# Perylene dianhydride hydrogels obtained from accessible perylene diamic acid salts by a versatile protonation–hydrolysis mechanism

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new method to create strong perylene dianhydride hydrogels from easily accessible salts using a protonation-hydrolysis process.

## Contribution

A new class of perylene hydrogelators and a versatile protonation–hydrolysis mechanism for forming PDA hydrogels are introduced.

## Key findings

- Weak gels form initially via π-stacking, which then strengthen through hydrolysis.
- Hydrogels can be made at low concentrations (0.5 mM) with storage moduli around 600 Pa at 1 mM.
- The gels undergo significant syneresis over time.

## Abstract

Perylene dianhydride (PDA) hydrogels are made from highly accessible perylene diamic acid salts (PDAA salts) by a versatile protonation–hydrolysis mechanism. Very weak gels are formed initially by π-stacking of PDAAs and subsequent hydrolysis yields much stronger PDA hydrogels. Hydrogels are readily made at concentrations down to 0.5 mM, exhibit storage moduli around 600 Pa @ 1 mM and undergo significant syneresis in time.

We report on the synthesis and gel forming abilities of perylene diamic acid salts, a new type of perylene hydrogelator that forms perylene dianhydride gels by a versatile protonation–hydrolysis mechanism.