Dynamic Na <sup>+</sup> Bridges: A 3D Printing Strategy for Hydrogels With High Strength, Low Hysteresis, Strong Adhesion, and Self‐Healing

Abstract The synergistic optimization of high strength, strong adhesion, high conductivity, and rapid self‐healing in hydrogels faces fundamental challenges arising from conflicting mechanisms. Herein, a 3D‐printed, ionically conductive interpenetrating double‐network hydrogel based on poly (acrylic acid) (PAAc) is developed via the innovative introduction of dynamic Na⁺ bridges. This molecular design enables a unique dual mechanism: the Na⁺ ions not only form reversible ionic bonds that accelerate chain diffusion through bond rupture‐recombination but also create an electrostatic shielding effect in the covalent network, which promotes chain extension to improve mechanical strength without sacrificing dynamic properties. Furthermore, Na⁺ ions regulate bound/free water states and reduces energy dissipation during topological rearrangement. These synergistic mechanisms collectively enable the hydrogel to overcome conventional performance trade‐offs. The resulting material concurrently enhances mechanical properties (300 kPa tensile, 1.2 MPa compressive strength), adhesion (160 kPa), and self‐healing (&gt;90% recovery in 1 h). Biomimetic devices such as an underwater octopus‐tentacle gripper, biomimetic crawling suckers, and pressure sensors are fabricated. By integrating hydrogels with 1D convolutional neural network algorithms, a real‐time motion behavior recognition system is further developed. The multi‐property cooperative design strategy offers a new pathway for the application of intelligent hydrogel materials in soft robotics and flexible electronics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-11-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202524993
Primary Topic
Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Dynamic Na + Bridges: A 3D Printing Strategy for Hydrogels With High Strength, Low Hysteresis, Strong Adhesion, and Self‐Healing

Shougen Yin, Yixin Xu, Ying Bi, Changshun Gu et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
article

Dynamic Na + Bridges: A 3D Printing Strategy for Hydrogels With High Strength, Low Hysteresis, Strong Adhesion, and Self‐Healing

Shougen Yin, Yixin Xu, Ying Bi, Changshun Gu, Xiangchuan Zhao, Mengyao Chen, Wenjing Qin, Yanli Wang, Shu Hu, Xingyue Zhang, Shengrong Li, Hanlin Zhai, Xiaoye Ma, Z. H. Ming
article en

Abstract

Abstract The synergistic optimization of high strength, strong adhesion, high conductivity, and rapid self‐healing in hydrogels faces fundamental challenges arising from conflicting mechanisms. Herein, a 3D‐printed, ionically conductive interpenetrating double‐network hydrogel based on poly (acrylic acid) (PAAc) is developed via the innovative introduction of dynamic Na⁺ bridges. This molecular design enables a unique dual mechanism: the Na⁺ ions not only form reversible ionic bonds that accelerate chain diffusion through bond rupture‐recombination but also create an electrostatic shielding effect in the covalent network, which promotes chain extension to improve mechanical strength without sacrificing dynamic properties. Furthermore, Na⁺ ions regulate bound/free water states and reduces energy dissipation during topological rearrangement. These synergistic mechanisms collectively enable the hydrogel to overcome conventional performance trade‐offs. The resulting material concurrently enhances mechanical properties (300 kPa tensile, 1.2 MPa compressive strength), adhesion (160 kPa), and self‐healing (&gt;90% recovery in 1 h). Biomimetic devices such as an underwater octopus‐tentacle gripper, biomimetic crawling suckers, and pressure sensors are fabricated. By integrating hydrogels with 1D convolutional neural network algorithms, a real‐time motion behavior recognition system is further developed. The multi‐property cooperative design strategy offers a new pathway for the application of intelligent hydrogel materials in soft robotics and flexible electronics.

Advanced Functional Materials
Tianjin University of Technology (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
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