Double network hydrogels for energy/environmental applications: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Since the advent of double network (DN) hydrogels nearly 20 years ago, they have flourished as smart soft materials. Their unique two contrasting interpenetrating network structures and adjustable network crosslinking...

A novel triple-network hydrogel based on borate ester groups: from structural modulation to rapid wound hemostasis

“…As polymeric materials with a three-dimensional network structure, the cross-linking of hydrogels can be described via two main categories: covalent and non-covalent cross-linking. The hydrogel material obtained through covalent crosslinking has a stable network structure and high mechanical properties; [1][2][3] therefore, it is difficult to change the structure once it is formed, 4 and the ''adaptivity'' of its shape is somewhat limited. However, non-covalent cross-linked hydrogel materials contain a large number of dynamic chemical bonds, [5][6][7][8][9] to effectively achieve a perfect fit between the hydrogel and the wound, 10 and their self-adaptive ability is significantly improved.…”

Synergy of Hofmeister effect and ligand crosslinking enabled the facile fabrication of super-strong, pre-stretching-enhanced gelatin-based hydrogels

“…In conventional double-network hydrogels, the ''hard and brittle'' first network acts as a sacrificial bond that breaks upon loading to dissipate energy, while the ''soft and tough'' second network maintains the macroscopic stability of the hydrogel. 36 However, in our synthesized DN/Fe-AS gels, there is no clear division of labor between the two networks. The ligand bonds and hydrogen bonds of the two networks dissipate energy, and the soft gelatin/P(AAm-co-AAc) chains assume the function of the second network together after the physical cross-linking breaks.…”

Construction and Ion Transport-Related Applications of the Hydrogel-Based Membrane with 3D Nanochannels

“…One is to mix the prepolymer component monomer, initiator, and crosslinking agent for in situ polymerization and crosslinking. The other method polymerizes different polymer components first, followed by crosslinking [ 51 , 52 ]. The molecular chains of different polymers in IPNS are “independent” and “close”.…”