Multi-stimuli responsive metal-organic gel of benzimidazol-based ligands with lead nitrate and their use in removal of dyes from waste-water

A novel smart metal-organic gel (MOG) formed from biscarboxyl-functionalized benzimidazole derivative (D11) in the presence of lead nitrate has been investigated. The critical gel concentration for the formation of MOG was just 0.36 wt%, which exhibits a super gelation capability of D11. The coordination of the metal to the ligand D11 was found to play a vital role in the construction of the supramolecular MOG. Microstructures determined by SEM observation demonstrated that the MOG was formed by intertwined fibrils. Interestingly, the MOG exhibits pH-induced, thermo-induced, and chemical-induced reversible gel–sol transition. Meanwhile, this supramolecular MOG shows desirable absorption ability of methyl orange dye molecules in aqueous solution.

A smart lead-induced metal-organic gel (MOG) has been investigated. The MOG exhibits multi-stimuli reversible gel–sol transition.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide