Molecular engineering of supramolecular polymer adhesive with confined water and a single crown ether.

ABSTRACT: Here, we report a water-induced supramolecular polymer adhesive formed from confined water and an intrinsically amphiphilic macrocyclic self-assembly in a nanophase-separated structure. The selenium-containing crown ether macrocycle, featuring a strong hydrophilic hydrogen-bond receptor (selenoxide) and a synergistic hydrophobic selenium-substituted crown core, confines water within a segregated, interdigitated architecture. While water molecules typically freeze around 0 °C, the confined water in this supramolecular polymer remains in a liquid-like state down to -80 °C. Previous studies suggested that multiple crown ether units are required to generate confined water; however, in this case, a single unit is sufficient to control the formation and disappearance of confined water, driving s

SUBMITTER: Xu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11694651 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature