Forming Low-Molecular-Weight Hydrogels by Electrochemical Methods

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2208:179-188. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0928-6_12.

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight hydrogels (LMWG) can be formed by electrochemical methods. Unique to the electrochemical method, gelation is localized on the electrode surface; therefore, thin hydrogel films can be prepared in seconds while thicker gels can be prepared in minutes. Furthermore, hydrogels are suitable for use in a range of characterization methods. Here, we describe techniques to form hydrogels using cyclic voltammetry and potentiometry.

Keywords: Cyclic voltammetry; Electrochemical gelation; Electrochemistry; Hydrogel; LMWG; Low-molecular-weight gelator; Potentiometry; pH-triggered gelation.

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Electrodes
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Molecular Weight

Substances

  • Hydrogels