Functional Molecular Gels

Written by active researchers in the area, this book details the latest research on the field from fundamentals to applications.

Molecular gels and fibrillar networks – a comprehensive guide to experiment and theory Molecular Gels: Materials with Self-Assembled Fibrillar Networks provides a comprehensive treatise on gelators, especially low molecular-mass gelators (LMOGs), and the properties of their gels. The structures and modes of formation of the self-assembled fibrillar networks (SAFINs) that immobilize the liquid components of the gels are discussed experimentally and theoretically. The spectroscopic, rheological, and structural features of the different classes of LMOGs are also presented. Many examples of the application of the principal analytical techniques for investigation of molecular gels (including SANS, SAXS, WAXS, UV-vis absorption, fluorescence and CD spectroscopies, scanning electron, transmission electron and optical microscopies, and molecular modeling) are presented didactically and in-depth, as are several of the theories of the stages of aggregation of individual LMOG molecules leading to SAFINs. Several actual and potential applications of molecular gels in disparate fields (from silicate replication of nanostructures to art conservation) are described. Special emphasis is placed on perspectives for future developments. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners either already researching self-assembly and soft matter or new to the area. Those who will find the book useful include chemists, engineers, spectroscopists, physicists, biologists, theoreticians, and materials scientists. Richard G. Weiss is Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Pierre Terech is Research Director, CNRS – Atomic Energy Center – Grenoble University, Grenoble, France.

Over the past decade, research on molecular gels has expanded and progressed rapidly. This timely book presents the latest developments and understanding of the topic, covering the different classes of gels (ionogels, metallogels, hydrogels and organogels) from their molecular level interactions and formation to their properties as materials and applications. The book starts with a general introduction to molecular gels including their definition and a comparison of the different types. Chapters then examine the physical chemistry of molecular gels, including the most recent theories, experimental techniques and computational approaches. Final chapters on the applications of molecular gels illustrate, with modern case studies, the principles developed in previous chapters. Written by leading researchers, this is an indispensable resource on the different types of gels for postgraduate students and researchers across supramolecular chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, soft matter and chemical engineering.

Supramolecular Gels Discover a current and authoritative overview of the cutting-edge in supramolecular gels from a leading voice in the field A promising new class of materials shows potential and is receiving increasing attention as an intelligent material for multifunctional systems. In a work that is sure to be of great interest to a wide variety of researchers, chemists, and engineers, Supramolecular Gels: Materials and Emerging Applications delivers an application-oriented and focused book exploring the most recent applications of supramolecular gels. This interdisciplinary book presents the underlying fundamentals of supramolecular gels before discussing their assembly mechanisms and structures. It also introduces different material systems, including composite supramolecular gels, organogels, hydrogels, self-healing, and graphene-based supramolecular gels. The book discusses current and emerging applications of these materials in devices like sensors and actuators, biomedical tools, and environmental applications. The distinguished author also offers valuable insights with respect to the design and character of brand-new versatile soft materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the fundamentals of supramolecular gels, including their formation, classification, self-assembly, and mechanisms An exploration of supramolecular chirality and regulation in gel structures, as well as self-assembly and environmental applications of composite supramolecular gels Practical discussions of fluorescent organogels and hydrogels and their applications in analyte sensing An examination of self-healing and graphene-based supramolecular gels, and supramolecular gels for sensors and actuators Perfect for materials scientists, organic chemists, biochemists, catalytic chemists, and environmental chemists, Supramolecular Gels: Materials and Emerging Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of sensor developers and other professionals seeking a one-stop reference for this rapidly developing category of intelligent materials.

Molecular systems are assemblies of molecules designed to possess special qualities and desired functionality. Such systems are important because they provide materials with novel properties, and they will be particularly useful for minimizing electronic devices. In this two volume work, the first volume, subtitled 'From Molecules to Molecular Systems', covered the fundamentals of molecular design, while volume 2 deals with the potential applications of molecular systems. Information transduction and energy conversion are the basis of any practical device, and these considerations, along with the required interconnections and interfaces, are analyzed to produce the architectural design for a molecular system. The preparation of molecular systems is also considered, including that of self-organizing molecular assemblies, ultrathin films, and ultrafine particles.

This volume includes 28 contributions to the Toyoichi Tanaka Memorial Symposium on Gels which took place at Arcadia Ichigaya on September 10th-12th, 2008. The contributions from leading scientists cover a broad spectrum of topics concerning: Structure and Functional Properties of Gels - Swelling of Gels - Industrial and Biomedical Application. The symposium was held in the style of Faraday Discussions, which stimulated the active discussion. After the symposium, each manuscript was rewritten based on the discussion and the critical review. Since the research on gels is becoming more and more important both for academia and industry, this book will be an essential source of information.