The present invention relates to a process for preparing inorganic hydrogels with alkali halides such as common salt (NaCl) and methods of making such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly or may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. A characteristic of the solution that may change includes pH, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ion. This invention further discloses the use of only inorganic components towards the formation of inorganic hydrogels.
