The Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) Core as a Gel-Forming Material: Current Status and Untapped Potential

The diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) core is widely recognized for its applications in organic electronics and photonics due to its exceptional electronic and optical properties. Recently, DPP-based materials have shown remarkable π–π stacking interactions and tunable self-assembly, making them promising candidates for gel formation. However, the development of DPP-based gels remains in its infancy, primarily hindered by challenges such as limited gelation efficiency, poor mechanical robustness, and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Overcoming these issues is crucial for unlocking their full potential in functional soft materials. This review compiles and analyzes existing studies on DPP-containing gel systems, highlighting their structural versatility, self-assembly mechanisms, and advantages over conventional gelators. By examining these works, we identify key strategies for DPP gel formation, evaluate their physicochemical performance, and discuss innovative approaches to address current limitations. Finally, we propose future research directions to advance the field and establish DPP-based gels as a robust platform for next-generation soft materials.