(319b) Exploring the Potential of Smart Supramolecular Materials for Energy and Beyond

Supramolecular complexes, which are held together by non-covalent interactions, offer unique physicochemical properties that are distinct from their constituent molecules. Recently, the development of smart supramolecular complexes has become attractive due to their adjustable and controllable properties in response to internal or external stimuli. These intelligent materials have advantages in various fields, including energy, biology, medicine, horticulture, and others.

In the energy field, the development of smart supramolecular systems has the potential to enhance the production of fuel from traditional and unconventional reservoirs at minimum cost and high productivity. Our research focused on the development of pH-stimuli and temperature-triggered supramolecular complexes based on surfactants and hydrotopes, which can be controlled in a facile manner and respond swiftly, while being economically and environmentally friendly. For these systems, a maximum ~ 16,000-fold adjustability of viscosity could be achieved by adjusting the pH and temperature. Non-Maxwellian and Maxwellian fluid behavior transition could be controlled through changing the environment conditions. The molecular and micellar structure change contribute to these outstanding rheological properties. Stud

The potential applications of these smart supramolecular complexes were tested as candidate additives for enhanced oil recovery and hydraulic fracturing to improve oil and gas production. These intelligent materials can also be beneficial for other fields, such as personal care, lubricants, and biomedical applications, due to their intriguing properties. Overall, smart supramolecular complexes have promising potential for various applications in different fields, including the energy industry.