Nanostructure of Binary Organogels via Trigonal Acids and Pyridine Derivatives

Abstract

We reported here the gelation behaviors of binary trigonal acids and bipyridine derivatives mixtures in various organic solvents. Their gelation behaviors in 20 solvents were tested as new organic gelators. It was shown that the molecular shapes and substituent groups in these compounds played a crucial role in the gelation behavior of the compounds. While the trigonal acid with aromatic core can gel in acetone and ethanol, another trigonal acid with hydrophobic core can only gel in aniline. The molecular structures and substituent groups of bipyridine derivatives have also played an important role in changing the gelation behaviors and assembly states. SEM observations reveal that the molecular structures and the identity of the solvents are the main factors affecting the structures of the aggregates in the gels. Experimentally, different microstructures of the gels were observed. As example, the aggregates of trigonal compound in acetone, ethanol, or aniline adopt structures of belt-like aggregates or thin nanofibers, respectively.