Polymeric BODIPY derivatives with reactive functional groups undergo reversible formation of covalent bonds leading to self-healing properties. Cross-reactivity of acyl-hydrazine and aldehyde moieties forms the basis of dynamic covalent chemistry leading to sol-gel transition in this series of compounds. In addition, thin layers of absorbers show efficient energy transfer indicating a potential in solar concentration.Self-healing is a very intriguing emergent property which was until recently kept in the domain of biological systems.
1-8Reversible supramolecular interactions and certain covalent transformations which are also reversible under ambient conditions provided an avenue for the realization of self-healing with non-biological smart materials.9-18 Having the potential to repair the damage caused by mechanical use over time, these polymeric materials are, and will be, highly sought-aer due to considerations for safety, extended use period and energy conservation.19-24 In general, tiny fractures or defects on the surface of the polymeric materials are difficult to correct, but the self-healing property offers a great advantage in this regard, extending the functional use period signicantly.25 Judiciously engineered covalent interactions have the potential to result in particularly robust materials with such self-healing capability. Any tear or break in the material will leave behind multiple adhesive/cross-reactive termini, which, on contact, would reinstate the covalent bonds ruptured by the physical effector in the rst place. Cross-linked covalent polymers with self-healing properties are expected to result in particularly durable materials.
26-35During the past decade, the progress made in BODIPY chemistry has attracted considerable attention due to their high quantum yields, ease of derivatization and a multitude of potential applications.
36-42In this study, our goal was to combine the two phenomena namely, through space energy transfer and self-healing ability, to open a new path towards a new generation of solar concentrators. We targeted the synthesis of two gels (G1 and G2), which are to function as energy donor and acceptor layers. To that end, a BODIPY donor monomer M1 with triformyl groups and a BODIPY acceptor monomer M2 were separately synthesized.For the synthesis of M1, rstly triiodo-BODIPY derivative (compound 6) was synthesized and then 4-ethynyl benzaldehyde groups were attached this compound via Sonogashira coupling. The synthesis for the second monomer M2 started with the reaction of known BODIPY dye (compound 2) with 4-(hydroxymethyl) benzaldehyde under Knoevenagel conditions (Scheme 1). Thus, the monomer M2 was designed to have longer absorption and emission wavelengths, compared to the monomer M1 due to extended of conjugation and strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) (ESI, † Table S1). M2 was obtained via subsequent formylation with Dess-Martin periodianane. Following that conversion, a bis-acylhydrazine functionalized PEO polymer P1 (polyethyleneoxide, M n ¼ 2000) was pr...