Dual‐Terminal Molecular Strategy for Robust and Reversible Supramolecular Adhesion

Achieving strong yet reversible adhesion via minimalist molecular design remains a critical challenge for next-generation supramolecular materials. Here, a dual-end modular adhesion strategy is presented based on a small organic molecule incorporating carboxylic acid and triphenylphosphonium terminals linked by a flexible alkyl spacer. This design enables synergistic noncovalent interactions-including hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and electrostatic forces-to construct a thermally reconfigurable supramolecular network. Upon mild heating, the system transitions from ordered to amorphous states, facilitating dynamic cohesion and interfacial adaptability across both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates. The resulting adhesive achieves high lap-shear strength (up to 4.6 MPa on polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), rapid curing, and exceptional resistance to solvents, humidity, and low temperatures. Moreover, it enables fully reversible adhesion and closed-loop recyclability. Combined experimental characterizations and molecular simulations reveal how the interplay of molecular architecture and noncovalent synergy governs adhesion performance. This work provides a generalizable framework for the design of sustainable, programmable supramolecular adhesives.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Science
Published
2025-08-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202511818
Primary Topic
Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Dual‐Terminal Molecular Strategy for Robust and Reversible Supramolecular Adhesion

Yongri Liang, Keju Sun, Ying Dan Liu, Jingyue Yang et al.
Advanced Science
Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
article

Dual‐Terminal Molecular Strategy for Robust and Reversible Supramolecular Adhesion

Yongri Liang, Keju Sun, Ying Dan Liu, Jingyue Yang, Shiru Wang, Feng Li, Meng Liang, Guangming Lu, Yuru Wang
article en

Abstract

Achieving strong yet reversible adhesion via minimalist molecular design remains a critical challenge for next-generation supramolecular materials. Here, a dual-end modular adhesion strategy is presented based on a small organic molecule incorporating carboxylic acid and triphenylphosphonium terminals linked by a flexible alkyl spacer. This design enables synergistic noncovalent interactions-including hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and electrostatic forces-to construct a thermally reconfigurable supramolecular network. Upon mild heating, the system transitions from ordered to amorphous states, facilitating dynamic cohesion and interfacial adaptability across both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates. The resulting adhesive achieves high lap-shear strength (up to 4.6 MPa on polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), rapid curing, and exceptional resistance to solvents, humidity, and low temperatures. Moreover, it enables fully reversible adhesion and closed-loop recyclability. Combined experimental characterizations and molecular simulations reveal how the interplay of molecular architecture and noncovalent synergy governs adhesion performance. This work provides a generalizable framework for the design of sustainable, programmable supramolecular adhesives.

Advanced ScienceVol. 12(43)
Sichuan University (CN), Yanshan University (CN), Ningbo Institute of Industrial Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Yanshan University, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
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