Self‐Healing Hydrogels by Metal Complexation of 2,6‐Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4yl)pyridine Functionalized Tetra‐Arm Star Poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract The fabrication of 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4yl)pyridine (btp) based metallo‐supramolecular gels has been mainly focusing on organogels. Only recently, the synthesis and hydrogel formation linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with multiple btp units in main chain are reported. In this manuscript, hydrogels that constructed using tetra‐arm star PEG‐modified end‐groups upon complexation transition metal ions This btp‐functionalized star‐PEG precursor is more easily accessible defined than previously reported system while also yielding stronger hydrogels. gelation selectively induced by Ni 2+ strongly depended metal‐ligand ratio polymer concentration. successful organogels can be or Fe ion acetonitrile, which leads to strongest complexes. inability form ascribed partial oxidation 3+ an aqueous solution. Furthermore, optimal conditions for achieving self‐healing capabilities determined (i.e., 4 wt% concentration btp:Ni molar 2:1) rheology. high strain resistance fast characteristics make these specific a promising platform materials design potential applications supramolecular chemistry, coordination catalysis.