Mediating gel formation from structurally controlled poly(electrolytes)   through multiple "head-to-body" electrostatic interactions
  Tuning the chain-end functionality of a short-chain cationic homopolymer, owing to the nature of the initiator used in the ATRP polymerisation step, can be used to mediate the formation of a gel of this poly(electrolyte) in water. While a neutral end group gives a solution of low viscosity, a highly homogeneous gel is obtained with a phosphonate anionic moiety, as characterized by rheometry and diffusion NMR. This novel type of supramolecular control over poly(electrolytic) gel formation could find potential use in a variety of applications in the field of electroactive materials. 
Hassan Srour, Olivier Ratel, Mathieu Leocmach, Emma A. Adams, Sandrine   Denis-Quanquin, Vinukrishnan Appukuttan, Nicolas Ta...
cond-mat.soft