Supramolecular Metallogel That Imparts Self-Healing Properties to Other Gel Networks

Abstract

A unique proton conductive and moldable supramolecular metallogel (CuA-Ox gel) made upon mixing at room temperature well-defined stock solutions of Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O and oxalic acid dihydrate was found to have self-healing properties. Remarkably, the system also displayed an unprecedented ability to impart self-healing properties to other gel networks lacking this capacity. A self-healed CuA-Ox metallogel was found to have essentially the same nanofibrillar morphology, thermal stability, rheological properties, and conductivity as the freshly prepared sample. The discovery also allowed the fabrication of self-healing conductive composites containing conductive carbonaceous materials. Overall, this work serves as a proof of concept for the transfer of self-healing properties between completely different gel networks.