Abstract
Low molecular weight gels can be responsive to a range of external stimuli. The use of light as an external stimulus to modify gels is of particular interest for a number of reasons. Light is a non-invasive trigger. For example, using light it is possible to spatially target a specific area of the gel leading to patterned gel surfaces. Here, we review the different approaches that have been used to form low molecular weight gels that respond to light.
Highlights
Gels are a class of soft materials that are used in many areas, from foods to electronics
A final class of gel is formed by the self-assembly of low molecular weight gelators (LMWG, Fig. 1).[6,7,8,9,10,11]
A potential advantage of gels formed from LMWG compared to chemically cross-linked polymeric hydrogelators is that the gelation is usually reversible.[11]
Summary
Low molecular weight gels can be responsive to a range of external stimuli. The use of light as an external stimulus to modify gels is of particular interest for a number of reasons. Using light it is possible to spatially target a specific area of the gel leading to patterned gel surfaces. We review the different approaches that have been used to form low molecular weight gels that respond to light
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
