Innovative Undergraduate Experiment on Exploring Hydrogen Bonding through the Synthesis and Application of Conductive Hydrogels

This study presents an innovative undergraduate experiment that integrates the preparation and sensing application of conductive hydrogels to explore hydrogen bonding. By constructing a poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol/phytic acid (PVA/PEG/PA) conductive hydrogel system, the mechanism and application of hydrogen bonding are made observable through thermoplastic behavior and human motion sensing. Using a one-step sol–gel method, PVA/PEG/PA hydrogels are prepared with component ratios adjusted to influence mechanical properties and thermoplasticity. Practice sessions, like circuit conductivity verification and human motion signal collection, transform the abstract theory of hydrogen bonding into a multisensory learning experience and address the limitations of traditional lecture-heavy methods which often struggle to demonstrate the practical impact of molecular-level interactions. This integration of synthesis, characterization, and application significantly enhances educational effectiveness and cultivates problem-solving skills through a hands-on investigation. This teaching model offers an integrated approach for polymer physicochemistry courses, cultivating engineering thinking and scientific inquiry abilities.