A Zr-cluster based thermostable, self-healing and adaptive metallogel with chromogenic properties responds to multiple stimuli with reversible radical interaction.

A Zr-cluster based metallogel is synthesized via an unusual one-pot solvothermal method. The resulting metallogel is robust, adaptive, self-healing, highly thermostable and conductive. Moreover, the metallogel exhibits reversible stimuli-responsive properties. The gel could respond to at least four kinds of stimuli such as light, aliphatic amines, electricity and metals with color and fluorescence tunability. Importantly, the metallogel with electrochromic properties could be used as soft electrochromic devices for smart windows and electro display boards, and metalchromism provides a practical way for coating corrosion monitoring of metal materials.