In situ generation of conducting polymer in a redox-active metal–organic gel

Metal-organic gels (MOGs) are evolving as a new class of stimuli-responsive materials. A redox-active MOG comprised of a ferric ion and benzene tricarboxylic acid ligand was prepared and characterized. In situ incorporation (without the use of any extraneous oxidant) of conducting polypyrrole and polythiophene moieties into the xerogel matrix was achieved, and thereby resulted in the formation of hybrid composite materials.