Smart luminescent hydrogel with superior mechanical performance based on polymer networks embedded with lanthanide containing clay nanocomposites

Abstract

Due to their inherent biocompatibility and unique optical properties, luminescent hydrogels have recently garnered tremendous interest. However, most of the explored luminescent hydrogels cannot well meet the requirements of both sufficient mechanical properties and smart luminescence. Here we report a smart luminescent hydrogel with superior mechanical performance by in situ copolymerization of the acrylamide monomers and lanthanide loaded clay nanosheets. The Eu-DPA@clay nanosheets emitting center can not only be well dispersed in aqueous solution, but also maintain robust luminescence. Interestingly, the additional interaction between the Eu-DPA@clay nanosheets and the polymer network endows the hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, a luminescence on/off switch is also achieved by alternative acid and base stimuli, which may have potential applications in smart luminescent devices.