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  • Review Article
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Shaping and structuring supramolecular gels

Nature Reviews Materials volume 4, pages 463–478 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

Supramolecular gels assemble via non-covalent interactions between low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs). The gels form a solid-like nanoscale network spanning a liquid-like continuous phase, translating molecular-scale information into materials performance. However, gels based on LMWGs are often difficult to manipulate, easily destroyed and have poor rheological performance. The recurring image of newly discovered supramolecular gels is that of an inverted vial showing that the gel can support its own weight against gravity. Such images reflect the limitation that these gels simply fill the vessel in which they are made, with limited ability to be shaped. This property prevents supramolecular gels from having the same impact as polymer gels, despite greater synthetic tunability, reversibility and bio/environmental compatibility. In this Review, we evaluate strategies for imposing different shapes onto supramolecular gels and for patterning structures within them. We review fabrication methods including moulding, self-healing, 3D printing, photopatterning, diffusion and surface-mediated patterning. We discuss gelator chemistries amenable to each method, highlighting how a multicomponent approach can aid shaping and structuring. Supramolecular gels with defined shapes, or patterned structures with precisely controlled compositions, have the potential to intervene in applications, such as tissue engineering and nanoscale electronics, as well as opening up new technologies.

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Fig. 1: Schematic of supramolecular gel assembly and strategies to achieve shaping and patterning of self-assembled gels.
Fig. 2: Some supramolecular gels formed from LMWGs are thixotropic as a consequence of molecular-scale mobility of the gel-forming components.
Fig. 3: Two approaches to 3D printing of supramolecular gels.
Fig. 4: Structuring of gels using photopatterning methods.
Fig. 5: Photopatterning of multicomponent and multidomain gels.
Fig. 6: Diffusion control of reactive components can yield patterned gels.
Fig. 7: Electrochemical surface patterning of self-assembled gels.
Fig. 8: Surface patterned gels assembled on patterned catalytic surfaces.

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Acknowledgements

D.K.S. acknowledges the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for funding (EP/P03361X/1). P.R.A.C. acknowledges funding from the EPSRC and the University of York (Doctoral Training Partnership award).

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    Phillip R. A. Chivers & David K. Smith

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P.R.A.C. and D.K.S. carried out the literature search and the writing of the article. D.K.S. led the process of editorial revisions.

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Chivers, P.R.A., Smith, D.K. Shaping and structuring supramolecular gels. Nat Rev Mater 4, 463–478 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-019-0111-6

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