  We consider patchy gold nanoparticles decorated by liquid crystalline
ligands. The cases of two, three, four and six symmetrically arranged patches
of ligands are discussed, as well as the cases of their equatorial and uniform
arrangement. A solution of decorated nanoparticles is considered within a flat
pore with the solid walls and the interior filled by a polar solvent. The
ligands form physical crosslinks between the nanoparticles due to strong liquid
crystalline interaction, turning the solution into a gel-like structure.
Gelation is done repeatedly starting each time from freshly equilibrated
dispersed state of nanoparticles. The gelation dynamics and the range of
network characteristics of gel are examined, depending on the type of patchy
decoration and the solution density. The emphasis is given to the suitability
of a gel for catalytic applications
