Structural And Gelation Characteristics Of Metallo-Supramolecular Polymer Model-Network Hydrogels Probed By Static And Dynamic Light Scattering

Supramolecular polymer gels are a promising class of materials whose polymer components are connected by transient bonds such as metal-ligand interactions, thereby spanning a dynamic network throughout the entire sample volume. Due to the short bond lifetimes in these networks, structural characterization on appropriate time and length scales is a challenge. To address this challenge, we vary the association strengths of telechelic poly(ethylene glycol) model networks through the use of different bivalent metal ions with the aim of conducting a systematic investigation of their scattering properties. Introduction of a preparation method that opens the opportunity to tune the gelation time allows the underlying gelation mechanism to be revealed by time-resolved light scattering. A statistical analysis of the gel scattering intensities shows major differences depending on the metal-terpyridine association strength.