Stimuli-responsive europium-containing metallo-supramolecular polymers

A series of stimuli-responsive films based on metallo-supramolecular polymers have been prepared and studied. The metallo-supramolecular polymers are comprised of a 4-oxy-2,6-bis-(1′-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine ditopic endcapped poly(tetrahydrofuran) with different ratios of Zn²⁺ and Eu³⁺. A combination of the optical properties of the Eu³⁺ complex along with its more labile nature results in the formation of highly stimuli-responsive materials. The films of the Eu³⁺-containing metallo-supramolecular polymers show a pronounced optical response to an increase in temperature or upon exposure to chemicals such as triethyl phosphate, which was used as a mimic for organophosphate pesticides and nerve gas agents.