Synthesis of stimuli-responsive pillararene-based supramolecular polymer materials for the detection and separation of metal ions

A stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer network(G-(CN)_(2)⊂BXDSP5)with aggregation-induced emission(AIE)properties has been efficiently constructed by host-guest interactions between pillar[5]arene derivative BXDSP5 and a homoditopic guest G-(CN)_(2),which shows not only excellent fluorescence properties due to the AIE effect but also desirable ion-sensing abilities in both solution and solid states,holding great potential in the applicable fluorescence detection for Fe^(3+).The resultant G-(CN)_(2)⊂BXDSP5 can be transformed into supramolecular polymer gel at high concentration via multiple noncovalent interactions,showing multi-stimuli-responsiveness in response to temperature change,mechanical force,and competitive agent.Meanwhile,the xerogel of supramolecular polymer material has been successfully used to remove Fe^(3+)from water with high adsorption efficiency.In addition,an ionresponsive film based on supramolecular polymer has also been developed,which can serve as a practical and convenient fluorescence test kit for detecting Fe^(3+).