Thermally Stable, Recyclable, and Luminescent Coordination Adaptable Network Base on a Tb3+ Complexes Cross-Linker

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are receiving intense attention due to the growing demand for sustainable materials, as they show thermoset-like behavior but can also be (re)­processed, recycled, and healed. However, most CANs reported so far have a trade-off between mechanical strength and reversible properties, often show performance reduction after reprocessing and/or recycling, deform severely during service, or lack photoelectrical functions. In this work, we designed and synthesized a coordination adaptable network (CoAN) cross-linked by Tb3+ complexes with β-diketone ligands. The as-prepared CoAN demonstrates excellent (re)­processability and recyclability under mild conditions without significant decline in mechanical properties. Meanwhile, it shows temperature-insensitive mechanical strength (Young’s modulus of 134 MPa at 25 °C with a soft-rigid switching ability (σ, defined as G′max/G′min within a certain temperature range) of only 8.9 from 20 to 140 °C and excellent creep resistance even at elevated temperatures (creep strains