Metal–phenolic supramolecular gelation

Materials assembled by coordination interactions between naturally abundant polyphenols and metals are of interest for a wide range of applications, including crystallization, catalysis, and drug delivery. Such an interest has led to the development of thin films with tunable, dynamic properties, however, creating bulk materials remains a challenge. Reported here is a class of metallogels formed by direct gelation between inexpensive, naturally abundant tannic acid and group(IV) metal ions. The metallogels exhibit diverse properties, including self-healing and transparency, and can be doped with various materials by in situ co-gelation. The robustness and flexibility, combined with the ease, low cost, and scalability of the coordination-driven assembly process make these metallogels potential candidates for chemical, biomedical, and environmental applications.