Pathway Dependence in Redox‐Driven Metal–Organic Gels

Pathway dependence is common in self‐assembly. Herein, the importance of pathway dependence for redox‐driven gels is shown by constructing a Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox‐based metal–organic gel system is shown. In situ oxidation of the Fe(II) ions at different rates results in conversion of a Fe(II) gel into a Fe(III) organic gel, which controls the material properties, such as gel stiffness, gel strength, and an unusual swelling behaviour, is described. The rate of formation of Fe(III) ions determines the extent of intermolecular interactions and so whether gelation or precipitation occurs.