Investigating coordinate network based films through mechanical and optical properties

Abstract

Both biological and synthetic materials crosslinked via metal coordinate dynamic chemistry display interesting advanced behavior. In particular, coordinate networks have been shown to form self-healing, self-assembling, and stimuli-responsive behaviors through its tunable optical and mechanical properties as well as its ability to for dynamic networks. However, while the majority of research has focused on characterization of bulk coordinate networks, coordinate complexes have also been shown to be useful in molecular film formation [1 and 2]. This study investigates the mechanical and optical properties of tannic acid and 4 arm catechol polyethylene glycol based coordinate network films. It shows that these films can contribute to energy dissipation and undergo pH-induced optical shifts when used as coatings on soft hydrogels. It also provides evidence that the molecular architecture of the network formers may have considerable effect on the properties and behavior of coordinate network films. Ultimately this work lays the foundation for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms and engineering potential of coordinate network based films.