Rapid Gelation of Tough and Anti‐Swelling Hydrogels under Mild Conditions for Underwater Communication

Abstract Swelling is ubiquitous for conventional hydrogels but is not favorable for many situations, especially underwater applications. In this study, an anti‐swelling and mechanically robust polyacrylic acid (PAAc)/gelatin composite hydrogel is reported with a rapid gelation process (10 1 s) under mild conditions via the synergy of MXene‐activated initiation and zirconium ion (Zr 4+ )‐induced cross‐linking, without the requirement of external energy input. The MXene is found efficient to activate the chain initiation, while the Zr 4+ is prone indispensable for facilitating the cross‐linking of formed polymer chains. The resulting hydrogel exhibits integration of exceptional anti‐swelling properties and high…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

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

  Award: 20822041F4022