Self-Healable Gels for Use in Wearable Devices

Abstract

Self-healing gels, which are able to restore their original shape/condition after damage, have recently attracted considerable interest. The present review provides an update on the current status of self-healing gels for use in soft self-healing devices, with the main focus on wearable devices. Following a brief introduction of conventional self-healing gels, this review summarizes the current strategies for synthesizing self-healing gels, comparing the properties of polymeric and small molecular selfhealing gels. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of these two types of self-healing gels are clearly highlighted. Several typical instances to outline the emerging applications of self-healing gels with partially or fully self-healing devices/materials, including wearable sensors, supercapacitors, lithium batteries, and coatings, are provided. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives regarding the further development of self-healing gels are also discussed.

Sequential Assembly of Mutually Interactive Supramolecular Hydrogels and Fabrication of Multi‐Domain Materials

“…Controlling the shape of self-assembledh ydrogels in this way is of considerable interest in fabricating LMWGs into aw ide range of different shapes, as demonstratedi ns tudies of self-healing gels. [14] The results here clearlyd emonstrate the advantages of at wo-component approachi np roviding reversibility and control.…”

Dynamic Metal–Ligand Bonds as Scaffolds for Autonomously Healing Multi‐Responsive Materials

“…The dynamic (i.e., reversible) nature of the interactions holding together the different components in supramolecular systems is a distinguishing key feature, and it allows the preparation of adaptive materials possessing, for instance, self‐healing ability. Although the mechanisms underlying healing processes may be highly dependent on the system under study, a clear picture sometimes being elusive, these materials may find valuable applications spanning from biomedicine, to wearable organic electronics, to cite just a couple. Apart from the capability to regenerate integrity and mechanical properties upon reparation of a “wounded” area, introduction of additional functionalities could enable access to “smart” chemical systems and materials that are responsive to multiple stimuli and/or possess additional added‐value functionalities.…”

A Copper Metal–Organic Hydrogel as a Catalyst for SO2 and CO2 Fixation under Ambient Conditions

“…In recent years, metal–organic gels (MOGs) have attracted a great deal of attention due to their potential application in sensing, molecular recognition, catalysis, drug delivery, and dye adsorption, Low molecular weight MOGs are formed due to various non‐covalent interactions which are responsible for the rapid self‐assembly process of the discrete metal complexes and formation of the microstructures where a significant amount of solvent molecules are entrapped inside the network. These weak non‐covalent interactions, as well as the microstructure, can be easily deformed through the external stimuli, and material can undergo the gel to sol transition or vice‐versa. The easy synthetic procedure and heterogeneous nature, of the MOGs attracted the researchers' attention in the field of catalysis.…”