A hybrid hydrogel based on clay nanoplatelets and host-guest inclusion complexes

In this work, a monomer with double bond was introduced to the surface of clay nanosheets via inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin (CD) host and azobenzene (Azo) guest, as well as electrostatic interaction between clay nanoplatelets and cations of azobenzene derivatives. The obtained supra-structure acts as a supramolecular cross-linker in its copolymerization with macromonomer PEG resulting in a hybrid supramolecular hydrogel. Only viscous liquid was obtained in the absence of clay nanoplatelets, revealing the supramolecular cross-linker played an important role in the hydrogel formation. Such hybrid supramolecular hydrogel exhibited good stability and shear thinning property.