Strong Tough Conductive Hydrogels via the Synergy of Ion‐Induced Cross‐Linking and Salting‐Out

Abstract Ion is one of the most common additives that can impart electrical conductivity to insulating hydrogels. The concurrent toughening effect of ions, however, is often neglected. This work reports the extreme toughening of hydrogels via the synergistic effect of cations and anions, without the need for specific structure design or adding other reinforcements. The strategy is to equilibrate a physical double network hydrogel consisting of both multivalent cation‐ and kosmotropic anion‐sensitive polymers in specific salt solutions that can induce cross‐linking and salting‐out simultaneously. Both effects are proven positive to boost the mechanical performance and electrical conductivity of the original…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 52073183
• FR
  Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

  Award: 20822041F4022