Achieving robust underwater adhesion is challenging due to the hydration layer hindering adhesive-substrate interaction. While mussel-inspired phenolic adhesives have been studied, their adhesion strength and substrate versatility lag behind man-made dry adhesives. This research introduces ultrastrong underwater adhesives using non-canonical phenolic polymers. These polymers exhibit versatile adhesion to various materials, exceeding 10 MPa on metal. Even small amounts (<10%) of non-canonical phenolic groups significantly enhance underwater adhesion, suggesting broad industrial applications.

Bohan Cheng, Jinhong Yu, Toma Arisawa, Koki Hayashi, Joseph J. Richardson, Yasushi Shibuta, Hirotaka Ejima