Engineering of small-molecule gels based on the thermodynamics and kinetics of fiber formation

In this chapter, we will give an overview of our work on manipulating the micro/nano structure and macroscopic properties of SMGs. Firstly, it will cover the analysis of the thermodynamics of fiber formation in SMGs and the classification and characterization of the topological and micro/nano structures of fiber networks, followed by the analysis of the formation kinetics of these networks. The criteria of engineering of the SMGs will be summarized according to the latest understanding of the formation mechanisms of fiber networks. On the basis of this understanding, approaches that have been developed to engineer the micro/nanometer structures and macroscopic properties of typical SMGs will be presented.