination chemistry of N-picolyl-1,8-naphthalimides: colourful low molecular weight metallo-gelators and unique chelation behaviours

A family of N-picolyl-1,8-napthalimide ligands display fascinating coordination chemistry and produce a series of robust and chemically responsive supramolecular metallo-gels.

A class of polytriazole metallogels via CuAAC polymerization: preparation and properties

Coordination-driven polytriazole metallogels possess good self-healing abilities.

A resilient and luminescent stimuli-responsive hydrogel from a heterotopic 1,8-naphthalimide-derived ligand

A heterotopic naphthalimide ligand N-(4-picolyl)-4-(4′-carboxyphenoxy)-1,8-naphthalimide HL is utilised for the formation of self-assembled soft materials.