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Non-ruthenium catalysts based self-oscillating gels driven by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

  • Olga V. Lagunova ORCID logo EMAIL logo , Evgeny G. Chupakhin ORCID logo and Ilya L. Mallphanov ORCID logo
Published/Copyright: April 25, 2025

Abstract

Self-oscillating gels driven by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction represent a novel class of smart materials that exhibit autonomous, reversible, and periodic changes in color and size without the need for external stimuli. Currently, most such gels are based on catalytically active ruthenium complexes, which are not only expensive but also light-sensitive, potentially limiting their practical application. Therefore, the development of self-oscillating gels based on non-ruthenium catalysts is an important task, since there is a need for inexpensive and accessible chemomechanical materials for industrial use. This review presents and summarizes the advancements made in self-oscillating gels based on Fe, Co, and Ce catalysts. Furthermore, it discusses the opportunities, challenges, and future directions in this emerging field.


Corresponding author: Olga V. Lagunova, Center for Nonlinear Chemistry Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevskogo str., Kaliningrad 236016, Russia, e-mail:
Article note: A collection of invited papers based on presentations at the International Conference on Physical Organic Chemistry held on 18–22 Aug 2024 in Beijing, China.

Funding source: the Russian Federal Academic Leadership Program â₠œPriority 2030â₠ at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

Award Identifier / Grant number: 124021400010-7

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The author states no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: This research was supported by funds provided through the Russian Federal Academic Leadership Program “Priority 2030” at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, project number 124021400010-7.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

List of acronyms

BZ

Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

BIS

N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide

CFBZ

catalyst-free Belousov-Zhabotinsky solution

TMEDA

N, N, N′, N′-tetramethylethylenediamine

IPA

N-isopropylacrylamide

AIBN

2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile

ACMO

acryloylmorpholine

bpy

2,2′-bipyridine and its derivatives

phen

1,10-phenanthroline and its derivates

AAc

Acrylic acid

VP

vinylpyrrolidone

bathophen

bathophenanthroline

AMPS

2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid

Co(acphen)(bpy)2 2+

(5-acrylamido-1,10-phenanthroline)bis(2,2′-bypiridine)cobalt(II) sulfate complex

Co(acphen)(phen)2 2+

(5-acrylamido-1,10-phenanthroline)bis(1,10-phenanthroline)cobalt(II) sulfate complex

Co(acphen)3 2+

tris(5-acrylamido-1,10-phenanthroline)cobalt(II) sulfate complex

AA

Acrylamide

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Published Online: 2025-04-25

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