Communication Ion-induced white-light-emitting polymeric hydrogels with high mechanical strength and reversible stimuli-responsive properties

We have developed a facile strategy to fabricate model multicolor hydrogels via a straightforward mixing process of poly acrylonitrile-grafted methacrylamide (PANMAM), polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) and doped lanthanide (Eu/Tb) and zinc ions to form the interpenetrating dual-polymer gel networks. The hydrogels exhibit excellent tunability of multi-spectrum emission colors (including white light) by simply varying the stoichiometry of metal ions. Furthermore, taking the advantage of different metal ion response mechanisms, we have demonstrated the reversible acidity/alkalinity stimuli-responsive behaviors of white-light-emitting hydrogel (WLE gel). Meanwhile, the unique cross-linked network formed through hydrogen-bonding, metal-ligand coordination and ionic interaction is introduced to achieve favorable mechanical strength of hydrogels. These properties enable the possibility in obtaining fluorescent patterns on hydrogels, which are promising candidate for encrypted information with improved security. (c) 2021 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A facile strategy has been developed to fabricate model multicolor hydrogels with excellent tunability of emission colors, reversible stimuli-responsive behaviors, and enhanced mechanical strength. These properties enable the hydrogels to potentially be used for obtaining fluorescent patterns for encrypted information with improved security.