Beyond Covalent Crosslinks: Applications of Supramolecular Gels

Abstract

Traditionally, gels have been defined by their covalently cross-linked polymer networks. Supramolecular gels challenge this framework by relying on non-covalent interactions for self-organization into hierarchical structures. This class of materials offers a variety of novel and exciting potential applications. This review draws together recent advances in supramolecular gels with an emphasis on their proposed uses as optoelectronic, energy, biomedical, and biological materials. Additional special topics reviewed include environmental remediation, participation in synthesis procedures, and other industrial uses. The examples presented here demonstrate unique benefits of supramolecular gels, including tunability, processability, and self-healing capability, enabling a new approach to solve engineering challenges.

Using Small-Angle Scattering and Contrast Matching to Understand Molecular Packing in Low Molecular Weight Gels

“…Low molecular weight gels are formed by the self-assembly of small molecules into anisotropic structures. [1][2][3][4][5] These gels are widely used in numerous applications, 6,7 including tissue engineering, 8 drug delivery, 9 optoelectronics, 10,11 structuring, 12 remediation, 13 and catalysis, 14 among others.…”

Designing Supramolecular Gelators: Challenges, Frustrations, and Hopes

“…Supramolecular gels are important materials because of their various potential applications that span from material sciences to biomedical sciences [11]. Therefore, designing supramolecular gels a priori is highly desirable.…”

Solvent-Assisted Tyrosine-Based Dipeptide Forms Low-Molecular Weight Gel: Preparation and Its Potential Use in Dye Removal and Oil Spillage Separation from Water

“…The exclusive characteristics of supramolecular gels, that is, functionalization, high aspect ratio, and high loading capacities, make them suitable candidates for the next-generation water purification materials. 37 Everyday, the accidental or intentional dumping of crude oil and petrochemicals into water and also contamination of toxic dyes by chemical industries are serious environmental issue. 38 The annual disposal of millions of tons of petroleum across waterways worldwide which are also disposed in industrial waste, can cause extensive damage to the natural ecosystem and human health.…”