To create the redox-responsive self-healing supramolecular hydrogel, we chose the βCD as a host molecules and the ferrocene (Fc) as a guest molecules. Fc formed inclusion complexes with βCD, when Fc was reduction state. On the other hand, Fc+ , which was oxidation state, dissociated inclusion complexes. The supramoleculat hydrogel was formed by mixing the Fc modified polymer and the βCD modified polymer.
Fig.1
The cut hydrogel pieces adhered between cut surfaces (Figure 2a).
Additionally, the self-healing performance decreased when the oxidant was coated on the cut surfaces. Subsequently, the self-healing performance recovered when the reductant was coated on the cut surfaces (Figure 2b).
Figure 2. The self-healing and redox-responsive behavior of the supramolecular hydrogel.
(a)Readhesion experiments(b) Redox-controlled experiments of the self-healing behavior.
Self-healing mechanism
Redox-controlled experiments of the self-healing behavior
