A skin-mimicking multifunctional hydrogel via hierarchical, reversible noncovalent interactions

Artificial skin is essential for bionic robotics, facilitating human skin-like functions such as sensation, communication, and protection. However, replicating a skin-matched all-in-one material with excellent mechanical properties, self-healing, adhesion, and multimodal sensing remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a multifunctional hydrogel by establishing a consolidated organic/metal bismuth ion architecture (COMBIA). Benefiting from hierarchical reversible noncovalent interactions, the COMBIA hydrogel exhibits an optimal combination of mechanical and functional properties, particularly its integrated mechanical properties, including unprecedented stretchability, fracture toughness, and resilience.…