A tough and robust hydrogel constructed through carbon dots induced crystallization domains integrated orientation regulation

Abstract Tough hydrogels show great potential applied in flexible electronics, sensors and soft robotics, but it remains challenging to combine high strength, toughness and stability. Here, we report the use of carbon dots (CDs) to induce the formation of crystalline domains, to give materials with favourable properties. The CDs act as nanoscale nucleation-sites within polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels, forming dense crystalline domains that serve as physical crosslinking sites. These domains enable a “pinning effect” that enhances energy dissipation and restricts crack propagation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit strong mechanical performance, including tensile strength up to 156 MPa and toughness of 225 MJ m -3 ,…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 32171884, No. 32171884
• HE
  Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project

  Award: D21027
• AB
  Applied Basic Research Key Project of Yunnan

  Award: No. 202301AS070041
• MS
  Major Science and Technology Projects in Yunnan Province

  Award: 202402AE090027