Inorganic Subnanometer Nanowire-Based Organogels: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Organogels exhibit many excellent properties and multiple functions. Conventionally, polymers and low-molecular-mass organic gelators (LMOGs) are used for preparing organogels, showing potential applications. Recently, a subnanometer nanowire (SNW) gelator applicable for various organic liquids emerged, which has potential for semi-solidification, safe storage, and transportation of organic liquids and oil spill recovery. This perspective summarizes and compares these three kinds of organogels. Through this perspective, the challenges and opportunities for SNW-based organogels are made clearer. Regulating functions of gels by controlling the structure and composition of SNWs and developing other subnanometer material gelators may be further research directions.