Synthesis of supramolecular gels based on electron-transfer reactions between clay nanotubes and styrene.

A novel supramolecular gel is synthesized using styrene and halloysite nanotubes under ultrasound treatment, in which the nanotubes act as gelators for the styrene gel. The formation of the gel arises from electron-transfer reactions between styrene and the aluminium atoms at the crystal edges and the transition metal ions of the clay. The supramolecular gel is transparent and sensitive to temperature, which shows promising applications in sensors, templates, and gelling fuels.