Synthesis and Characterization of Photoresponsive Supramolecular Gel Formed by a Smart Surfactant

A new supramolecular gelator was formed by combining a polyetheramine surfactant, an azobenzene liner, and a silane group. This amphiphilic surfactant was evaluated in a DMSO/H2O mixing solvent to test the gelation ability by inversion of the vials. The azobenzene-based gelator was found to rapidly and reversibly transform from gel to solution upon changes in temperature and light. Upon heating, it caused disruption of the p-p bonding, which was confirmed by 1H NMR at different temperatures. Height of the foam columns and the surface tension of solution can be photocontrolled stability, which showed a novel smart surfactant was formed.