Conductive metallogels for electronic device fabrication

Abstract

This review presents an overview of the recent progress in conductive metallogels and their applications in the fabrication of various electronic devices. It highlights metallogel classification, synthesis strategies, gelation methods, and the roles of metal ions and gelators in integrating ionic/electronic conductance. It also emphasizes the method of fabricating various devices using conductive metallogels for targeted applications in wearable electronics, sensors, and energy storage and conversion. The importance of the design of the gelator, selection of metal ions and their metallogel matrix in driving the electronic and ionic conductivity is also highlighted with appropriate examples. Further, the dependence of the metallogel conductivity on the rheological properties is highlighted to emphasize the importance of gel phase soft materials in the fabrication of soft electronic devices. A critical review of the current challenges and potential future advancements of conductive metallogels is also addressed to inspire researchers to investigate new avenues in the field of conductive soft materials. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026